Context:
Telangana is presently grappling with forest fires in Tadvai region of Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary.
Relevance:
Facts for Prelims
About Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary:
Historical Background:
- Established in 1953, Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary has been safeguarded as a protected area to conserve its rich biodiversity and promote ecological balance.
Geographical Location:
- Situated near the tri-junction of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana, the sanctuary is strategically located to serve as a biodiversity hotspot, benefiting from the convergence of diverse ecological zones.
Hydrological Features:
- The perennial river Dayyam Vagu courses through the sanctuary, bifurcating it into two distinct regions.
- Additionally, the sanctuary is traversed by the majestic River Godavari, further enriching its aquatic biodiversity and serving as a vital water source for the resident fauna and flora.
Cultural and Festive Significance:
- Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for hosting the Sammakkka Sarakka Jathra, one of Asia’s largest tribal festivals, which is celebrated biennially and draws a large number of devotees and tourists alike.
Vegetation and Flora:
- Vegetation Type: The sanctuary predominantly features tropical dry deciduous vegetation, characterized by a rich diversity of plant species adapted to the seasonal variations in rainfall and temperature.
- Prominent Flora: The sanctuary boasts a thriving ecosystem, with teak, bamboo, madhuca, and terminalia trees dominating the landscape. A unique feature of the sanctuary is the profusion of climbers that are found proliferating across its expanse, contributing to the biodiversity and ecological richness of the region.
Fauna:
- Keystone Species: The sanctuary is home to several keystone species, including the Indian gaur (bison) and the giant squirrel, which play a pivotal role in maintaining the ecological balance and health of the ecosystem.
- Biodiversity: Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary provides a sanctuary for a diverse range of wildlife, including the majestic tiger, elusive leopard, jackals, sloth bear, panther, wolf, wild dogs, chousingha (four-horned antelope), and sambar, among others. These species find refuge and thrive in the sanctuary’s protected and diverse habitats, which offer ample food, water, and shelter resources essential for their survival and reproduction.
-Source: The Hindu
