Kali Tiger Reserve:
The Union environment ministry proposes an Eco-Sensitive Zone around Karnataka’s Kali Tiger Reserve, spanning 663.32 sq km.It is located in the central portion of the Uttara Kannada (North Canara) district of Karnataka.The Tiger Reserve comprises two important protected areas of the region viz., Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary and Anshi National Park.These two protected areas are contiguous to each other and form a single tract of the protected area located in the biologically sensitive Western Ghats.It shares a border with Bhimghad Wildlife Sanctuary in the north, which is further connected to Radhanagari and Koyna wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra.To the west, Kali Tiger Reserve shares borders with five protected areas in Goa.The terrain is incredibly diverse, ranging from rolling hills and steep escarpments to riverine valleys and plateaus.The Kali River, which forms the major source of water for Uttara Kannada, flows through the tiger reserve, hence the name. It is a blend of semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests, interspersed with patches of bamboo and grasslands.The reserve is rich in plant diversity, featuring species like teak, silver oak, eucalyptus, and various medicinal plants.Animals found in the Tiger Reserve include Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, Bison, Wild dog, Sambar, Spotted deer, Sloth bear, Wild boar, Hanuman langur, Bonnet macaque, etc.The area holds one of the highest populations of Great Indian Hornbills in the Western Ghats.It is also home to rare black panthers.
