Why in News?
The Indrāvati Tiger Reserve (ITR) is recently in the news as of April 2026 due to two major developments: its historic reopening to tourism after years of security-related closures and the extension of the All-India Tiger Estimation (AITE) 2026 census within its borders.
Background
- Formation: Established as a National Park in 1981 and designated as a Tiger Reserve in 1983.
- Naming: It is named after the Indrāvati River, which forms its northern and western boundaries with Maharashtra.
- Tiger Count: As of late 2025/early 2026, the reserve is estimated to host approximately 6 tigers.
Biodiversity & Flora
- Vegetation: Primarily composed of Tropical Moist and Mixed Deciduous forests.
- Key Trees: Teak (Saj), Tendu, Bamboo, Sal, Mahua, and Arjun.
- Rare Species: It is famously one of the last natural habitats for the endangered Wild Water Buffalo (the state animal of Chhattisgarh).
Fauna (Wildlife)
- Predators: Tigers, leopards, sloth bears, dholes (wild dogs), and striped hyenas.
- Herbivores: Gaur (Indian Bison), Nilgai, Blackbuck, Chital (spotted deer), Sambar, and Barking Deer.
- New Sightings: In early 2026, the Smooth-coated otter was captured on camera in the reserve for the first time in 25 years.
Conservation Challenges
- Naxalism: Security concerns have historically hindered scientific research and protection infrastructure.
- Village Relocation: The government is currently offering ₹15 lakh per adult member for voluntary relocation from 21 villages within the core area to reduce human-wildlife conflict.
- Habitat Stress: The reserve faces pressure from illegal grazing by local livestock and periodic forest fires.
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