News: A female Indian Gaur (Bos gaurus) was rescued from an illegal snare in the Eco-Sensitive Zone of Papikonda National Park.

Key Facts

• Location: Andhra Pradesh → along the Godavari River in the Eastern Ghats.
• Area → about 1,068 sq km.
• Declared Wildlife Sanctuary → 1978; upgraded to National Park → 2008.
• Landscape → Papikonda Hills + Godavari gorges + riverine habitats.

Flora + Fauna

• Moist + dry deciduous forests, evergreen patches + bamboo.
• Important species → Tiger + Leopard + Indian Gaur + Sloth Bear.
• Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA).
• Malabar pied hornbill is among the notable birds.

Tribal Communities

• Home to Konda Reddis + Koyas.
• Traditional forest knowledge + sustainable resource use are closely linked with the landscape