Melghat Tiger Reserve, located in northern part of Amravati District, Maharashtra is an important protected area constituting major wildlife habitat in central India’s Satpuda – Maikal landscape. MTR includes key forested areas in Melghat hills ranges spanning across 2,769 sq kms.
Location and Topography
- Located on northern part of Maharashtra near Madhya Pradesh border
- Heart of forest formed by Melghat hills that is spurs of Satpura range at elevation of 300-1000 m
- Terrain consists of high ridges, narrow valleys, steep rocky escarpments
- Site includes catchment area of major rivers like Tapti, Gawilgad & some tributaries of the Narmada
Biodiversity Significance
MTR represents rich biodiversity as critical tiger habitat:
- Home to 35 mammal species like leopards, sloth bears, jackals, wild dogs etc.
- 250+ species of resident and migratory birds spotted. Some endangered avifauna like vultures breed here
- 45 species of reptiles inhabit the reserve along with wide variety of fishes, insects
- Flora constitutes sal, teak, bamboo, khair trees; medicinal herbs like amla, harra
Conservation Efforts
Major initiatives to preserve and improve ecosystem:
- Declared a reserve in 1982; core tiger habitat area expanded in 1986
- Gaur and tiger breeding programs to increase populations
- Water management through check dams and restoration of natural springs
- Frontline staff equipped with GIS tracking, fire watch towers etc.
- Training and income generation activities for locals to curb wood smuggling
Latest Developments
- Satellite collaring of male and female tigers initiated in 2022 for tracking and protection
- Supreme Court 2022 order banned mining activities near reserve damaging wildlife corridor
- Villages from core zones being voluntary relocated; logistics support provided
- Eco-tourism promotion through new conservation education centers at entry points
Some Key Statistics
| Parameter | Details |
| Area | 2,769 sq kms |
| Tiger Population (2019 census) | 78 |
| Tiger Density per 1000 km | 13.6 |
| Major Carnivores | Leopards, Sloth Bear, Wild Dog, Jackal |
| Avifauna Species | 250+ |
| Vegetation Types | Southern Tropical Moist Deciduous |
| Major Trees | Sal, Teak, Bamboo |
Recent Incidents
- In September 2022, a tigress aged around 6 years died due to infighting with another tigress prompting concerns over territorial disputes.
- The same month, a decomposed carcass of 3-year-old tigress was found with officials suspecting electrocution from fence as cause of death.
- In November 2022, locals reported a suspected poaching attempt of a male tiger found with leg wire trap injuries. It was rescued and under treatment.
- Forest officials have registered cases and probed 5 tiger deaths between June 2022 to January 2023 pointing to possible foul play in some cases.
Conservation Action Plan
- An urgent mock drill exercise was conducted in January 2023 for testing and honing wildlife rescue capabilities.
- Special tiger protection force being set up; two new anti poaching camps sanctioned by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF).
- Surveillance enhanced through deployment of more camera traps, drones and motorized patrol vehicles to cover larger reserve area.
- Discussions being held with MSEDCL by forest department to install underground power cables to prevent electrocution incidents.
Melghat Tiger Reserve represents a crucial gene pool sustaining viable breeding tiger population within protected zone.
- Located in globally recognized biodiversity hotspot, its land restoration initiatives by utilizing technology tools offers replicable model.
- With tourist inflow expected to grow once habitat threats are neutralized, MTR is strategically poised to serve as benchmark wildlife sanctuary balancing conservation needs with livelihood progress.
