The dry deciduous mixed forests of Tectona grandis, Pterocarpus marsupium, Terminalia tomentosa, Albizzia spp., Anogeissus latifolia, Dalbergia sissoo, Boswellia serrata, and bamboo, which describe most of the reserve forest areas along the NGT road, are home to a large number of endangered species listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. These include tiger, panther, hyena, jungle cat, sloth bear, mouse deer, pangolin, giant squirrel, python and marsh crocodile. These forests also support good populations of bonnet macaque, sambar, chital, nilgai, chowsingha, chinkara, and monitor lizard. Wild dogs are also reported to occur in these forests. During the field visit to the GBM Sanctuary and the adjacent reserve forests, the presence of chital, monitor lizard and giant squirrels could be confirmed by direct sightings. As per the records of the census conducted by the Forest Department in 1997, 17 tigers and 7 leopards have been reported in the Nandyal Forest Division. Indirect evidence of sambar, nilgai and hyena could also be observed during the reconnaissance survey of the area (Plate 3).

The existing NGT road, established more than 50 years ago, is not a barrier to movement of animals. The contiguity of the habitat on both sides of the road has been largely maintained, as is evident from observations and reported movements of animals in the larger conservation area, which includes the GBM Sanctuary and Rajiv Ghandi Tiger Reserve to the north of the road, as well as the reserve forests of the Pacherla Beat of the Chelama Range to the south. During the field visit chital were observed freely crossing the road and evidence of sambar was found on both sides of the road.