Key Features & Significance

Sahyadri Tiger Reserve is one of India’s most ecologically significant protected landscapes, distinguished by its exceptional biodiversity, strategic location in the northern Western Ghats, and rich natural and cultural heritage. The reserve plays a vital role in tiger conservation, biodiversity protection, watershed security, and scientific wildlife management. The following features highlight its unique ecological, conservation, and historical significance.

  1. First & only notified tiger reserve in the northern Western Ghats serving as a crucial stronghold for tiger conservation in the region.

  2. The reserve lies within the Western Ghats UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site(2012), recognized globally for its outstanding biodiversity and ecological significance.
  3. Part of One of the World’s Eight Hottest Biodiversity Hotspots (Western Ghats),supports an exceptional diversity of endemic and threatened species.
  4. Home to Rich, Endemic & threatened wildlife including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies and plant species.
  5. The northernmost tiger habitat in the Western Ghats, representing an important landscape for naturally occurring tigers within the Western Ghats.
  6. Sahyadri is implementing India’s first scientifically managed tiger translocation programme in the Western Ghats, aimed at restoring a self-sustaining breeding population of tigers.
  7. The reserve supports the northernmost known breeding populations of the endangered Dhole (Cuon alpinus) & Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus) in the Western Ghats.

  8. Sahyadri has been identified as an Important Bird Area (IBA) due to its rich avifaunal diversity, including several endemic and globally threatened bird species.

  9. The reserve is recognized as a Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) for supporting globally significant populations of threatened and endemic species.

  10. STR has been identified as Medicinal Plant Conservation Area by the Foundation for Revitalisation of Local Health Traditions (FRLHT).

  11. Sahyadri Tiger Reserve forms an important watershed for the Koyna (Shivsagar) and Chandoli (Vasantsagar) reservoirs, playing a crucial role in water security and hydroelectric power generation in western Maharashtra.

  12. STR preserves the rich legacy of the Maratha Empire through historic forts like – Mahimandangad, Vasota, Pali, Jungati, Jungli Jaigad, Bhairavgad, Prachitgad etc. closely associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj reflecting region’s rich cultural and military heritage of Maratha Empire.

  13. The Seven Eco-tourism Zones including Kandat, Bamnoli-Munavale, Karvat-Kusawade, Koyna-Helwak, Paneri-Bhosgaon, Chandoli & Amba, that promote nature education, wildlife appreciation, and sustainable tourism.
  14. Sahyadri Tiger Reserve comprises Chandoli National Park and Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary and is managed through 2 Wildlife Divisions, 8 Ranges, 24 Rounds, and 75 Beats for effective protection and management.
  15. The reserve implements NTCA’s Phase I, Phase III, and Phase IV monitoring protocols, strengthening long-term wildlife monitoring and evidence-based management.
  16. The reserve implements M-STrIPES-based patrol monitoring has strengthened protection, surveillance, and evidence-based management across the reserve.
 
 

 

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