Melghat Tiger Reserve Map, Flora, Fauna, Significance

Melghat Tiger Reserve is located in the Satpura hill range in the Amravati district of Maharashtra. Know all about Melghat Tiger Reserve Map, Flora, Fauna & its Significance for the UPSC exam.

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Melghat Tiger Reserve

Melghat Tiger Reserve is located in the Satpura hill range in the Amravati district of Maharashtra, India. It was declared a tiger reserve in 1974, and it covers an area of 1,676 square kilometers. The reserve is home to around 70 tigers as per the 2018 tiger census. Melghat is also known for its rich biodiversity and is home to many endangered species like the Indian gaur, wild dog, sloth bear, leopard, and many bird species. The reserve is also known for its scenic beauty and is a popular ecotourism destination.

Read about: Periyar Tiger Reserve

Melghat Tiger Reserve Landscape

Melghat Tiger Reserve is located in the Satpura mountain range. The Tapti River flows along the northern boundary of the reserve, while the southern boundary is marked by the Gawilgarh hills. The reserve also has several streams, including the Khandu, Dolar and Gadga. The terrain is hilly, with altitudes ranging from 500 to 1,161 meters above sea level. There are several ridges and valleys in the reserve, and the landscape is characterized by rocky outcrops, steep slopes, and plateaus. The reserve is also home to several waterfalls, including the famous Semadoh waterfall.

Read about: Sariska Tiger Reserve

Melghat Tiger Reserve Map

Here is a map of the Melghat Tiger Reserve given below for a better understanding:

Melghat Tiger Reserve Fauna

Melghat Tiger Reserve is home to a diverse range of fauna, including several endangered species. The reserve is known for its healthy population of big cats and provides a habitat for several species of deer and primates.

Fauna Category	Important Species	Interesting Facts
Mammals	Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard, Sloth Bear, Wild Dog, Sambar Deer, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Indian Giant Squirrel	Melghat Tiger Reserve has one of the highest densities of tigers in India. The reserve is also home to a significant population of the Indian Giant Squirrel, which is an endangered species.
Birds	Malabar Grey Hornbill, Indian Pitta, Paradise Flycatcher, Crested Serpent Eagle, Crested Hawk Eagle	Over 250 species of birds have been recorded in the reserve, making it a bird-watcher’s paradise. The Malabar Grey Hornbill is a prominent resident bird species of the reserve.
Reptiles	Indian Rock Python, Indian Cobra, Russell’s Viper, Common Krait	The reserve has a diverse range of reptilian fauna, and is also home to several species of amphibians and insects.
Aquatic	Indian Skimmer, Gharial, Mugger Crocodile, Indian Softshell Turtle	The reserve is home to several aquatic species, including the Gharial and Mugger Crocodile. The Tapti river that runs through the reserve provides an ideal habitat for these species.

Read about: Valmiki Tiger Reserve

Melghat Tiger Reserve Flora

Melghat Tiger Reserve has a diverse range of flora, including several rare and endangered species. The forests in the reserve are dominated by dry deciduous trees and bamboo.

Flora Category	Important Species	Interesting Facts
Trees	Teak, Ain, Tendu, Dhawda, Salai, Bamboo	The reserve has one of the largest Teak plantations in the world.
Shrubs	Lantana, Crotons, Grewia, Helicteres, Zizyphus	These shrubs provide important habitat and food for various wildlife species in the reserve.
Grasses	Spear Grass, Bamboo, Wild Oat Grass, Cymbopogon, Dhaman	The grasslands of the reserve support a diverse range of herbivores and other wildlife species.
Climbers	Betel Vine, Mucuna, Bauhinia, Piper	These climbers provide important food and shelter for various wildlife species in the reserve.
Medicinal Plants	Karvi, Pimpali, Bija, Hirda, Amla, Aritha	The reserve is home to several rare and endangered medicinal plant species.

Read about: Parambikulam Tiger Reserve

Melghat Tiger Reserve Tourism

Melghat Tiger Reserve is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. The best time to visit the reserve is from October to June. The nearest airport and railway station are located in Nagpur, which is around 260 km away from the reserve. Visitors can also reach the reserve by taking a bus or hiring a private vehicle.

Tourists can experience the breathtaking beauty of the reserve, which is surrounded by lush green forests, rivers, and hills. The reserve offers a unique experience of camping in the jungle, bird watching, trekking, and wildlife safari. The reserve is home to several rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, providing visitors with an opportunity to witness them in their natural habitat. The reserve also has a tribal museum, which provides insights into the culture and lifestyle of the tribal communities residing in the area.

Read about: Buxa Tiger Reserve

Melghat Tiger Reserve UPSC

Melghat Tiger Reserve is an important topic for UPSC aspirants as it falls under the UPSC Syllabus for Environmental Ecology and Biodiversity (Economy and Geography Optional). Aspirants can learn about the flora and fauna of the region, the challenges faced by conservation efforts and the government policies for sustainable development. Furthermore, this topic is covered in StudyIQ UPSC Online Coaching, where one can also be a part of UPSC Mock Test.

Read about: Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

Melghat Tiger Reserve FAQs