Location: Karnataka state Map
Area: 250 km2
Kali Tiger Reserve, formerly known as Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve, is a prominent protected area in the Western Ghats of India, renowned for its rich biodiversity and role in tiger conservation. Located in Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka, it encompasses Anshi National Park and Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, forming a contiguous forested tract that serves as a critical habitat for Bengal tigers, black panthers, Indian elephants, and numerous other species. Spanning approximately 1,300 square kilometers (with core areas totaling around 814 square kilometers from Dandeli at 475 square kilometers and Anshi at 339 square kilometers), the reserve is named after the Kali River, which flows through it and supports the ecosystem. It offers a blend of moist deciduous, semi-evergreen, and evergreen forests, providing a less crowded alternative to more popular tiger reserves like Bandipur or Nagarahole. The reserve not only protects endangered wildlife but also promotes eco-tourism and community involvement, contributing to India's Project Tiger initiative.
The foundation of Kali Tiger Reserve traces back to colonial and post-independence conservation efforts. The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary was established on May 10, 1956, initially covering forested areas in the region. In 1987, a portion was carved out to create Anshi National Park on September 2, covering 250 square kilometers, which was later expanded by 90 square kilometers in 2002 to enhance protection for the area's unique biodiversity. These two protected areas were merged in January 2007 under Project Tiger, forming the Anshi-Dandeli Tiger Reserve to focus on tiger conservation amid declining populations. In December 2015, it was renamed Kali Tiger Reserve to honor the Kali River's ecological significance, a decision influenced by local advocacy and cultural references, including a film that highlighted the river's importance. This evolution reflects India's broader shift toward integrated wildlife management, with the reserve being notified as a tiger reserve in 2008-2009. Anshi National Park remains an integral core component, known for its denser evergreen forests and higher elevation terrains compared to Dandeli's riverine landscapes.
Nestled in the North Western Ghats, Kali Tiger Reserve lies between
latitudes 14°54' to 15°07' N and longitudes 74°16' to 74°30' E, with
elevations ranging from 27 meters to 1,059 meters above sea level.
The terrain features undulating hills, deep valleys, and river
valleys carved by the Kali River and its tributaries, creating a
mosaic of habitats from floodplains to montane forests. The soil is
predominantly lateritic, with low water retention, leading to
seasonal water scarcity despite abundant rainfall. The reserve
borders Goa to the west and is part of a larger biodiversity
hotspot, adjoining other protected areas like Bhagwan Mahaveer
Wildlife Sanctuary. Anshi National Park occupies the western, more
rugged section with steeper slopes and perennial streams.
The
climate is tropical monsoonal, characterized by high humidity
throughout the year. Annual rainfall averages 2,500-4,000 mm, mostly
during the southwest monsoon from June to September, rejuvenating
the forests and rivers. Summers (March-May) are hot and dry, with
temperatures up to 35-40°C, while winters (December-February) are
mild, ranging from 15-25°C. The post-monsoon period
(October-February) offers pleasant weather, ideal for exploration,
though the dry season concentrates wildlife around water sources
like the Kali River.
Kali Tiger Reserve boasts exceptional biodiversity, classified under
the endangered North Western Ghats montane rain forests and moist
deciduous forests ecoregions. The flora includes over 300 plant
species, dominated by sal (Shorea robusta) in deciduous areas,
transitioning to evergreen species like bintangur (Calophyllum
tomentosum), Malabar tamarind (Garcinia morella), and Hopea
wightiana in Anshi's wetter zones. Other notable trees are
Tetrameles nudiflora, blackboard tree (Alstonia scholaris), Machilus
macrantha, Carallia brachiata, true cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum),
teak (Tectona grandis), bamboo, and introduced species like
eucalyptus and silver oak. Lantana and bauhinia form undergrowth,
while riverine areas support riparian vegetation.
The fauna is
diverse, with 53 mammal species recorded. Flagship species include
the Bengal tiger (estimated at 22 individuals in 2024, down from 29
in 2023 due to migration and habitat pressures), black panther (a
melanistic form of leopard), and Indian elephant. Other mammals
comprise Indian bison (gaur), sloth bear, wild dog (dhole), sambar
deer, spotted deer (chital), barking deer (muntjac), mouse deer,
wild boar, bonnet macaque, grey langur, grey slender loris, Indian
giant squirrel, flying squirrel, porcupine, pangolin, jungle cat,
leopard cat, small Indian civet, and Indian grey mongoose. Reptiles
number around 30 species, including king cobra, spectacled cobra,
Russell's viper, saw-scaled viper, common krait, Indian rock python,
vine snake, bamboo pit viper, and monitor lizards. Amphibians and
fish thrive in the rivers, with the Kali supporting species like
mahseer.
Avifauna is prolific, with about 200-250 bird species,
including all four hornbill types: great hornbill, Malabar pied
hornbill, Malabar grey hornbill, and Indian grey hornbill. Other
birds are Asian fairy bluebird, crested serpent eagle, brahminy
kite, golden-backed woodpecker, Sri Lanka frogmouth, yellow-footed
green pigeon, ashy woodswallow, and adjutant stork. Rare sightings
include the Malabar civet and endangered species like the dhole.
As part of Project Tiger since 2007, Kali Tiger Reserve focuses on habitat protection, anti-poaching, and community engagement. Managed by the Karnataka Forest Department under the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), it includes two sub-divisions (Dandeli and Anshi) and six ranges. Efforts involve camera trapping for monitoring (contributing to state databases since 2013), habitat restoration to combat invasive species like lantana, and prey base enhancement through grassland management. Translocations and corridor protection link it to adjacent reserves, promoting genetic diversity. Community programs provide alternative livelihoods, such as eco-tourism guiding, to reduce dependence on forests. Collaborations with NGOs and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) support anti-poaching patrols and fire management. Anshi's core zone emphasizes strict protection for sensitive evergreen habitats, while buffer areas allow regulated human activities.
Tourism in Kali Tiger Reserve is regulated to minimize impact,
operating from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the best time being October
to May for comfortable weather and higher wildlife sightings; March
to May is peak for tiger spotting due to dry conditions. Entry
requires permits (around INR 450 for safaris), and activities must
be guided. Jungle safaris run twice daily (morning and evening) via
jeep from Phansoli or Kulgi, penetrating core areas for tiger and
elephant viewing. Forest walks include the 3-km Bird Trail and
Mammal Trail at Kulgi. Adventure options feature white-water
rafting, kayaking, and canoeing on the Kali River (organized by
Jungle Lodges & Resorts), with mild rapids and opportunities to spot
crocodiles and birds. Trekking routes lead to Dudhsagar Waterfalls
(20 km) or Shirve Gudda viewpoint. Birdwatching is excellent,
especially for hornbills. Nearby attractions include Ulavi Caves
(with temples and rock formations), Syntheri Rocks (river gorge),
Sathodi Falls, and dams like Supa and Kadra.
Access is via Hubli
Airport (110 km) or Hubli Railway Station (112 km), followed by road
to Dandeli (nearest town, 500 km from Bengaluru). Accommodations
range from government camps like Kulgi Nature Camp (tents at INR
1,500-2,500, dormitories) to eco-resorts in buffer zones,
emphasizing sustainable stays with local vegetarian cuisine.
Despite progress, Kali Tiger Reserve faces significant threats. Human-wildlife conflicts arise from crop raids by elephants and livestock predation by tigers, exacerbated by surrounding villages and agriculture. Infrastructure like hydroelectric dams (e.g., Supa Dam) and the Kaiga Nuclear Power Station within or near the reserve fragment habitats, alter river flows, and risk pollution. Poaching, though reduced, persists for tiger parts and elephant ivory, while illegal logging and mining proposals in adjacent areas threaten forests. Climate change intensifies dry seasons, drying water holes early and increasing fire risks. Invasive species like lantana choke grasslands, reducing prey availability. Recent tiger population dips (from 29 to 22) are attributed to migration due to habitat pressures and human encroachment. Conservation challenges include balancing development with protection, enforcing anti-poaching, and mitigating floods from monsoons. Ongoing efforts aim to address these through stricter regulations and community incentives, but sustained funding and policy support are crucial for long-term viability.