SEO Title: Sahyadri Tiger Reserve Receives ‘Very Good’ Grade in 2022 IUCN Evaluation
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has given the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR) a ‘Very Good’ grade in the assessment conducted in 2022. The protected reserve, covering 1,165 sqkm, consists of the Chandoli National Park and the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary. This ‘Very Good’ grade is the highest ranking so far for STR in the four-year census of the 51 tiger reserves across the country.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates ’50 Years of Project Tiger’ Campaign
The campaign ’50 Years Of Project Tiger’ was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during its inauguration in Mysore on April 9. The 2022 census reported that 3,167 tigers are currently occupying the Indian reserves. Among the 20 tiger reserves that received the ‘Very Good’ ranking alongside STR, are the famous ones at Tadoba-Andhari, Melghat, Pench, Kaziranga, Corbett, Sundarban, Panna, and Bandhavgarh, to name a few.
Better Management Result to STR’s Improved Ranking
Uttam Sawant, deputy director of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, attributes the improvement in rank to effective changes in field management over three years. He said, “as per the latest report, the performance of the Sahyadri project has improved.” Though there are no resident tigers at STR currently, the reserves boast of good numbers of other animals such as wild dogs, leopards, bears, gaurs, sambar, wild boars, etc. In addition, there has been a consistent increase in the prey base for tigers at STR.
Celebrating the ‘Very Good’ Grade of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve
The ‘Very Good’ grade earned by the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve is a testament to the effective management techniques implemented over the years combined with the sheer dedication of those who strive daily to ensure the safety of this protected reserve. As India works towards commemorating 50 Years of Project Tiger, STR has proven once again that it plays an equally significant part in the conscious effort to preserve India’s wild treasure.
