Umred–Pauni–Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary
Why in News?
The Umred–Pauni–Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary (UPKWS) is in the news following the rare sighting of a melanistic (black-coloured) spotted deer (chital).
Location & Geography
- State: Located in Maharashtra.
- Districts: Spread across the Nagpur (Umred, Kuhi, Bhivapur talukas) and Bhandara (Pauni taluka) districts.
- Area: Approximately 189 sq. km.
- Water Bodies: Bounded by the Wainganga River and the Gose Khurd Dam to the northeast.
Ecological Importance
- Vital Corridor: It acts as a critical wildlife link between major tiger reserves: Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (to the south), Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve, and Pench Tiger Reserve (to the northwest).
- Satellite Core: It was recently notified as a "satellite core" for the Bor Tiger Reserve.
- Tiger Source: It has emerged as a major breeding ground for tigers in the "Greater Tadoba" landscape.
Flora & Fauna
- Vegetation: Primarily tropical dry deciduous forests dominated by Teak (60% of composition), Bamboo, Tendu, and Mahua.
- Key Mammals: Bengal Tigers, Leopards, Indian Gaur (Bison), Sloth Bears, and Wild Dogs (Dhole).
- Rare Species: Home to Honey Badgers, Pangolins, Flying Squirrels, and the recently sighted melanistic chital.
- Birdlife: Over 90 species recorded, including several endangered and migratory varieties.
- Legacy: The sanctuary gained global fame through "Jai", a massive male tiger who migrated 130 km from Nagzira to this sanctuary in 2013.
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