Why in News? 

Tiger population in ATR (Chhattisgarh) rose from 5 in 2022 to 18 in 2025. 

• Wildlife sanctuary (1975), tiger reserve (2009); part of Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve. 
• Links Kanha and Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserves, supporting tiger movement & genetic diversity. 
• Home to Baigas (PVTG), Gond & Yadav communities. 
• Maniyari River (known as its lifeline) merges with Seonath River in the Mahanadi Basin. 
• Dominated by tropical moist deciduous forests (Sal, Saja, Teak, etc); wildlife– Tigers, Leopards, Bison, Flying Squirrel, etc.