Eturnagaram
Wildlife Sanctuary
Historical Background:
- Established in 1953, Eturnagaram Wildlife
Sanctuary has been safeguarded as a protected area to conserve its rich
biodiversity and promote ecological balance.
Geographical Location:
- Situated near the tri-junction of Maharashtra,
Chhattisgarh, and Telangana, the sanctuary is strategically located to
serve as a biodiversity hotspot, benefiting from the convergence of
diverse ecological zones.
Hydrological Features:
- The perennial river Dayyam Vagu courses through
the sanctuary, bifurcating it into two distinct regions.
- Additionally, the sanctuary is traversed by the
majestic River Godavari, further enriching its aquatic biodiversity and
serving as a vital water source for the resident fauna and flora.
Cultural and Festive Significance:
- Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for
hosting the Sammakkka Sarakka Jathra, one of Asia’s largest tribal
festivals, which is celebrated biennially and draws a large number of devotees
and tourists alike.
Vegetation and Flora:
- Vegetation
Type: The sanctuary
predominantly features tropical dry deciduous vegetation, characterized by
a rich diversity of plant species adapted to the seasonal variations in
rainfall and temperature.
- Prominent
Flora: The
sanctuary boasts a thriving ecosystem, with teak, bamboo, madhuca, and
terminalia trees dominating the landscape. A unique feature of the
sanctuary is the profusion of climbers that are found proliferating across
its expanse, contributing to the biodiversity and ecological richness of
the region.
Fauna:
- Keystone
Species: The
sanctuary is home to several keystone species, including the Indian gaur
(bison) and the giant squirrel, which play a pivotal role in maintaining
the ecological balance and health of the ecosystem.
- Biodiversity: Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary provides a
sanctuary for a diverse range of wildlife, including the majestic tiger,
elusive leopard, jackals, sloth bear, panther, wolf, wild dogs, chousingha
(four-horned antelope), and sambar, among others. These species find
refuge and thrive in the sanctuary’s protected and diverse habitats, which
offer ample food, water, and shelter resources essential for their
survival and reproduction.