Udanti- Sitanadi Tiger Reserve:
A rare Indian giant flying squirrel, a native of Western Ghats, has been found in the Udanti- Sitanadi tiger reserve (USTR) in Chhattisgarh.
- It is located in the state of Chhattisgarh.
- It was established by joining the regions represented by Sitanadi and Udanti wildlife sanctuaries.
- The drainage system of the reserve consists of the Mahanadi as the main river, along with the Udanti, Sitanadi, Indravan, and Pairi Rivers as tributaries.
- The location of the reserve is strategic since it also connects with the Kanker and North Kondagaon forest divisions, forming a contiguous forest corridor to Indravati Tiger Reserve in the Bastar region.
- The forest type here is predominantly tropical dry and moist deciduous.
- The forest is dominated by Sal (Shorea robusta), which forms dense patches across the landscape.
- Alongside, species such as Teak (Tectona grandis), Bamboo, Tendu, Mahua, Bija, and Harra contribute to the green diversity of the region.
- It is home to the last few herds of the highly endangered Wild Buffalo.
- Apart from the tiger, other endangered and rare species are the Indian Wolf, Leopard, Sloth Bear, and Mouse Deer.
