Sahyadri Tiger Reserve lies within Biogeographic Province 5B of the Western Ghats and extends along the crest of the Sahyadri mountain range. The terrain is predominantly rugged and undulating, with steep escarpments forming its western boundary. A distinctive landscape feature of the reserve is the presence of extensive barren rocky and lateritic plateaus, locally known as Sadas. These plateaus support sparse perennial vegetation and are characterized by exposed rock surfaces, overhanging cliffs, scattered boulders, and patches of dense thorny scrub. Together, these unique landforms contribute significantly to the reserve’s ecological diversity and provide specialized habitats for many endemic and threatened species.