Declaration of Kumram Bheem Conservation Reserve
The Telangana State government has declared a new conservation reserve named the Kumram Bheem Conservation Reserve. This reserve serves as a vital corridor connecting various tiger reserves and sanctuaries across multiple states in India.
Geographical Coverage
- Total area: 1492.88 square kilometres or 149,288.48 hectares.
- Located across Asifabad and Kagaznagar divisions, including parts of Kerameri, Wankidi, Asifabad, Sirpur, Koutala, Bejjur, Kagaznagar, Rebbana, Dahegaon, and Tiryani mandals.
- Encompasses 78 reserve forest blocks such as Garlapet, Ada, Manikgarh East, Manikgarh West, among others.
Significance for Wildlife
This conservation reserve is a crucial link in maintaining tiger connectivity across central India, connecting the Kawal Tiger Reserve in Telangana with the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra, as well as other sanctuaries like Kanhargaon, Tipeshwar, Chaprala, and Indravati.
Wildlife Population
- Home to resident, breeding tigers with reports of more than 45 unique transient tigers using the area over the last decade.
- Presence of various carnivores like leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, wolves, hyenas, honey badgers, and jungle cats.
- Supports diverse prey species such as gaur, sambar, nilgai, chital, four-horned antelope, muntjac, and Indian gazelle.
- Over 240 bird species, including the notable Malabar Pied Hornbills and Long Billed Vultures.
Recent Wildlife Records
- The Tiger Census 2022 reported at least four adult tigers and three cubs.
- Since 2015, there have been five instances where three tigers collectively birthed 17 cubs.
- The All India Leopard Estimation 2022 recorded eight leopards in the area.
Management and Conservation Efforts
A conservation reserve management committee has been established with key stakeholders including the Kumram Bheem Asifabad District Forest Officer as the convenor, various panchayat sarpanches, representatives from conservation NGOs, and district officials for veterinary, agricultural, and forest services.