Why in news?
Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary (TWS) in Maharashtra’s Yavatmal district has received attention for its success in conserving tigers and for its potential to promote eco‑tourism.
Overview
- Location: Spread over about 149 square kilometres in the Deccan Plateau, the sanctuary is named after the goddess Tipai whose temple lies within it.
- History: Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1986, TWS was initially known only for scattered herbivore populations. Concerted conservation efforts have increased the tiger population from about three in 2010 to around twenty today.
- Flora: The area is dominated by teak (around 60 %) and red sandalwood (15 %), along with bamboo, mahua and various medicinal plants.
- Fauna: Apart from tigers, TWS hosts leopards, sloth bears, wild boars, chital, four‑horned antelope and numerous reptiles and birds. It supports more than 250 species of birds and nearly 100 species of butterflies.
Tourism potential
The sanctuary offers jeep safaris and is less crowded than the nearby Tadoba tiger reserve. Improved visitor facilities and community participation can make TWS a model for low‑impact eco‑tourism.
Conservation challenges
- Human–wildlife conflict with surrounding villages.
- Poaching and illegal grazing pressures.
- Need for continuous monitoring and scientific management to sustain tiger numbers.
Conclusion
Tipeshwar shows that small sanctuaries can play a big role in India’s tiger conservation story. Protecting such habitats and involving local communities are essential for long‑term success.