Satpuda Maikal

This part of central India contains some of the country’s biggest forests, and is rich in wildlife. It’s particularly important for tigers.

It’s a large area, this priority tiger landscape is around 118,000 sq km, of which almost 40% is forest, and includes some of the country’s most famous tiger reserves and protected areas.

The tiger reserves are connected by wildlife ‘corridors’ that fall outside the protected area network. These corridors can be a crucial way for tigers and other wildlife to move freely from one forest area to another, connecting populations and making sure they are able to expand and thrive.

But the scale makes it difficult to patrol and prevent poaching – especially without enough resources or training. That’s why we need your help…

India’s central highlands are largely covered with tropical forests and natural grasslands – some of which have been converted to farmland and some of which are affected by fire and livestock grazing.

Although certain areas have been made protected reserves, the tigers and other wildlife here are threatened by poaching, uncontrolled cattle grazing, infrastructure development, unsustainable harvesting of forest produce (including medicinal plants), and regular forest fires.

The rural population here is very dependent on forest resources for income and food. And as India’s economy grows, increasing urbanisation and development (roads, railway, tourism etc) is threatening tiger lands and corridors. Mining adds pressures to the natural environment here too – Satpuda Maikal lies in central India’s mineral belt.

Our work includes working with others to help to protect and connect vital tiger areas to support growing wild tiger populations. We’re also helping to find ways to reduce the pressures on natural resources whilst improving livelihoods.