Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary (TWS)

Source: TOI

Context: Five individuals were arrested for poaching an Indian Pangolin in Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary (TWS), Yavatmal, Maharashtra.

About Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary (TWS):

• What it is?

• A protected wildlife sanctuary and tiger reserve in Maharashtra. Known for its high tiger density and rich biodiversity. Offers a lesser-crowded safari experience compared to Tadoba.

• A protected wildlife sanctuary and tiger reserve in Maharashtra.

• Known for its high tiger density and rich biodiversity.

• Offers a lesser-crowded safari experience compared to Tadoba.

• Location:

• Situated in Pandarkawada region of Yavatmal district, Maharashtra. Covers an area of 148.63 sq. km. Named after Goddess Tipai whose shrine lies in Tipeshwar village.

• Situated in Pandarkawada region of Yavatmal district, Maharashtra.

• Covers an area of 148.63 sq. km.

• Named after Goddess Tipai whose shrine lies in Tipeshwar village.

• History & Conservation:

• Declared a Wildlife Sanctuary under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Gained attention as the home of Tigress Avni, on whom Vidya Balan’s film Sherni was loosely based. Dedicated conservation efforts since 2010 have increased tiger population from 3 to 20.

• Declared a Wildlife Sanctuary under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

• Gained attention as the home of Tigress Avni, on whom Vidya Balan’s film Sherni was loosely based.

• Dedicated conservation efforts since 2010 have increased tiger population from 3 to 20.

• Key Features:

• Flora: Teak covers ~60% of vegetation; Red Sandalwood ~15%. Rich in Mahua, Achar, Lendia, Tiwas, and ~250 species of bamboo. Fauna: Hosts tigers, leopards, sloth bears, hyenas, jackals, chital, sambar, wild boar, and Indian pangolins. Home to 26 reptile species and rare mammals like Rusty Spotted Cat & False Vampire Bat. Avifauna: Birdwatcher’s paradise with 256 bird species — resident, migratory, and rare. Painted Francolin, Rain Quail, Lesser Whistling Duck, and Eurasian Wryneck are highlights. Butterfly Diversity: 97 butterfly species, including rare ones like Black Rajah & Peacock Royal. Ecotourism Potential: Offers jeep safaris, nature trails, and rural tourism opportunities supporting local livelihoods.

• Flora: Teak covers ~60% of vegetation; Red Sandalwood ~15%. Rich in Mahua, Achar, Lendia, Tiwas, and ~250 species of bamboo.

• Teak covers ~60% of vegetation; Red Sandalwood ~15%.

• Rich in Mahua, Achar, Lendia, Tiwas, and ~250 species of bamboo.

• Fauna: Hosts tigers, leopards, sloth bears, hyenas, jackals, chital, sambar, wild boar, and Indian pangolins. Home to 26 reptile species and rare mammals like Rusty Spotted Cat & False Vampire Bat.

• Hosts tigers, leopards, sloth bears, hyenas, jackals, chital, sambar, wild boar, and Indian pangolins.

• Home to 26 reptile species and rare mammals like Rusty Spotted Cat & False Vampire Bat.

• Avifauna: Birdwatcher’s paradise with 256 bird species — resident, migratory, and rare. Painted Francolin, Rain Quail, Lesser Whistling Duck, and Eurasian Wryneck are highlights.

• Birdwatcher’s paradise with 256 bird species — resident, migratory, and rare.

• Painted Francolin, Rain Quail, Lesser Whistling Duck, and Eurasian Wryneck are highlights.

• Butterfly Diversity: 97 butterfly species, including rare ones like Black Rajah & Peacock Royal.

• Ecotourism Potential: Offers jeep safaris, nature trails, and rural tourism opportunities supporting local livelihoods.