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PCS ParikshanMaharashtra Switch to Hindi
Sagreshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
Why in News?
The Sagreshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in Sangli district of Maharashtra hosts 536 sambars and 295 cheetals (spotted deer), making it one of the most densely populated deer sanctuaries, especially among man-made wildlife reserves.
Key Points
- Study on Deer Population Density:
- Researchers conducted a study to estimate sambar and cheetal density using the line transect method and 27 trap cameras.
- This method was used for the first time to map the sanctuary area and assess population density.
- The study found sambar density at 49.5 per square km and cheetal density at 54.15 per square km.
- Wildlife Diversity in the Sanctuary:
- Deer are the dominant species, but the sanctuary also hosts wild boars, monkeys, rabbits, foxes, and peacocks.
- Established in 1985, the sanctuary spans 11 square kilometers.
- 50 species were introduced, but some, like the blackbuck, became extinct over time.
- Translocation Efforts for Ecosystem Balance:
- The deer population remains balanced with the available biomass.
- Authorities are translocating deer to the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR) as prey for tigers.
- Tigers will be introduced to STR once a sufficient prey base is established.
Sahyadri Tiger Reserve
- About:
- Located in the Sahyadri Ranges of the Western Ghats, Maharashtra.
- Notified in 2010 by merging Chandoli National Park and Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary.
- It encompasses areas around Koyna Dam, Warna River, and multiple small rivers and streams originating from the Western Ghats and flowing eastward.
- Geographical Features:
- The landscape is undulating with steep escarpments along the western boundary.
- Contains barren rocky and lateritic plateaus (locally called Sadas) with sparse perennial vegetation, overhanging cliffs, and fallen boulders covered with dense thorny bushes.
- The reserve is one of the few areas with climax and near-climax vegetation, facing minimal human disturbance.
- Vegetation and Biodiversity:
- Forest types: Moist evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous, and dry deciduous forests.
- Flora: Rich in medicinal and fruit-bearing trees, alongside commercial hardwood species.
- Fauna: Home to tigers, leopards, lesser cats, wolves, jackals, and wild dogs.
- Other Tiger Reserves in Maharashtra:
