Why in News?
Madhya Pradesh has agreed to provide tigers and Indian bison (gaurs) to Andhra Pradesh. AP plans to reintroduce 25–30 gaurs into the Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary in the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR).
Key Facts for Prelims
Madhya Pradesh & Tiger Census
- MP had 785 tigers as per the 2022 All India Tiger Estimation — highest tiger population of any state
Gundla Brahmeswaram (GBM) Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: Nallamala Hills, Eastern Ghats — Kurnool and Prakasam districts, Andhra Pradesh
- Hill Passes: Between Mantralamma Kanuma and Nandi Kanuma
- River: Gundlakamma River — perennial water source
- Endemic Species: Lesser Woolly Horseshoe Bat — found only in this region
- Part of: Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR)
Quick Revision Table
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| State with highest tigers (2022) | Madhya Pradesh (785 tigers) |
| Sanctuary | Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Location | Nallamala Hills, Eastern Ghats (Kurnool & Prakasam, AP) |
| Tiger Reserve | Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR) |
| River | Gundlakamma River |
| Endemic species | Lesser Woolly Horseshoe Bat |
| Animals to be reintroduced | 25–30 gaurs (Indian bison) |
Trap / Confusing Points
| Confusion | Correct Fact |
|---|---|
| Gaur = American Bison | Gaur is the Indian Bison — different from American bison |
| GBM is in Telangana | GBM is in Andhra Pradesh (Kurnool and Prakasam districts) |
| NSTR is only in AP | NSTR spans both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana |
| MP has 500 tigers (2022 census) | MP had 785 tigers in 2022 — highest in India |
| GBM is in Western Ghats | GBM is in the Eastern Ghats (Nallamala Hills) |
Practice MCQs
1. As per 2022 tiger estimation, which state has the highest tiger population?
a. Uttarakhand
b. Karnataka
c. Madhya Pradesh
d. Maharashtra
Ans: C
Madhya Pradesh had 785 tigers in the 2022 census — highest for any state.
2. Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary is part of which tiger reserve?
a. Amrabad Tiger Reserve
b. Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve
c. Satpura Tiger Reserve
d. Simlipal Tiger Reserve
Ans: B
GBM Wildlife Sanctuary lies within the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR).
3. GBM Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which hill range?
a. Shevaroy Hills
b. Cardamom Hills
c. Nallamala Hills
d. Papi Hills
Ans: C
GBM is in the Nallamallai Hill ranges of the Eastern Ghats in Kurnool and Prakasam districts of AP.
4. The endemic species uniquely found in GBM Wildlife Sanctuary?
a. Indian Star Tortoise
b. Lesser Woolly Horseshoe Bat
c. Slender Loris
d. Indian Giant Squirrel
Ans: B
The Lesser Woolly Horseshoe Bat is a rare mammal found only in the Gundla Brahmeswaram region.
5. Which river provides a perennial water source in GBM Wildlife Sanctuary?
a. Krishna River
b. Tungabhadra River
c. Gundlakamma River
d. Penna River
Ans: C
The Gundlakamma River is a perennial water source crisscrossing the sanctuary.
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