Telangana Notifies Kumram Bheem Conservation Reserve to Boost Tiger Corridor

In a major step towards wildlife conservation and habitat connectivity, the Government of Telangana has officially notified the Kawal-Tadoba tiger corridor as the Kumram Bheem Conservation Reserve. Spanning nearly 1,493 sq. km, this newly declared reserve strengthens efforts to protect India’s big cat population and other critical biodiversity in the central Indian landscape.

Why in News?

On May 30, 2025, the Telangana government issued orders under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, designating a vital tiger corridor linking Kawal Tiger Reserve (Telangana) and Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (Maharashtra) as the Kumram Bheem Conservation Reserve.

Key Objectives and Purpose

  • Enhance tiger connectivity between reserves in Telangana, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh.
  • Legally protect a vital wildlife corridor spanning over 1,492.88 sq. km.
  • Safeguard biodiversity and promote interstate animal movement.
  • Support long-term breeding and habitat preservation.

Location and Coverage

  • Situated in Kumram Bheem Asifabad district, Telangana.
  • Spans Asifabad and Kagaznagar divisions.
  • Covers 10 mandals and 78 reserve forest blocks including:
  • Garlapet, Ada, Manikgarh East & West, Bejjur, Kadamba, etc.

Ecological Significance

  • Hosts resident and transient tigers, with over 45 unique individuals identified over the last decade.
  • Home to other carnivores: leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, wolves, hyenas, honey badgers, jungle cats.
  • Rich prey base: gaur, chital, sambar, nilgai, four-horned antelope, and more.
  • Unique avian species: Malabar Pied Hornbills, Long Billed Vultures (only nesting site).

Legal Framework

  • Declared under Section 36(A) of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
  • Enables creation of conservation reserves in government-owned land linking protected areas.

Governance and Management

A conservation reserve management committee has been formed, including,

  • District Forest Officer (Convenor)
  • Local sarpanches
  • NGOs (Hyderabad Tiger Conservation Society, WWF, Wildlife Conservation Trust)
  • District-level agriculture, veterinary and forest officials
Summary/Static Details
Why in the news? Telangana Notifies Kumram Bheem Conservation Reserve to Boost Tiger Corridor
Name of Reserve Kumram Bheem Conservation Reserve
Declared By Telangana State Government
Legal Basis Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 – Section 36(A)
Area Covered 1,492.88 sq. km (149,288.48 hectares)
Location Kumram Bheem Asifabad district
Linked Reserves Kawal (Telangana), Tadoba, Tipeshwar, Kanhargaon, Chaprala (Maharashtra), Indravati (Chhattisgarh)
Tiger Data (2022) 4 adults, 3 cubs, 17 cubs born since 2015
Shivam

Recent Posts

Exercise Desert Cyclone II Begins: India–U.A.E. Joint Military Exercise

India and the United Arab Emirates continue to strengthen their defence partnership with the conduct…

10 mins ago

Jharkhand Clears Landmark Law for Gig Workers Welfare

Jharkhand has taken a pioneering step in labour reforms with the approval of the Jharkhand…

44 mins ago

Which Fish is known as the King of Indian Rivers?

Rivers in India are full of life and support many kinds of freshwater fish. Some…

53 mins ago

Pulitzer Prize Winning War Correspondent Peter Arnett Dies at 91

Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Peter Arnett, one of the most influential war correspondents of the…

2 hours ago

India–Oman CEPA Signed to Boost Trade and Investment

India and Oman have signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), marking a major milestone…

2 hours ago

What was the Old Name of China? Know the Name and Its Meaning

China is one of the oldest countries in the world, with a history that goes…

2 hours ago