Anamalai Tiger Reserve | 16 May 2025

Source: TOI 

The pre-monsoon (summer) estimation of tigers, co-predators, prey, and their habitats has begun in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR), Tamil Nadu. 

• About ATR: It was declared as a Tiger reserve in the year 2007 and is located in the Anamalai Hills of the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu. 
  • It is also known as the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, named to honour the former Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi.  
• Geographical Surroundings: It is surrounded by Parambikulum Tiger Reserve(PTR) on the East, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and Eravikulum National Park on the South Western side.  
  • The reserve is also surrounded by Nenmara, Vazhachal, Malayattur and Marayur reserved forests of Kerala.  

• UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Kariyan shola, Grass hills and Manjampatti of Anamalai Tiger Reserve has been identified as a world heritage site by UNESCO. 
• Indigenous Communities: It is home to several indigenous tribal communities such as the Kadars, Muduvars, Malasars, Malai malasars, Eravalars and Pulayars. 
• Vegetation: The reserve includes evergreen, deciduous, and shola forests, along with Montane Grasslands, Savannahs, and Marshy Grasslands. 
• Fauna: It is home to key wildlife such as the Tiger, Asiatic elephant, Sambar, Spotted deer, Barking deer, Jackal, Leopard, and Jungle cat, among others.