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The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has proposed an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of around 663.32 sq km surrounding Karnataka’s Kali Tiger Reserve. The move aims to regulate developmental activities near the reserve and strengthen conservation efforts in the ecologically fragile Western Ghats region.
About Kali Tiger Reserve
Kali Tiger Reserve is situated in the Uttara Kannada (North Canara) district of Karnataka within the biodiversity-rich Western Ghats.
The reserve was formed by combining two major protected areas:
- Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
- Anshi National Park
These contiguous protected regions together form one of the most ecologically significant forest landscapes in southern India.
The reserve shares ecological connectivity with several protected areas:
- Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka to the north
- Radhanagari and Koyna Wildlife Sanctuaries in Maharashtra
- Five protected areas in Goa to the west
This connectivity supports wildlife movement and strengthens the conservation of large mammals.
Geography and Terrain
The terrain of Kali Tiger Reserve is highly diverse and includes:
- Rolling hills
- Steep escarpments
- Deep river valleys
- Forested plateaus
The Kali River flows through the reserve and serves as a major source of water for Uttara Kannada district. The reserve derives its name from this river.
The region receives heavy monsoon rainfall, supporting dense forests and rich biodiversity.
Vegetation and Flora
The reserve mainly consists of:
- Semi-evergreen forests
- Moist deciduous forests
- Bamboo patches
- Grasslands
Kali Tiger Reserve has rich floral diversity with economically and medicinally important plant species.
Major tree species include:
- Teak
- Silver Oak
- Eucalyptus
- Various medicinal plants
The dense vegetation of the reserve provides ideal habitat conditions for numerous wildlife species.
Fauna
Kali Tiger Reserve is known for its remarkable faunal diversity.
Major Mammals
The reserve supports important populations of:
- Tiger
- Leopard
- Elephant
- Indian Bison (Gaur)
- Wild Dog (Dhole)
- Sloth Bear
- Wild Boar
- Sambar
- Spotted Deer
- Hanuman Langur
- Bonnet Macaque
The reserve is also famous for sightings of the rare Black Panther.
Bird Diversity
Kali Tiger Reserve holds one of the highest populations of the Great Indian Hornbill in the Western Ghats.
The forests also support several endemic and migratory bird species, making the region important for bird conservation.
Ecological Importance
- Western Ghats Biodiversity Hotspot
The reserve lies within the Western Ghats, one of the world’s eight “hottest hotspots” of biodiversity.
- Wildlife Corridor
The reserve forms an important wildlife corridor connecting Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra protected areas.
- Water Security
The Kali River originating and flowing through the reserve supports agriculture, drinking water supply, and local livelihoods.
- Tiger Conservation
The reserve plays a vital role in Project Tiger and conservation of apex predators in southern India.
Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ)
An Eco-Sensitive Zone is a buffer area surrounding protected areas where certain human activities are regulated to minimize ecological damage.
The proposed ESZ around Kali Tiger Reserve aims to:
- Reduce environmental degradation
- Control unregulated construction and mining
- Protect wildlife habitats and corridors
- Promote sustainable development
Conclusion
Kali Tiger Reserve is among the most significant tiger habitats in the Western Ghats due to its rich biodiversity, ecological connectivity, and riverine ecosystem. The proposed Eco-Sensitive Zone is an important step toward balancing conservation with sustainable development.
For UPSC preparation, the reserve is important from the perspectives of environment, biodiversity conservation, Western Ghats ecology, and protected area management.