Poaching in Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve

Probe Launched: The Madhya Pradesh government has initiated an inquiry into alleged poaching of tigers and irregularities in the newly established Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve.

Key Points:

1. Background: The reserve, the seventh in the state and the 54th in India, includes areas within the Nauradehi Sanctuary and the Veerangana Durgavati Sanctuary, covering 2,339 square kilometres across three districts: Narsinghpur, Sagar, and Damoh.
2. Allegations: Wildlife activist Ajay Dubey alleged "serious negligence in the conservation of tigers, tiger safari and management of forest property" in the reserve, prompting the forest department to launch the probe.
3. Missing Tigers: Dubey claimed that two tigers, N-113 and N-112, along with their cubs, have been missing since 2021, and that the management falsely declared Tigress N-111 as Tigress N-112.
4. Poaching Suspicions: Dubey suspected tiger poaching and sought a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
5. Staff and Resource Shortage: Dubey alleged a shortage of staff and resources in the reserve, which is among the sites chosen for the reintroduction of cheetahs in India.
6. Illegal Tree Cutting: Dubey claimed large-scale illegal tree cutting and transportation of wood in the Bara Beat area of the Nauradehi Sanctuary, allegedly in collusion with the forest staff.
7. Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary: The Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary, covering around 1,197 square kilometres, is the largest in Madhya Pradesh and a crucial corridor connecting the Panna and Satpura tiger reserves.
8. Tiger Reintroduction: Tiger reintroduction efforts in the Nauradehi Sanctuary began in 2018 with the release of a pair, and the number of tigers now stands at 16, part of the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve.
9. Prey and Veterinary Care: Dubey claimed that the lack of prey and veterinary care is adversely impacting the tigers in the reserve.

About Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve:

Key Points:

1. Location: The Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve is spread across Sagar, Damoh, and Narsinghpur districts of Madhya Pradesh.
2. Area: The reserve covers an expansive area of 2,339 square kilometres, encompassing areas within the Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary and Durgavati Wildlife Sanctuary.
3. Ranking: It is the seventh tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh.
4. Naming: The reserve is named after Rani Durgavati, the queen of the Gondi people.
5. Diverse Landscape: The reserve boasts a diverse landscape, featuring hills, valleys, rivers, streams, waterfalls, and grasslands.
6. River Basins: The reserve straddles parts of the Narmada and Yamuna River basins.
7. Historical Significance: The Singorgarh Fort is located within the reserve.
8. Vegetation: The reserve has a dry deciduous type of vegetation.
9. Flora: The chief floral elements include Teak, Saja, Dhaora, Ber, Amla, etc.
10. Fauna: The reserve is home to a diverse range of fauna, including:
    1. Mammals: Tiger, leopard, wolf, jackal, Indian fox, striped hyena, Nilgai, Chinkara, Chital, Sambhar, Black Buck, Barking deer
    2. Primates: Common Langur, Rhesus Macaque
    3. Birds: Critically endangered raptors like the White-Rumped and Indian Vultures

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