Context:
Recently, several restrictions have been imposed on visitors to the Ahobilam Temple Complex, which is located within the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve.
Relevance:
GS III: Environment and Ecology
Dimensions of the Article:
- Key points
- Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve
Key points:
Heatwave Restrictions at Cheethal Base Camp
- A ban on plastic items
- No overnight stays due to potential human-animal conflicts
- Prohibition on animal sacrifices at the shrine
Wildlife in Nallamala Forest Area
- Home to red sanders, leopards, and deer
- Tigers also inhabit the region
Ahobilam National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
- Constituted under the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972
- Oversees rare flora and fauna specific to the region
Ahobilam Temple Complex
- Consists of 9 shrines to Lord Narisimha in Nallamala forest
- Additional temple for Prahaladavarada Varadhan in the mountain foothills
Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve
Location:
- Located in the Nallamala Hills of the Eastern Ghats.
- Spans across five districts of Andhra Pradesh: Prakasam, Kurnool, Guntur, and Mahbubnagar.
- Covers an area of approximately 3,568 square kilometers.
Geographical Aspects:
- Diverse terrain with rugged hills, deep valleys, and dense forests.
- Part of the Srisailam-Nagarjunasagar-Kurnool forest belt.
- The Krishna River flows through the reserve, creating a unique ecosystem.
Flora:
- Tropical and dry deciduous forests.
- Dominated by teak, terminalia, bamboo, and other native species.
- Rich in medicinal plants and herbs.
Fauna:
- Home to a significant population of Bengal tigers.
- Other mammals include:
- Indian leopard
- Sloth bear
- Dhole (Indian wild dog)
- Indian pangolin
- Chital (spotted deer)
- Sambar deer
- Nilgai (blue bull)
- Four-horned antelope
- Indian giant squirrel
Birds:
- Over 350 species of birds have been recorded.
- Includes the grey junglefowl, painted spurfowl, and the critically endangered white-rumped vulture.
Reptiles:
- Indian python
- Mugger crocodile
- Bengal monitor
- Star tortoise
Conservation:
- Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1983 under Project Tiger.
- Part of the Srisailam-Nagarjunasagar-Kurnool Biosphere Reserve.
- Efforts are ongoing to conserve and protect the Bengal tiger and its habitat.
-Source: The Hindu
