Chennai, 7 September (H.S.) : A remarkable incident has been reported in the Yedshi Ramling Ghat Wildlife Sanctuary in Maharashtra's Osmanabad district, where a tiger has traveled approximately 450 kilometers to settle in the area. This marks the first time in decades that a tiger has made its home in the sanctuary.
Dr. Supriya Seshadri, a Tamil Nadu-based wildlife biologist and conservation researcher affiliated with organizations like the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), has commented on long-distance tiger movements in the context of India's expanding populations. In discussions on regional recolonization, she said, Such journeys like the one to Yedshi, indicate resilient ecosystems recovering from historical declines, but stress the necessity for protected corridors to mitigate risks such as road kills and habitat loss. Dr. Seshadri highlights that events in Maharashtra could inspire southern states like Tamil Nadu to strengthen inter-reserve linkages, ensuring genetic exchange amid climate-induced shifts.
The Yedshi Ramling Ghat Wildlife Sanctuary spans over 2,237 hectares and is nestled in the Balaghat mountain range of the Sahyadri. The sanctuary is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including leopards, sloth bears, black bucks, jackals, wolves, and over 100 species of birds. It also features a famous Ramling Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, adding a spiritual dimension to the area.
The sanctuary's habitat is characterized by south tropical arid deciduous forests and thorny forests, with common trees including teak, bamboo, and neem. However, the area faces threats such as illicit cutting, forest fires, encroachment, hunting, and trespassing. The spread of the shrubby weed Lantana camara also poses a challenge to the sanctuary's ecosystem.
The arrival of a tiger in the Yedshi Ramling Ghat Wildlife Sanctuary after decades highlights the importance of conservation efforts in preserving India's wildlife. It also underscores the need for continued protection and management of the sanctuary to ensure the well-being of its inhabitants.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary
