Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve: Latest News, Location, Flora & Fauna

The Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh has recently come into focus after forest authorities arrested 53 persons for attempting to illegally encroach upon protected forest land within the reserve. The action was taken to safeguard forest ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and protected areas from human interference and land degradation.

About Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve

Location and Formation

• Located in the state of Chhattisgarh
• Formed by merging:

1. Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary
2. Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary

Total Area

• Covers approximately 1,842 square kilometres

Geographical Features

Drainage System

• Mahanadi River – main river
• Important tributaries:

1. Udanti River
2. Sitanadi River
3. Indravati River
4. Pairi River

These rivers play a key role in sustaining the forest ecosystem and wildlife.

Forest Connectivity

• The reserve connects with:

1. Kanker Forest Division
2. North Kondagaon Forest Division

• Forms a continuous forest corridor to the Indravati Tiger Reserve in the Bastar region

This connectivity supports wildlife movement and genetic diversity.

Topography

• The reserve contains 19 named mountains
• Deo Dongri – highest point in the reserve
• Atānga Dongar – most prominent mountain

Flora (Vegetation)

Forest Type

• Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest
• Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest

Major Tree and Plant Species

• Sal (Shorea robusta) – dominant species
• Teak (Tectona grandis)
• Bamboo
• Tendu
• Mahua
• Bija
• Harra

These species contribute to rich biodiversity and forest productivity.

Fauna (Wildlife)

Key Animal Species

• Bengal Tiger
• Indian Leopard
• Sloth Bear
• Indian Wolf
• Mouse Deer

Wild Buffalo Conservation

• Along with the Indravati Tiger Reserve, Udanti Sitanadi serves as a critical habitat for the endangered Wild Buffalo
• Hosts some of the last surviving herds of this species in India

Ecological Significance

• Important tiger landscape of central India
• Supports endangered and rare species
• Acts as a biodiversity-rich forest corridor
• Plays a vital role in wildlife conservation and ecological balance