Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve:
A four-year-old tigress that wandered into Chhattisgarh’s Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve (USTR) earlier this year and stayed through the scorching summer months has kindled fresh hopes for a reserve.
- Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve is located in 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.
- Deo Dongri is the highest point.
- The most prominent mountain is Atānga Dongar.
- 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, tiger, Indian Wolf, Leopard, Sloth Bear, and Mouse Deer etc.
