Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve

• 20 Nov 2024

Source: PIB

Why in News?

India has recently notified the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla (GGTP) Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh as the country's 56^th tiger reserve. This marks a significant step in the nation's tiger conservation efforts.

Note: Chhattisgarh previously had three tiger reserves: Indravati located in the Bijapur district, Udanti-Sitanadi in Gariaband, and Achanakmar in Mungeli.

What are the Key Facts About Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve?

• Location and Size: The GGTP Tiger Reserve is nestled in the Chota Nagpur plateau and partly in the Baghelkhand plateau.
  • The GGTP Tiger Reserve has a core habitat of 2,049.2 sq. km (comprising Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary) and a buffer zone of 780.15 sq. km.
  • It is the third-largest tiger reserve in India followed by Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam (Andhra Pradesh) and Manas (Assam).
• Biodiversity: A total of 753 species, including 365 invertebrates and 388 vertebrates, have been documented by the Zoological Survey of India, showcasing the reserve's rich biodiversity.
• Landscape Approach: GGTP Tiger Reserve adopts the landscape approach, emphasising interconnected habitats for biodiversity conservation. It ensures ecological connectivity with neighbouring tiger reserves like Sanjay Dubri (Madhya Pradesh), Bandhavgarh (Madhya Pradesh), and Palamau (Jharkhand).
  • This aligns with India’s National Wildlife Plan (2017-2031), promoting habitat preservation and sustainable conservation.

Notification of Tiger Reserves

• Tiger Reserves in India are notified by State Governments under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which was later amended by the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022. This process is carried out on the advice of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims

Q1. Consider the following protected areas: (2012)

1. Bandipur
2. Bhitarkanika
3. Manas
4. Sunderbans

Which of the above are declared Tiger Reserves?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans: (b)

Q2. From the ecological point of view, which one of the following assumes importance in being a good link between the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats? (2017)

(a) Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
(b) Nallamala Forest
(c) Nagarhole National Park
(d) Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve

Ans: (a)