5.1.2 Existence Value of NSTR

The RFs listed in Table 4 were declared as Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Sanctuary covering an area of 3568 km2. This sanctuary was established in the year 1982 under section 18 of the Wildlife Protection Act, (1972) (GOMS NO 485 listed in A.P. Gazette) for the conservation of flora and fauna of Central Deccan Plateau and Peninsular India. Subsequently it became one of the largest links in the Tiger Reserves designated under the Project Tiger. The area is an abode of endangered species like Tiger, Panther, Fishing cat, Indian Wolf, Rattle, Pangolin, Smooth Indian Otter, Black buck, Mouse deer, Chinkara and four horned antelope. The existing value of this Tiger Reserve is greatly enhanced by its geomorphological features. Extensive plateau areas, deep precipitous gorges with peculiar rock formations and serpentine ghats, cool valleys, cut with perennial streams, springs, moist forest patches and dry deciduous thorny scrublands presents diverse ecosystems for harbouring varied fauna of the area (Plate 2).