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Rare Animals Reappear in Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve
5 Jun
Summary
- 2,500 acres of forest land reclaimed from encroachers and poachers.
- Rare species like pangolin, hornbill, and flying squirrels have returned.
- Conservation efforts included habitat restoration and anti-poaching drives.
Chhattisgarh's Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve is showcasing a remarkable ecological recovery, evidenced by the return of rare wildlife including pangolins, hornbills, and flying squirrels. This resurgence follows a concerted four-year effort by forest officials to reclaim approximately 2,500 acres of forest land from encroachers and poachers.
The reclaimed land, valued at an estimated ₹573 crore, has been crucial in restoring habitats and reconnecting fragmented wildlife corridors within the Mahanadi catchment area. This success was achieved despite significant challenges, including four life-threatening attacks on forest personnel during enforcement operations.
Anti-poaching operations extended beyond state borders into Odisha and Maharashtra, leading to the arrest or detention of over 550 individuals involved in illegal activities. The reduction in human pressure has allowed wildlife to reclaim its territory, with camera traps now recording species seldom seen in central India.
Conservation efforts are further bolstered by technology, with thermal drones and AI-enabled cameras deployed for monitoring. Innovative projects like 'Hornbill Restaurants' focus on planting native fruit-bearing trees, while 'Weaving the canopy cove' aims to reconnect forest canopies, aiding arboreal species. This comprehensive approach underscores a commitment to protecting the reserve's biodiversity.
