State PCS - Uttar Pradesh (UP PCS)

• 06 Sep 2025

Dudhwa Tiger Reserve

Why in News?

A 6–7 month-old male leopard cub died during treatment at Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, Lakhimpur Kheri (UP), due to an undiagnosed neurological disorder.

Dudhwa Tiger Reserve

• About: Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR) is located in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh. It was established as a Tiger Reserve in 1988 under Project Tiger.
• Constituent Areas: The reserve comprises Dudhwa National Park, Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary, and Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • It includes a mix of Sal woodlands, marshy grasslands, dry riverine grasslands, and oxbow lakes.
• Geographical Features: The reserve is bounded by the Mohana River to the north and the Sharda River to the south, with the Gerwa River flowing through Katarniaghat.
• Biodiversity: DTR is a biodiversity hotspot with interlinked food chains and food webs.
  • Fauna: Bengal Tiger, Indian Rhinoceros, Swamp Deer, Leopard, and numerous bird species.
    • In the All-India Tiger Census 2022, DTR ranked 4th in the country, with about 135 tigers and 180 butterfly species.
  • Flora: Dominated by Sal (Shorea robusta) forests, with marshy wetlands, grasslands, and riverine vegetation.