Tadoba Andhari National Park

The Land of Tigers

The Tadoba Andhari National Park and Tiger Reserve is one of the largest and oldest protected wildlife regions in Maharashtra, renowned for its rich biodiversity and pristine natural beauty. Located in Chandrapur District, the reserve is among India’s most important Project Tiger sites, symbolizing the country’s commitment to wildlife conservation.

Originally declared a National Park in 1955, covering 156.5 sq. km, Tadoba later merged with the Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary (established in 1986). In 1995, both were unified to form the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, encompassing core and buffer zones that together protect an extraordinary range of flora and fauna.

A Sanctuary of Nature and Myth

The name Tadoba is derived from God “Tadoba” or “Taru”, a revered local deity. According to legend, Taru was a village chief who valiantly fought a tiger and was later memorialized by a shrine near the lake that now bears his name. Andhari, meanwhile, comes from the Andhari River, which meanders gracefully through the park, nourishing its diverse ecosystem.

The reserve’s landscape is a mosaic of rugged hills, bamboo thickets, teak forests, marshlands, and tranquil lakes such as Tadoba, Kolsa, and Junoria. The Andhari River and Erai Dam form the lifeline of this forest, ensuring a perennial water supply. Numerous rivulets, man-made ponds, and small dams further sustain the region’s vibrant biodiversity.

Flora: A Forest of Teak and Colour

Tadoba’s vegetation belongs to the Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous type. Teak (Tectona grandis) dominates the forest, along with species like Ain (Crocodile Bark Tree), Bija, Halad, Salai, Semal, Mahua, and Bamboo.
The Axlewood (Anogeissus latifolia)—a fire-resistant tree—is also found here, along with the bright orange Flame of the Forest (Butea monosperma) that paints the forest with bursts of colour. The Arjun trees at Panchadhara and the woody climber Kach Kujali further enrich the park’s plant diversity.

Fauna: The Realm of the Bengal Tiger

Famed as “The Land of Tigers”, Tadoba is home to a thriving population of Bengal Tigers (Panthera tigris tigris). Besides the tiger, the reserve shelters Leopards, Sloth Bears, Hyenas, Wild Dogs, Jackals, Gaur (Indian Bison), Sambar, Barking Deer, Nilgai, Wild Boar, and Flying Squirrels. Nocturnal creatures such as Palm Civets, Ratels, and Small Indian Civets become active after dusk, adding to the park’s dynamic wildlife experience.

The Bengal Tiger, native to the Indian subcontinent for nearly 12,000 years, remains a powerful symbol of India’s natural heritage. With its striking orange coat and bold black stripes, it embodies strength and grace. However, due to poaching, habitat loss, and industrial pressures, the species is now classified as Endangered by the IUCN.

Conservation and Ecological Significance

Tigers occupy the apex position in the food chain and serve as vital indicators of ecological health. Protecting one tiger ensures the preservation of approximately 25,000 acres of forest, safeguarding countless other species and maintaining the natural balance of life. Tadoba’s conservation efforts not only protect tigers but also secure freshwater sources, forest resources, and ecosystem services crucial to both wildlife and humanity.

A Philatelic Tribute

The Department of Posts is proud to issue a set of two commemorative postage stamps on the Tadoba Andhari National Park, celebrating this magnificent landscape of life. The stamps honour the spirit of conservation, the beauty of India’s wildlife, and the enduring legacy of the Bengal Tiger—a guardian of nature’s intricate balance.

Tadoba Andhari stands as a living testament to India’s commitment to coexistence, biodiversity, and the protection of its majestic wildlife for generations to come.