Anaimalai Tiger Reserve

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That’s fascinating! The Anaimalai Tiger Reserve, previously known as Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park and Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, is a protected area located in the Anaimalai Hills.

It was declared a Tiger Reserve under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, by the Environment and Forests Department on 27 June 2007.

Here are some key points about the Anaimalai Tiger Reserve:

  1. Protected Area: The Anaimalai Tiger Reserve covers an extensive area of 958.59 square kilometers (369.94 square miles) in the Anaimalai Hills. It is a designated protected area aimed at conserving the region’s biodiversity, including the endangered species of tigers.
  2. Inclusion in Project Tiger: The Steering Committee of Project Tiger granted approval in principle for the inclusion of Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park under Project Tiger in 2005. The reserve was officially declared a “Project Tiger” tiger reserve in 2008. This recognition highlights the importance of tiger conservation in the area.
  3. Butterfly Diversity: The Anaimalai Hills are known for their rich butterfly diversity. So far, 315 species of butterflies belonging to five families have been identified in the region. This highlights the ecological significance of the Anaimalai Tiger Reserve and its role in supporting diverse and delicate ecosystems.
  4. Biodiversity: The reserve is home to a wide range of flora and fauna. Apart from tigers, other wildlife species found in the Anaimalai Tiger Reserve include elephants, leopards, gaurs (Indian bison), sloth bears, sambar deer, and numerous bird species. The reserve’s diverse ecosystems, including tropical evergreen forests and shola grasslands, contribute to its ecological richness.
  5. Conservation Efforts: As a designated tiger reserve, the Anaimalai Tiger Reserve focuses on the conservation of the endangered tiger species and their habitats. Conservation initiatives include anti-poaching measures, habitat restoration, community involvement, and promoting eco-tourism that supports the local economy while ensuring the well-being of wildlife.

The inclusion of the Anaimalai Tiger Reserve in Project Tiger highlights the significance of its conservation efforts. The rich butterfly diversity further emphasizes the ecological importance of the Anaimalai Hills and the need to protect and preserve its unique ecosystems.