Tadoba Tiger Reserve Map, Location, Flora, Fauna & Significance

Tadoba Tiger Reserve is located in the Chandrapur district of the state of Maharashtra. Know all about Tadoba Tiger Reserve Map, Location, Flora, Fauna & its Significance for the UPSC exam.

Table of Contents

Tadoba Tiger Reserve

Tadoba Tiger Reserve is a wildlife sanctuary located in the Chandrapur district of the state of Maharashtra, India. It is situated in the central part of India and is approximately 150 km from Nagpur city.

The reserve is named after Tadoba Lake, which is located inside the park. The Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve was established in 1995 and was declared a national park in 1955. It is spread across an area of 1,727 square kilometers and is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, bison, and many species of birds and reptiles.

Tadoba Tiger Reserves in India is one of the largest and oldest national parks in Maharashtra, and it has a long and interesting history. The park was once the hunting ground of the Gond and the Moghul rulers. In the 19th century, the British rulers declared the region a reserve forest, and it was only in 1935 that it was officially recognized as a wildlife sanctuary.

Tadoba Tiger Reserve is famous for its tiger population, and it is estimated that there are around 80 tigers in the reserve. The park has been successful in implementing various conservation measures to protect the tigers and their habitat.

Read about: Satkosia Tiger Reserve

Tadoba Tiger Reserve Location

Tadoba Andheri Tiger Reserve is situated in a rugged terrain with undulating hills, valleys, and meadows. The reserve is surrounded by the hills of the Satpura range, and the Tadoba Tiger Reserve is located at an altitude of 200 to 350 meters above sea level.

The reserve is crisscrossed by several rivers and streams that are fed by the monsoon rains. The Andhari River, which flows through the reserve, is an important water source for wildlife. The Tadoba Lake, which is located inside the reserve, is a major attraction for migratory birds and is also an important source of water for the animals.

The landscape of the reserve is dotted with several waterfalls, including the Koka and Durga waterfalls, which are popular tourist spots. These waterfalls add to the natural beauty of the reserve and provide a refreshing break for visitors.

Read about: Melghat Tiger Reserve

Tadoba Tiger Reserve Fauna

Tadoba Tiger Reserve is home to a diverse range of animal species, including large carnivores, ungulates, primates, reptiles, and birds. The reserve’s rich fauna is a testament to its healthy ecosystem and wildlife conservation efforts.

Fauna Category	Important Species	Interesting Facts
Big Cats	Bengal Tiger	Tadoba is home to over 80 Bengal Tigers, making it one of the best places in India to spot these majestic animals in the wild.
Big Cats	Indian Leopard	The Indian Leopard is the most widely distributed big cat species in the world, and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and deserts.
Wild Dogs	Indian Wild Dog	Also known as the Dhole, the Indian Wild Dog is a highly social animal that hunts in packs. They are known for their distinctive whistling calls and are among the most endangered carnivores in the world.
Bears	Sloth Bear	Sloth Bears are primarily found in forested areas and are known for their distinctive long, shaggy fur and long, curved claws. They are omnivorous and feed on a variety of foods, including termites, honey, fruits, and insects.
Deer	Sambar Deer	The Sambar Deer is the largest deer species found in India, and can weigh up to 600 kg. They are primarily herbivorous and feed on a variety of plants and fruits.
Deer	Spotted Deer	Also known as Chital, Spotted Deer is one of the most common deer species in India, and can be easily spotted in the grasslands of Tadoba. They are primarily herbivorous and feed on a variety of plants and fruits.
Antelopes	Nilgai	Nilgai is the largest antelope species found in India, and is known for its distinctive blue-gray coat and white throat. They are primarily herbivorous and feed on a variety of plants and fruits.
Primates	Rhesus Macaque	The Rhesus Macaque is a common primate species found in India, and is known for its distinctive red face and long, curved tail. They are omnivorous and feed on a variety of foods, including fruits, insects, and small animals.
Reptiles	Indian Python	The Indian Python is a non-venomous snake species found in India, and is one of the largest snake species in the world. They can grow up to 10 meters in length and are known for their ability to swallow prey whole.
Birds	Indian Peafowl	The Indian Peafowl is a beautiful bird species found in India, and is known for its striking blue-green plumage and distinctive train of feathers. They are primarily herbivorous and feed on a variety of plants and insects.
Birds	Crested Serpent Eagle	The Crested Serpent Eagle is a bird of prey species found in India, and is known for its distinctive crest of feathers on its head. They are primarily carnivorous and feed on a variety of small animals, including snakes, lizards, and rodents.

Read about: Ranthambore Tiger Reserve

Tadoba Tiger Reserve Flora

Tadoba Tiger Reserve boasts a rich variety of flora, with several species of trees, shrubs, and grasses found here. The flora of Tadoba provides important ecosystem services and supports the diverse wildlife found in the reserve.

Flora Category	Important Species	Interesting Facts
Trees	Teak	The Teak tree is one of the most important timber trees in India and is highly valued for its strong and durable wood. It is a dominant species in Tadoba Tiger Reserve and can grow up to 40 meters in height.
Trees	Ain	The Ain tree is a deciduous tree species found in India and is known for its medicinal properties. Its bark, leaves, and seeds are used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of ailments.
Trees	Jamun	The Jamun tree is a fruit-bearing tree species found in India, and is known for its sweet and sour fruits. The tree is also used for its wood, which is used to make furniture, and its bark, which is used in traditional medicine.
Trees	Bamboo	Bamboo is a fast-growing plant species found in India, and is known for its versatile uses. It is used for making furniture, utensils, baskets, and even paper. Bamboo is also an important food source for several animal species found in Tadoba Tiger Reserve.
Shrubs	Lantana	Lantana is a shrub species found in India, and is known for its attractive flowers. However, it is also an invasive species and can be harmful to the native flora and fauna.
Shrubs	Oleander	Oleander is a shrub species found in India, and is known for its attractive pink and white flowers. However, it is also toxic and can be harmful to humans and animals if ingested.
Grasses	Kans Grass	Kans Grass is a tall, fast-growing grass species found in India, and is used for making thatched roofs, mats, and baskets. It is also an important food source for several animal species found in Tadoba Tiger Reserve.
Grasses	Spear Grass	Spear Grass is a common grass species found in India, and is known for its sharp, pointed leaves. It is also an important food source for several animal species found in Tadoba Tiger Reserve.
Medicinal Plants	Aloe Vera	Aloe Vera is a succulent plant species found in India, and is known for its medicinal properties. Its gel is used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including burns and wounds.
Medicinal Plants	Indian Sarsaparilla	Indian Sarsaparilla is a woody vine species found in India, and is used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including skin diseases, rheumatism, and fever.

Read about: Ranipur Tiger Reserve

Tadoba Tiger Reserve Tourism

Tadoba Tiger Reserve is a popular wildlife tourism destination in India, attracting visitors from all over the world. The best time to visit Tadoba Tiger Reserve is from February to May when the weather is pleasant and the chances of tiger sightings are high.

Tadoba Tiger Reserve is located in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra, and the nearest airport is Nagpur, which is around 140 km away. The reserve can also be reached by train or road. Tourists visiting Tadoba Tiger Reserve can enjoy a range of experiences, including jeep safaris, birdwatching, and nature walks. The reserve offers various safari options such as morning, evening, and full-day safaris to explore the rich wildlife and nature in the reserve.

There are several nearby tourist places that visitors can explore during their visit to Tadoba Tiger Reserve. Nagpur is a popular destination, with its historical forts and temples, and Pench National Park is located around 100 km from Tadoba and is known for its rich wildlife and beautiful landscapes. Other nearby places include Tadoba Lake, Shiv Mandir, and Erai Dam.

Read about: Periyar Tiger Reserve

Tadoba Tiger Reserve UPSC

Tadoba Tiger Reserve is an important topic for UPSC aspirants as it is a part of the UPSC Syllabus for the Geography Optional Paper and Environmental Ecology and Biodiversity Paper in the Prelims and Mains Exams.

In addition, it is also relevant for aspirants preparing for the General Studies Paper, as it provides insights into India’s wildlife conservation efforts, and the challenges faced in protecting endangered species such as tigers.

Aspirants can find detailed information on Tadoba Tiger Reserve, including its flora and fauna, tourism potential, and conservation efforts, through online resources such as StudyIQ UPSC Online Coaching and UPSC Mock Tests.

Read about: Sariska Tiger Reserve

Tadoba Tiger Reserve FAQs