Geographically Andhra Pradesh stands the fifth largest state in India and has the biggest coast line extending over 1000 km. This is the only state which is bestowed with two mighty rivers. Those are –
1) River Krishna
2) Godavari
Andhra Pradesh has wide and varied vegetation types enriched by a variety of flora and fauna. Andhra Pradesh being located strategically in the central region of the Indian sub-continent has some of the representatives of the magnificent Indian plants and animals. Its varied topography from the hilly ranges of the Eastern Ghats and the Nallamallas, to the shores of Bay of Bengal supports varied ecotypes which in turn support a variety of floral and fauna forms. The state can broadly be divided into four major biotic provinces.
DECCAN PLATEAU: 53%
CENTRAL PLATEAU: 35%
EASTERN PLATEAU: 11%
EAST COASTAL PLATEAU: 1%
The type of vegetation found in the state is largely of dry deciduous type with a mixture of Teak, Terminalias, pterocarpus, Anogeissus etc., The hills especially the Eastern Ghats, add greatly to the biological diversity, and provide centers of endemism for plants, birds and lesser forms of animal life. The varied habitat harbors a variety of fauna which includes
1) Tiger,
2) Panther,
3) Wolf,
4) Wild dog,
5) Hyena,
6) Sloth beat,
7) Gaur,
8) Black buck,
9) Chinkara,
10) Chowsingha,
11) Nilgai,
12) Cheetah,
13) Sambar and a number of birds and reptiles.
The long sea coast provides the nesting ground for sea turtles’ the back waters of Pulicat Lake are the feeding grounds for Flamingo and Grey Pelican; the estuaries of river Godavari and Krishna support mangrove vegetation. The state has some rare and endemic plants like Cycas beddomei, Pterocarpus santalinus, Terminalia pallida, Syzygium alternifolium, Shorea talura, Shored tumbuggaia, Psilotum nudam etc., Similarly the Double banded or the jerdon’s Courser and the Golden gecko are very rare and endemic to the state. Sports Betting
Andhra Pradesh has a network of 20 Sanctuaries and 4 National Parks covering an area about 11,982sq.km.
SOME OF THE IMPORTANT WILD LIFE SANCTUARIES AND NATIONAL PARKS ARE AS FOLLOWS with complete details
1) KAWAL SANCTUARY
LOCATION AND AREA: Adilabad district; 893 sq. Km
FLORA AND FAUNA: Dry deciduous Teak forests with Bamboo
terminelia, pterocarpus etc. Animals found are Tiger, panther, Gaur, Cheetah, Sambar, Nilgai, Barking deer, Chowsingha, Mouse deer, Sloth bear and a variety of birds
ACCESSIBILITY: 50 Km from Mancherial railway station (South central Railway) 260 km, from Hyderabad road, nearest airport – Hyderabad
ACCOMMODATION: Forest rest house at Janna rams.
SEASON: November to May.
For details please contact, Divisional Forest Officer (WLM) Janna ram
2) PRANAHITHA SANCTUARY
LOCATION AND AREA: Dry deciduous Teak forests along river pranahita, a tributary of river Godavari. The terrain is undulating and supports Tiger, Panther, Sloth bear, Cheetah, Black buck, Nilgai and a variety of birds including Brahmani duck, Teals, Storks and Herons.
ACCESSIBILITY: 70 Km, from Mancherial railway station (south central railway) 300 Km, from Hyderabad by road. Nearest airport – Hyderabad
ACCOMMODATION: Forest rest house at Mancherial and Chinnur.
SEASON: November to April
For details please contact, Divisional Forest Officer Mancherial.
3) SIVA RAM SANCTUARY
LOCATION AREA: Adilabad & karimnagar districts, 37sq. Km
FLORA AND FAUNA: Riverside forest mixed with Teak, Terminalia etc, noted for the presence of Marsh crocodiles in river Godavari with the forest harboring Tiger, Panther, Langur, Rhesus monkey, and Wild boar, Cheetah, Sambar, Nilgai and Python.
ACCESSIBILITY: 50 Km, from Mancherial railway station, 10 Km from Manthani in karimnagar district.
ACCOMMODATION: Forest rest house at Mancherial and Eklaspur
SEASON: December to April
For details please contact, Divisional Forest Officer, (WLM) Janna ram
4) ETURNAGARAM SANCTUARY
LOCATION AND AREA: Warangal district, 806, sqKm
FLORA AND FAUNA: Dry deciduous Teak forest with Bamboo, Pterocarpus, Anogeissus, Buchanania etc. Country with low hills with tiger, Panther, Gaur, Sambar, Cheetah, Black buck, Chowsingha, Barking deer, Wild boar, Wolf, Jackal, Fox, Jungle cat and a variety of birds.
ACCESSIBILITY: 90 Km, from Warangal/Kazipet railway station (south central railway) 250 Km, from Hyderabad by road, nearest airport Hyderabad.
ACCOMMODATION: Forest cottages and a Rest house at Tadvai, ITDA Guest house at Eturnagaram.
SEASON: October to May.
For details please contact, Divisional Forest Officer (WLM) Subedari, Warangal
5) PAKHAL SANCTUARY
LOCATION & AREA: Warangal district; 879 km.
FLORA AND FAUNA: Dry deciduous Teak forest with Bamboo, madhuca, Terminalia, pterocarpus etc. Animals found are Tiger, Panther, Gaur, sambar, Nilgai, Cheetah, Wild boar, Sloth bear, wild dog, Hyena, Jackal, Fox and migratory birds, like Ducks, Teals, Ibises, Storks and Cormorants.