BIRDS OF ACHANAKMAR TIGER RESERVE CHHATTISGARH

The Achanakmar Tiger Reserve is located in the Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve in India. The biosphere reserve extends across the states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, covering a total area of 383,551 hectares (3835.51 km2 ). The Tiger reserve is located in the northern part of BioGeographic zone 6 and Bio-Geographic province 6 A (Deccan peninsula and Central highlands). The Achanakmar Tiger Reserve has a core zone is 626.195 Sq.Kms with a buffer zone of 287.822 Sq.Kms. The
Core area of Achanakmar Tiger Reserve comprises of the Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary and some area of Bilaspur and Marwahi forest division managed under four protected ranges namely Achanakmar, Chhaparwa, Surahi and Lamani ranges of Chhattisgarh state within the Maikal Range of Satpura hills. Achanakmar Tiger Reserve is a typical geo-physiographical representative of the Central Indian highlands. It occupies the southern slopes of the main Maikal ridge in the Satpura ranges.The forested habitat of Achanakmar is contiguous with tiger habitat of Kanha Tiger Reserve, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Pench Tiger Reserves, Sanjay National Park, Phen Sanctuary in MP, Tadoba Andhari National Park, Navegaon National Park, Pench National Park in Maharastra and Guru Ghasidas National Park (Proposed TR) and Bhoramdeo Sanctuary in Chattisgharh of the same landscape. Dense vegetation and numerous waterholes form an ideal habitat for the Tiger and its Prey species. Gaur, Chital, Sambar and
Wild Pig are the prominent prey species. Presence of Vultures and Mouse dear is unique to the Achanakmar Sanctuary. The constitutional details of the Achanakpur Wildlife Sanctuary was declared as a wildlife sanctuary June, 1975 encompassing an area of 553.286 sq. km. are as below: On the northern side is Matinala, a natural nalla marks the boundary adjoining forest village Atariya of Lamni regular range. On the eastern side is the common boundary line of Bilaspur and North Bilaspur division. On the southern side is the Maniyari river and north side is the Khudia dam with Railakhni and Kurai Lakhmi
Nalas. On the western side is the Deosary fireline and Bendri nala with common boundary line of Khudia and Lamni range. It forms a part of Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve.Achanakmar TR is very rich in term of flora, mainly Sal (Shorea robusta), Saja (Terminalia tomentosa), Bija (Pterocarpus marsupium), Dhawda (Anogeissus latifolia), Kusum (Schleichera oleosa), Padar (Steriospermum
suaveolens), Kasai (Bridelia retusa), Landia (Lagerstroemia parviflora), Jamun (Syzigium cumuni), Mahua (Madhuca indica), Haldu (Adina cordifolia) and Mudhi (Mitragyna parviflora). Achanakmar Sanctuary hosts species like Tiger, Bear, Barking deer, Spotted deer, Gaur, Leopard, Jungle cat, wild dog, Hyena, Porcupine, Jackal, Four-horned antelope and Mouse deer. less ↑