Introduction
Andhra Pradesh, a state known for its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is also home to a variety of protected areas that conserve its unique biodiversity. These include national parks, biosphere reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries, each playing a crucial role in preserving the natural environment and wildlife. In this blog, we will explore the number of these protected areas in Andhra Pradesh, their significance, and the efforts made to conserve them.
What is a National Park?
A national park is a protected area established by the government to conserve the natural environment, wildlife, and cultural heritage. These parks are designated for the enjoyment of the public, education, and scientific research. They often feature unique landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and a variety of flora and fauna. National parks are crucial for the conservation of endangered species and provide a sanctuary for wildlife to thrive in their natural habitat.
How Many National Parks Are There in Andhra Pradesh?
List of National Parks in Andhra Pradesh:-
Andhra Pradesh is home to three national parks.
Sri Venkateswara National Park: Located in the Chittoor and Cuddapah districts, this park is known for its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty. It is part of the Eastern Ghats and is home to several endemic species of flora and fauna.
Papikonda National Park: Situated in the East and West Godavari districts, this park covers a vast area and is known for its lush greenery and wildlife. It is located in the Papi Hills of the Eastern Ghats and is an important bird and biodiversity area.
Rajiv Gandhi (Rameswaram) National Park: Located in the Kadapa district, this park is known for its dry deciduous forests and diverse wildlife. It lies on the north bank of the Penna River and features a variety of flora and fauna.
What is a Biosphere Reserve?
A biosphere reserve is a designated area that aims to promote sustainable development by integrating the conservation of biodiversity with the sustainable use of natural resources. These reserves are recognized under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme and often include core protected areas, buffer zones, and transition areas where sustainable practices are encouraged. Biosphere reserves play a vital role in balancing conservation efforts with human activities, ensuring that both nature and communities can thrive.
How Many Biosphere Reserves Are There in Andhra Pradesh?
List of Biosphere Reserves in Andhra Pradesh:-
Andhra Pradesh has one biosphere reserve.
Seshachalam Hills Biosphere Reserve:
1. Location and Geography:
The reserve is located in the Eastern Ghats, spanning parts of Chittoor and Kadapa districts in Andhra Pradesh.
It covers an area of approximately 4,755.997 sq km.
The landscape is characterized by rugged hills, deep valleys, and plateaus, with elevations ranging from 100 to 1,130 meters above sea level.
The Seshachalam Hills are considered one of the oldest geological formations in India, dating back to the Archaean Era (over 2.5 billion years ago).
2. Ecosystem and Biodiversity:
The reserve primarily consists of tropical dry deciduous and southern tropical thorn forests.
It’s known for its unique ecosystem that supports a wide variety of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic to this region.
The reserve is home to over 1,756 species of flowering plants belonging to 174 families.
It contains four major vegetation types: southern tropical dry deciduous forests, southern tropical thorn forests, hardwickia forests, and southern tropical moist deciduous forests.
3. Flora:
The most notable plant species in the reserve is the Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus), an endemic and endangered tree species highly valued for its timber.
Other important tree species include Shorea tumbuggaia, Shorea talura, Terminalia pallida, and Syzygium alternifolium.
The reserve is also known for its medicinal plants, with over 130 species used in traditional medicine.
4. Fauna:
The reserve supports a diverse array of animal life, including several endangered and endemic species.
Notable mammals include the Indian leopard, golden jackal, Indian giant squirrel, and mouse deer.
It’s an important bird area, home to species like the yellow-throated bulbul, Sri Lanka frogmouth, and Jerdon’s courser (critically endangered).
Reptiles found here include the golden gecko, found only in the Eastern Ghats.
5. Conservation Significance:
The Seshachalam Hills Biosphere Reserve was declared by UNESCO in 2010, recognizing its importance for conservation and sustainable development.
It plays a crucial role in preserving the unique biodiversity of the Eastern Ghats, especially endemic species like the Red Sanders.
The reserve is vital for water security in the region, with several important rivers originating from these hills.
6. Cultural and Economic Importance:
The area has significant cultural value, with the famous Tirumala Venkateswara Temple located within the reserve.
Local communities, including tribal groups, depend on the forest for their livelihoods, collecting non-timber forest products.
The reserve is crucial for scientific research, particularly in botany, ecology, and conservation biology.
7. Challenges and Conservation Efforts:
The main threats to the reserve include illegal logging (especially of Red Sanders), forest fires, and habitat fragmentation.
Conservation efforts focus on community-based forest management, sustainable use of forest resources, and strict protection of core areas.
Research and monitoring programs are ongoing to better understand and protect the unique ecosystems and species of the Seshachalam Hills.
8. Climate and Hydrology:
The climate is generally hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 13°C to 40°C.
Annual rainfall averages around 900mm, primarily from the northeast monsoon.
The hills are a crucial watershed, giving rise to several rivers including tributaries of the Pennar and Palar rivers.
This biosphere reserve represents a unique and vital ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh, combining ecological, cultural, and economic significance. Its management aims to balance conservation with sustainable development, making it a model for integrated ecosystem management in India.
What is a Wildlife Sanctuary?
A wildlife sanctuary is a protected area established to conserve wildlife and their habitats. Unlike national parks, human activities such as grazing and tourism may be allowed to a limited extent. These sanctuaries provide a safe haven for endangered species and help in the preservation of biodiversity. Wildlife sanctuaries are crucial for the protection of various species and their natural habitats, ensuring that they can live and reproduce without significant human interference.
How Many Wildlife Sanctuaries Are There in Andhra Pradesh?
List of Wildlife Sanctuaries in Andhra Pradesh:-
Andhra Pradesh boasts of thirteen wildlife sanctuaries.
Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary: Located near Kakinada in the East Godavari district, Coringa is the second largest stretch of mangrove forests in India. It covers an area of about 235 sq km. The sanctuary is home to the critically endangered white-backed vulture and long-billed vulture. It also hosts a variety of marine turtles, fishing cats, and otters. The Godavari estuary in this region is a significant breeding site for the olive ridley sea turtle.
Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary spans approximately 71 sq km near Visakhapatnam. It’s characterized by dry evergreen forests and scrub vegetation. Notable wildlife includes panthers, spotted deer, sambar, and various species of snakes. The sanctuary also serves as an important watershed for Visakhapatnam city.
Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in Kurnool district, this small sanctuary of about 6.14 sq km is crucial for the conservation of the Great Indian Bustard, a critically endangered species. The sanctuary also supports blackbuck, Indian wolf, and various species of birds like the Indian roller and spotted owlet.
Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary: Part of the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve, this sanctuary covers an area of 353 sq km in the Chittoor and Kadapa districts. It’s known for its rich flora, including red sanders, a rare and endemic tree species. The fauna includes endangered species like the golden gecko and slender loris.
Nagarjuna Sagar – Srisailam Tiger Reserve: This is indeed the largest tiger reserve in India, covering an area of 3,728 sq km across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Apart from tigers, it’s home to leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, and various deer species. The reserve also encompasses important archaeological sites.
Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary: Spanning 194 sq km in Krishna and Guntur districts, this sanctuary is known for its mangrove forests and estuarine ecosystem. It’s an important habitat for the fishing cat and smooth-coated otter. The sanctuary is also a nesting site for olive ridley turtles and a stopover for migratory birds.
Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in Chittoor district, this 357 sq km sanctuary was established primarily to protect a small population of Asian elephants that migrated from Tamil Nadu. Other notable species include leopards, sloth bears, and golden jackals.
Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary covers an area of 1,194 sq km across Prakasam and Kurnool districts. It’s part of the Nallamala forest range and is known for its population of tigers, leopards, and sloth bears. The sanctuary also has a significant population of Indian giant squirrels.
Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuary: Situated in the Eastern Ghats, this sanctuary spans 1,012 sq km across three districts. It’s known for its rich biodiversity and is home to tigers, leopards, gaur, and several species of primates. The sanctuary also encompasses a part of the Godavari River, adding to its ecological significance.
Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary: This sanctuary is centered around Pulicat Lake, the second largest brackish water lagoon in India. While the lake spans both Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, a significant portion lies in Andhra Pradesh. It’s a crucial wintering ground for migratory birds, including flamingos, pelicans, and storks.
Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in Kadapa district, this 464 sq km sanctuary is known for its population of four-horned antelopes. The sanctuary’s dry deciduous forests also support leopards, sloth bears, and various species of birds.
Sri Penusila Narasimha Wildlife Sanctuary: Covering an area of 1,030 sq km in Nellore district, this sanctuary is part of the Velikonda Range of the Eastern Ghats. It’s home to diverse wildlife including leopards, sloth bears, and various species of deer. The sanctuary also has historical significance with ancient temples within its boundaries.
Rayala Elephant Reserve: This reserve, spanning about 766 sq km in Anantapur district, was established to protect and provide a safe corridor for elephants migrating between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. While it’s primarily known for its elephant population, it also supports other wildlife typical of dry deciduous forests.
These sanctuaries play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation in Andhra Pradesh, protecting various ecosystems from mangrove forests to dry deciduous forests, and numerous endangered species. They also contribute significantly to water security and climate regulation in the region.
Conclusion
Andhra Pradesh’s national parks, biosphere reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries play a crucial role in conserving the state’s rich biodiversity. These protected areas not only provide a safe haven for wildlife but also promote sustainable development and environmental education. By visiting these parks and sanctuaries, we can appreciate the beauty of nature and contribute to the conservation efforts. Let’s continue to support and protect these natural treasures for future generations.
