Reviving the Western Ghats Tiger Landscape: Sahyadri Tiger Reserve and Conservation Rewilding

Why in the News?

In a significant boost to tiger conservation in western Maharashtra, a third tigress was recently released into the wild at the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR) as part of ongoing rewilding and population restoration efforts.

Background: Tiger Conservation in the Western Ghats

India’s tiger conservation strategy has traditionally focused on central and eastern forest landscapes, where contiguous habitats and established tiger populations exist. However, the Western Ghats, despite being a global biodiversity hotspot, witnessed a decline in tiger numbers due to habitat fragmentation, human pressure, and loss of prey base.

The Sahyadri landscape once supported a thriving tiger population but experienced local extinction in the early 21st century. Recognising the ecological importance of restoring apex predators, Maharashtra initiated a reintroduction and habitat recovery programme at STR, supported by scientific monitoring, prey augmentation, and community engagement.

The recent release of a third tigress reflects the gradual revival of this critical tiger landscape.

About Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR)

Sahyadri Tiger Reserve is located in the Sahyadri ranges of the Western Ghats in Maharashtra and represents a unique protected area configuration.

Geographic and Administrative Features

• The reserve spans two protected areas:
  • Koyana Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS)
  • Chandoli National Park (CNP)
• The central portion of STR is occupied by:
  • The Shivsagar reservoir of the Koyana River
  • The Vasant Sagar reservoir of the Warana River

This reservoir-dominated landscape creates a mosaic of forested plateaus, valleys, and aquatic ecosystems.

Vegetation

The reserve hosts a diverse range of forest types, including:

• Moist evergreen forests
• Semi-evergreen forests
• Moist deciduous forests
• Dry deciduous forests

It is one of the few landscapes where climax and near-climax vegetation are well preserved, and future anthropogenic pressure is minimal.

Flora

Dense forest cover includes species such as:

• Teak
• Bamboo
• Indian laurel
• Jamun

Medicinal plants like Asparagus racemosus and Aegle marmelos grow abundantly. The reserve also harbours unique Western Ghats endemics, including rare orchids and shrubs thriving in its humid microclimates.

Fauna

STR supports a rich assemblage of wildlife, including:

• Top carnivores: Tiger, Leopard, Wild dog (Dhole)
• Herbivores: Gaur, Sambar, Four-horned antelope, Mouse deer, Giant squirrel
• Avifauna: Hornbills and many endemic bird species

Strategic Significance

Restoration of Apex Predators

The reintroduction of tigers helps restore ecological balance by regulating herbivore populations and strengthening trophic cascades, enhancing overall forest health.

Strengthening the Western Ghats Tiger Corridor

STR plays a crucial role in reconnecting fragmented tiger habitats across the Western Ghats, contributing to long-term genetic viability and landscape-level conservation.

Biodiversity Conservation in a Global Hotspot

As part of a UNESCO-recognised biodiversity hotspot, STR safeguards rare endemic species, unique vegetation types, and critical ecosystem services.

Community and Eco-Tourism Potential

A revived tiger population enhances eco-tourism prospects, creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities while promoting conservation awareness.

Challenges and Way Forward

Despite progress, several challenges persist:

• Ensuring adequate prey base and habitat connectivity
• Managing human–wildlife conflict in surrounding buffer zones
• Preventing poaching and illegal activities
• Sustaining long-term ecological monitoring

Going forward, conservation success will depend on:

• Scientific population monitoring and adaptive management
• Strengthening community participation and benefit-sharing
• Expanding habitat corridors and landscape connectivity
• Integrating conservation with regional development planning