Amrabad Tiger Reserve

Context

The Telangana government has initiated rehabilitation and relocation of tribal families from the Amrabad Tiger Reserve to balance tribal development with wildlife conservation.

Q1. What are the key geographical features of the Amrabad Tiger Reserve?

1. The Amrabad Tiger Reserve is located in the Nallamala Hills of the Eastern Ghats in Telangana.
2. It was earlier part of Nagarjunasagar–Srisailam Tiger Reserve before state bifurcation in 2014.
3. The region is known for its rugged terrain, deep valleys, and dense forest cover.
4. The Krishna River and its tributaries flow through the reserve, supporting major reservoirs like Srisailam and Nagarjunasagar.

Q2. What is the ecological significance of the Amrabad Tiger Reserve?

1. It is one of the largest tiger habitats in southern India, contributing to tiger conservation.
2. The reserve supports rich biodiversity, including predators, herbivores, and diverse bird species.
3. It plays an important role in maintaining ecological balance in the Eastern Ghats.
4. The forests act as a carbon sink and climate regulator, supporting environmental sustainability.
5. It provides water security by sustaining river systems and reservoirs.

Q3. What are the major flora and fauna found in the Amrabad Tiger Reserve?

1. Flora
   1. The reserve mainly consists of dry deciduous forests.
   2. Dominant vegetation includes teak, bamboo, acacia, sal and other native species.
   3. It is rich in medicinal plants, traditionally used by tribal communities.
2. Fauna
   1. Key predators include leopards and wild cats.
   2. Herbivores include sambar, chital, nilgai, wild boar, and gaur (Indian bison).
   3. The reserve hosts over 300 bird species, including eagles, cuckoos, woodpeckers, and drongos.

Q4. Who are the tribal communities living in the Amrabad Tiger Reserve and what is their significance?

1. The Chenchu tribe is the primary tribal community residing in the reserve.
2. They are a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) with a deep connection to forests.
3. Their livelihood depends on forest resources, hunting, and gathering.
4. They possess traditional ecological knowledge, especially about medicinal plants and wildlife.
5. Their presence highlights the need to balance conservation with tribal rights and welfare.

Conclusion

The Amrabad Tiger Reserve highlights the need to balance biodiversity conservation with tribal rights, ensuring that development and sustainability go hand in hand.