Focus: GS-III Environment and Ecology, Prelims
Why in news?
There is an increase in number of adult and sub-adult Tigers in Andhra Pradesh during the last five years.
Introduction
Of the less than 4,000 Tigers in the world, India accounts for 75%.
A massive conservation effort spearheaded by the Forest Department and many global NGOs has started showing results as is evident from the tangible increase in the population of tigers.
Tiger census in Andhra Pradesh
The Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR) is where the rise in the number of tigers is seen according to the tiger census carried out by the Wildlife Institute of India and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
In spite of limited support, the Forest Department has fared well in tiger conservation by engaging the local tribals, numbering 500, undertaking active surveillance by using sensor-based camera traps and ensuring 24 X7 patrolling by the personnel.
Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR)
- Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve is the largest tiger reserve in India.
- The reservoirs and temples of Srisailam are major attraction for many tourists and pilgrims.
- The Krishna river cuts its basin through the reserve.
- Endemic reptiles like the skinks Ashwamedh writhing skink, Sharma’s mabuya] lizards and the Nagarjun Sagar racer snake are particular highlights of this unique region.
-Source: The Hindu
