Location and Legal Foundation

Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1975 and later formally notified as a Tiger Reserve on 20 February 2009 under Project Tiger, covering approximately 553 km² core area and buffer totaling about 914 km².

Achanakmar Tiger Reserve is part of the Achanakmar–Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve, which spans about 3,835 km², with roughly 68% of its area in Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh, forming a critical conservation landscape.

Flora and Habitat

Vegetation Type : Tropical moist deciduous forests, dominated by species such as Sal and Teak, besides Saja, Bija, Haldu, Tinsa, Dhawra, Lendia, Khamar and bamboo. The broader biosphere reservoir boasts nearly 1,500 plant species across more than 150 botanical families, including medicinal plants and localized gymnosperms adapted to the Amarkantak plateau.

Flagship Fauna

• Large Carnivores : The Bengal tiger is the flagship predator in Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, playing a central role in trophic cascades and overall ecosystem balance.

• Other large predators include Indian leopard, (Asiatic wild dog (dhole), sloth bear and striped hyena, highlighting a rich carnivore guild.

• Herbivores and Prey Base : Ungulate prey species such as chital (axis deer), sambar, nilgai (blue bull), gaur (Indian bison), chousingha (four-horned antelope), chinkara, Indian muntjac (barking deer) and wild boar support the carnivore populations.

• Avifauna & Lesser Fauna : Achanakmar Tiger Reserve hosts over 150 bird species, flying squirrels, giant Indian squirrels, various amphibians, reptiles and smaller mammals like jackals, foxes and monkeys.

Population Trends and Census Data

• Baseline in 2017 : In 2017, Achanakmar Tiger Reserve had only five resident tigers, including one tigress, based on camera-trap and line transect data.

• Growth by 2024 : By 2024, monitoring surveys photographed 10 resident tigers—composed of three males and seven females, indicating a healthier sex ratio and breeding potential.

• Prey Density & Distribution : Ungulate densities were notably high in the Achanakmar and Chhaparwa ranges where tigers are active, while other ranges like Lamni and Surahi showed lower prey density and tiger presence.

• Projected Census Schedules : The next All-India Tiger Estimation (AITE) census is scheduled in 2026, while Achanakmar Tiger Reserve conducts summer and winter phase local surveys twice annually.

Connectivity and Landscape Importance

• Corridor Function : Achanakmar Tiger Reserve is located along the Kanha–Bandhavgarh corridor, providing vital genetic and dispersal connectivity among major tiger reserves in central India.

• Watershed & River Systems : The Maniyari River runs through Achanakmar Tiger Reserve’s core area, serving as a lifeline water source and sustaining riparian habitats key to biodiversity.

Tribal Communities and Human Dimension

• Local Tribal Communities : Within the core 626 ha zone, about 25 forest villages exist, inhabited largely by the Baiga tribal group, along with Gond and Yadav communities, totaling ~75% Baiga presence.

• Community Integration : Achanakmar Tiger Reserve’s conservation planning includes integrating Forest Rights Act (2006) provisions to balance rights of tribal inhabitants with habitat protection, under NTCA guidelines.

Government & Institutional Initiatives

• Project Tiger Oversight : Achanakmar Tiger Reserve operates under Project Tiger, overseen by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), receiving funding, monitoring tools (like M-STRIPES), anti-poaching support and management plans.

• Legal Framework Enhancement : Since the 2006 Wildlife (Protection) Act amendment, NTCA has been empowered under Section 38, mandating conservation benchmarks, reserve audits and establishing Crime Control Bureau.

• M-STRIPES & Tech Support : Achanakmar Tiger Reserve uses M-STRIPES monitoring systems, camera-traps, wireless communication, and GIS-based pAchanakmar Tiger Reserveolling assistance funded via NTCA technical support.

• Independent Monitoring : Independent ecosystem audits using globally accepted indicators are periodically conducted to assess governance, poaching control, habitat restoration, and wildlife trends.

Conservation and Management Actions

• Anti-Poaching Measures : Achanakmar Tiger Reserve has deployed anti-poaching squads, including ex-army personnel and local forest watchers, especially during the monsoon pAchanakmar Tiger Reserveol season, to deter illegal hunting and trade.

• Prey Enhancement Efforts : Habitat management includes creation of grassland glades, controlled burning regimes, waterhole maintenance and restoration of ungulate food grounds to boost prey density in key ranges.

• Ecotourism & Awareness : Achanakmar Tiger Reserve has gradually developed low-impact ecotourism initiatives, including guided safaris, cabin stays and awareness programs, while ensuring wildlife protection remains non-negotiable.

Research and Monitoring

• Wildlife Surveys & Studies : Achanakmar Tiger Reserve supports systematic wildlife monitoring using camera traps, line-transect surveys, vegetation assessments, disturbance mapping and biodiversity inventories to inform adaptive management.

• Partnerships & NGO Support : Collaborations with NGOs like WWF-India, Wildlife Institute of India, and state forest departments help implement reports, habitat analytics, corridor restoration and community outreach.

Summary

Achanakmar Tiger Reserve reflects a strong trajectory of tiger recovery—from 5 tigers in 2017 to 10 in 2024—supported by improving prey densities, better governance, anti-poaching strategies and scientific monitoring within a landscape that links Kanha and Bandhavgarh. Multi-stakeholder efforts involving NTCA, state forestry, NGOs and tribal communities underpin its rising conservation success.