This atlas is in beta. I am still checking facts, ranges, and species lists, so some of it may be wrong or incomplete. It is here early so these places get seen. If you spot an error, write to me.
Kali Tiger Reserve
BetaA Western Ghats tiger reserve of moist and semi-evergreen forest along the Kali river in Uttara Kannada.
Why this place matters
Large Western Ghats tiger reserve anchoring an 8,800 sq km mosaic of statutory forests and protected areas across Uttara Kannada and Goa, critical for connectivity of tigers, elephants and other endemics.
The wildlife
TigerENEndangeredWestern Ghats tiger reserve using moist and semi-evergreen forests and river valleys.
Asian ElephantENEndangeredPart of a wider elephant landscape across Uttara Kannada and Goa forests.
GaurVUVulnerableCommon along meadows and reservoir edges.
DholeENEndangeredWild dog packs hunting deer and other prey in forest clearings.
The wider field list, with current IUCN Red List status.
Mammals
- Asian elephantElephas maximusENEndangered
- Bengal tigerPanthera tigris tigrisENEndangered
- DholeCuon alpinusENEndangered
- Gaur (Indian bison)Bos gaurusVUVulnerable
Sambar deerRusa unicolorVUVulnerable
Sloth bearMelursus ursinusVUVulnerable
Indian chevrotainMoschiola indicaLCLeast Concern
Indian giant squirrelRatufa indicaLCLeast Concern
Indian leopardPanthera pardus fuscaNTNear Threatened
Birds
Great hornbillBuceros bicornisVUVulnerable
Black drongoDicrurus macrocercusLCLeast Concern
Kingfisher
Malabar pied hornbillAnthracoceros coronatusNTNear Threatened
Malabar trogonHarpactes fasciatusLCLeast Concern
Reptiles
Mugger crocodileCrocodylus palustrisVUVulnerable
Indian rock pythonPython molurusNTNear Threatened
Notable birds include Malabar Pied Hornbill, Great Hornbill and Blue-eared Kingfisher. Reptiles include Mugger and Indian Rock Python.
Plan your visit
Post-monsoon forests are lush with strong river flows and waterfalls; the late dry season concentrates animals near rivers and reservoirs.
- Zones
- Dandeli, Kulgi and Anshi tourism ranges along the Kali River
- Safari
- jeep safaris and boat rides on river and reservoir stretches
- Typical sightings
- Gaurs, deer and elephants along forest roads and riverbanks; hornbills and kingfishers along rivers; occasional tiger and leopard sign.
- Light and terrain
- River corridors provide varied light with reflections; forest interior shots require handling dappled light and shade.
- Hides
- Viewing from boats and viewpoints; no general public hides.
- Good to know
- Safaris and boat rides operate only with authorised guides and permits; some stretches may be closed during monsoon or for safety.