Recently, the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has made headlines by releasing 15 critically endangered Indian vultures into the Melghat Tiger Reserve located in Maharashtra.
Location: The reserve is situated in Maharashtra, specifically on the southern offshoot of the Satpura Hill Range, known as Gavilgarh Hill. It holds the distinction of being the first tiger reserve established in the state.
Name Meaning: The term ‘Melghat’ translates to the confluence of various ‘ghats’ or valleys, which accurately reflects the landscape of this tiger reserve.
The forest is characterized as tropical dry deciduous, primarily dominated by teak trees. The reserve serves as a crucial catchment area for five major rivers: the Khandu, Khapra, Sipna, Gadga, and Dolar, all of which are tributaries of the river Tapti.
Boundaries: The boundaries of the reserve are defined by the Tapti River and the Gawilgadh ridge of the Satpura Range.
The Korkus stand as the largest tribal community residing in Melghat. Other notable communities include the Gawli and the Gond tribes, each contributing to the cultural diversity of the region.
Melghat Tiger Reserve is rich in biodiversity, showcasing a variety of flora. Common species include:
As for fauna, the reserve is home to several species including:
Additionally, it is recognized as a stronghold for the critically endangered forest owlet, highlighting the reserve's importance in wildlife conservation.
Q1. What recent conservation efforts have taken place in Melghat Tiger Reserve?
Answer: The Bombay Natural History Society recently released 15 critically endangered Indian vultures in Melghat Tiger Reserve, enhancing local wildlife conservation efforts.
Q2. Why is Melghat Tiger Reserve significant for biodiversity?
Answer: Melghat Tiger Reserve is significant due to its diverse flora and fauna, including several endangered species and unique tribal communities that contribute to its ecological richness.
Q3. What types of rivers are found in Melghat Tiger Reserve?
Answer: The reserve includes five major rivers: Khandu, Khapra, Sipna, Gadga, and Dolar, which are tributaries of the Tapti River, playing a vital role in the local ecosystem.
Q4. Which tribal communities are present in Melghat?
Answer: The Korkus are the largest tribal community in Melghat, along with the Gawli and Gond tribes, adding to the cultural and social diversity of the region.
Q5. What types of vegetation are predominant in Melghat Tiger Reserve?
Answer: The predominant vegetation in Melghat Tiger Reserve is tropical dry deciduous forest, primarily dominated by teak trees and various indigenous species.
Question 1: What is the primary tree species found in Melghat Tiger Reserve?
A) Sal
B) Teak
C) Oak
D) Pine
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which river acts as a boundary for Melghat Tiger Reserve?
A) Ganga
B) Yamuna
C) Tapti
D) Godavari
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: What is the significance of the Indian vulture release in Melghat?
A) It is a non-endangered species
B) It improves biodiversity
C) It has no impact
D) It increases tourism
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: Which community is the largest in Melghat Tiger Reserve?
A) Gond
B) Korku
C) Gawli
D) Bhil
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: What type of forest dominates Melghat Tiger Reserve?
A) Tropical Rainforest
B) Tropical Dry Deciduous
C) Temperate Forest
D) Mangrove Forest
Correct Answer: B
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