The Telangana boasts two tiger reserves, namely Kawal and Amrabad, that have long been hailed as critical habitats for the conservation of the majestic big cats. However, recent reports indicate a concerning decline in the number of tigers in these protected areas.
Kawal Tiger Reserve
Kawal Tiger Reserve is nestled in the North Eastern part of Telangana, specifically in the Old Adilabad district. The reserve is flanked by the Godavari River on one side and shares its border with Maharashtra on the other. It forms a significant part of the Deccan peninsula-central highlands. Additionally, Kawal serves as a catchment for the rivers Godavari and Kadam, both flowing southward within the sanctuary.
Habitat and Flora
The reserve’s habitat is incredibly diverse, encompassing dense forests, grasslands, open areas, rivers, streams, and water bodies. Its dominant vegetation is Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest, characterized by extensive Teak and Bamboo stands. Apart from these, the reserve houses a rich variety of flora, with over 673 recorded plant species, including Anogeissus latifolia, Mitragyna parviflora, Terminalia crenulata, Terminalia arjuna, Boswellia serrata, and many more.
Fauna: The Residents of Kawal
Kawal Tiger Reserve boasts a remarkable array of wildlife, typical of the Deccan Plateau. Some of the major wild animals that call Kawal their home include nilgai, chousinga, chinkara, black buck, sambar, spotted deer, wild dog, wolf, jackal, fox, tiger, leopard, and jungle cat. Among them, the tiger has historically held a position of eminence, symbolizing the apex predator and a crucial indicator of a healthy ecosystem.
Amrabad Tiger Reserve: Amidst the Beauty of Nagarkurnool and Nalgonda
Amrabad Tiger Reserve is situated in the southern part of Telangana, primarily covering the districts of Nagarkurnool and Nalgonda. Initially notified as a sanctuary in 1983, it was later declared as Amarabad Tiger Reserve in 2015 after the state’s bifurcation. The reserve encompasses a portion of the Nallamala Forest and features a hilly terrain characterized by deep valleys and gorges, forming the catchment for the Krishna River.
Flora: A Verdant Wonderland
Amrabad is adorned with dense grass covering approximately 30% of its area, with scattered patches occupying another 20%. Dominant tree species such as Terminalia tomentosa, Hardwickia binata, Madhuca latifolia, Diospyros melanoxylon, and Gardenia latifolia contribute to the rich flora of the reserve.
Fauna: The Kings of Amrabad
As with Kawal, Amrabad Tiger Reserve is home to an array of captivating wildlife. Among the major attractions are the tiger, leopard, wild dog, Indian wolf, Indian fox, rusty-spotted cat, small Indian civet, sloth bear, and wild boar. Additionally, the reserve boasts an impressive diversity of bird species, with over 303 identified in the region, including eagles, pigeons, doves, cuckoos, woodpeckers, and drongos.
Conservation Challenges and the Decline of Telangana’s Tigers
Despite being designated as tiger reserves, both Kawal and Amrabad face formidable challenges in protecting their precious feline residents and other wildlife.
- Habitat Fragmentation: Rapid urbanization and infrastructural development have led to habitat fragmentation, isolating populations and hindering natural movement corridors for tigers.
- Human-Wildlife Conflict: As tiger habitats increasingly overlap with human settlements, conflicts arise, leading to retaliatory killings and habitat destruction.
- Poaching and Illegal Wildlife Trade: Poaching remains a significant threat to tigers and other wildlife, driven by the demand for their body parts in illegal wildlife trade.
- Lack of Resources: Insufficient funding, manpower, and equipment hinder effective conservation efforts and anti-poaching measures.
- Climate Change: Climate change impacts disrupt ecosystems and alter animal behaviors, influencing predator-prey dynamics.
