Kawal Tiger Reserve: Use of Solar Pumps for Water Supply
Why in News?
Kawal Tiger Reserve in Telangana has installed solar pumps near borewells to facilitate water supply to tanks, pits, and natural reservoirs, improving water availability for wildlife.
Relevance:
GS-03 (Conservation)
About Kawal Tiger Reserve
- Location: Situated in Telangana along the banks of the Godavari River, forming part of the Deccan Peninsula-Central Highlands.
- Geographical Significance:
- Lies in the Sahyadri Mountain Ranges.
- Located at the southernmost tip of the Central Indian Tiger Landscape, connected to Tadoba-Andhari (Maharashtra) and Indravati (Chhattisgarh) Tiger Reserves.
- Establishment: Declared a Tiger Reserve in 2012.
- Rivers: The reserve is a catchment area for the Godavari and Kadam rivers, which flow south of the sanctuary.
Habitat and Vegetation
- Habitat: dense forests, grasslands, open areas, rivers, streams, and water bodies.
- Vegetation: Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest, dominated by teak and bamboo with other species like:
- Anogeissus latifolia
- Mitragyna parviflora
- Terminalia crenulata
- Terminalia arjuna
- Boswellia serrata
Flora and Fauna
- Major Wildlife:
- Herbivores: Nilgai, chousinga, chinkara, blackbuck, sambar, and spotted deer.
- Carnivores: Tiger, leopard, wild dog, wolf, jackal, fox, and jungle cat.
- Conservation Status: Part of the Central Indian Tiger Landscape, contributing to tiger conservation efforts.
Significance
- The installation of solar pumps reflects efforts to balance technological intervention with wildlife conservation.
- Enhanced water availability is expected to reduce human-wildlife conflict and improve the survival rate of animals during dry seasons.
Prelims Questions:
Consider the following statements regarding Kawal Tiger Reserve:
- It is located along the banks of the Krishna River in Telangana.
- It is connected to both Tadoba-Andhari and Indravati Tiger Reserves.
- The vegetation in the reserve mainly consists of Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is incorrect: Kawal Tiger Reserve is located along the banks of the Godavari River (not the Krishna River).
- Statement 2 is correct: It is connected to both Tadoba-Andhari (Maharashtra) and Indravati (Chhattisgarh) Tiger Reserves.
- Statement 3 is correct: The reserve’s vegetation mainly consists of Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest.
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