PROJECT TIGER MELGHAT 3.41

Introduction:
Melghat Tiger Reserve is one of the NINE Tiger Reserves created in the first phase in the country and came into being on 22-2-1974 initially over an area of 1571.74 sq.kms. It was notified as Critical Tiger Habitat by the Govt. of Maharashtra vide notification dated 27/12/2007 under section 38(V) of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

2.0 Physical and Bio geographic Location:
It is situated in the Satpuda hill ranges of Central India, generally known as Melghat Forest of Amravati in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. Geographical location is as below.

Latitude- Between 21015’ N and 21045’N
Longitude- Between 76057’ E and 77030’E
Altitude – 312 M to 1178 M above MSL.

It is located biogeographically in Satpura Maikal division of central highlands of 6 Deccan peninsula Bio-geographic zone. The area receives rainfall varying from 1000 mm to 2250 mm and the temperature varies from 40 C to 460 C.

3.0 Objectives of Project Tiger:
The main objective of Melghat Tiger Reserve (Project Tiger) is to ensure the maintenance of a viable population of tigers in India and to preserve, for all times , such area as part of our national heritage for the benefit, education and enjoyment of future generations.

4.0 Bio-diversity and Wildlife:
Melghat Tiger Reserve is a treasure of rich and varied ‘Bio-diversity’ and “Gene pools” which consists of more than 769 spp of plants, 265 spp of birds, 37 spp of mammals, several species of reptiles, insects, butterflies etc. It harbors a viable population of 40 to 55 tigers. Amongst other mammals found are Wild dogs, Caracal, Jackal, Sloth bears, Sambars, Cheetals, Barking deer, Nilgai, Chausingha, Wild pig, Langur, Porcupine, Civets, Ratel, Flying squirrel etc, Bird spp include rare species like Forest owlet Malabar Pied horn bills, osprey, Red headed falcons, Peregrine falcon and Long bellied vultures.

4.1 Forest Types in M.T.R.
Forest Types Champion and Seth’s classification
Sub group 5 A Southern Tropical Dry deciduous forests
5.0 Lifeline for Amravati and Akola districts:
The Reserve forms a very important catchment to Tapi and Purna river systems with important tributaries like Dolar, Khandu, Sipna, Gadga, Khapra and Wan rivers. It is the watershed of Chandrabhaga river originating from Chikhaldara. The basic life support systems that the area beholds in terms of conserving soil, water and clean air, serves as lifeline for the people of Amravati and Akola District.