In News:

A rare collision of two cyclones has led to significant environmental impact, including the flattening of thousands of trees within the sanctuary.

Key Details:

• Location: Situated in the Mulugu district of Telangana, near the borders of Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh. Approximately 100 km from Warangal and 250 km from Hyderabad.
• Establishment: Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1952 by the Nizam government of Hyderabad.
• Area: Covers around 806 square kilometers.

Geographic Features

Rivers:

• Dayyam Vagu: A significant water source that divides the sanctuary into two parts.
• Godavari River: Flows through the sanctuary, contributing to its rich biodiversity.

Flora

• Vegetation: Dense tropical dry deciduous forest.
• Key Species: Includes teak, bamboo, madhuca, and terminalia trees, creating a lush habitat.

Fauna

• Wildlife: Home to diverse species such as:
  • Mammals: Tiger, leopard, panther, wolf, wild dogs, jackals, sloth bear, chousingha, blackbuck, nilgai, sambar, spotted deer, and four-horned antelope.
  • Reptiles: Notable for its population of mugger crocodiles and snakes, including cobras, pythons, and kraits.

Cultural Significance

• Temple: The famous Sammakka-Saralamma Temple is located within the sanctuary.