From the ecological point of view, which one of the following assumes importance in being a good link between the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2017 Prelims]
(a) Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
(b) Nallamala Forest
(c) Nagarhole National Park
(d) Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
- The Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, situated in the Erode district of Tamil Nadu, spans across the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats, making option 1 correct.
- The Sathyamangalam forest range is a significant wildlife corridor within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
- This corridor serves as a genetic link between four other protected areas that border it, including the Billigiriranga Swamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary, Sigur Plateau, Mudumalai National Park, and Bandipur National Park.
- The reserve is included in “Project Tiger,” a conservation initiative aimed at preserving tiger populations and curbing the trafficking and poaching of tigers.