Rare Four-Horned Antelope Sighted In Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve

A rare four-horned antelope was photographed for the first time in Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve (formerly Nauradehi Sanctuary) in Sagar district, Madhya Pradesh.

• Barking deer were also captured in the camera traps. 

About Four-Horned Antelope 

Four-horned antelope is also known as Chousingha.

• They are the smallest antelopes found in Asia.
• Scientific Name: Tetracerus quadricornis
• Distribution:
• • Range: Endemic to India and Nepal.
  • Specifics: Found from the foothills of the Himalayas in the north to the Deccan Plateau in the south of India.
• Preferred Habitat: Open, dry, deciduous forests in hilly terrain.
  • They avoid human settlements and areas with dogs.
• Conservation Status: Listed as “vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List.

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Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve

Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve is the seventh tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh.

• Location: Situated across Sagar, Damoh, and Narsinghpur districts in Madhya Pradesh.
• Established: It was established in 1997.
• Named after: Named after Queen Durgavati, a historical figure known for her bravery.
• Geographic Features
• • Rivers: Some parts of the reserve are located within the Narmada and Yamuna River basins.
  • Historical Site: Contains the historic Singorgarh Fort within its boundaries.
• Sanctuary designation: Initially designated as a sanctuary in 1996, honoring Queen Durgavati of the Gondi people.
  • Tiger Reserve upgradation: Upgraded to a tiger reserve in 2022 by the Madhya Pradesh Wildlife Board.

Fauna and Flora in Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve

• Flora: This reserve includes major species like Teak, Saja, Dhaora, Ber, and Amla.
• Fauna: Rich diversity including Bengal tigers, leopards, wolves, jackals, Indian foxes, striped hyenas, Nilgai, Chinkara, Chital, Sambhar, Black Buck, Barking deer, Common Langur, and Rhesus Macaque.

Sanctuary Inclusions and Connectivity

• Inclusions: Encompasses parts of the Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary and Durgavati Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Green Corridor: A green corridor linking Panna Tiger Reserve with Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve will facilitate natural movement of tigers between these areas.

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