Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Katerniaghat forest is a protected area located in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is situated on the border of Uttar Pradesh and Nepal, and is known for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystem.
The Katerniaghat forest covers an area of around 190 square kilometers and it is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. The forest is particularly known for its large population of tigers, as well as leopards, elephants, and many species of birds and reptiles. The forest also supports a significant population of human communities, mainly farmers and traditional fisherman.
The Katerniaghat forest is an important source of livelihood for the local communities, as the forest provides them with a variety of non-timber forest products such as honey, medicinal plants, and fruits. The forest is managed by the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department and is designated as a protected area under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect the forest and its biodiversity, but still, the forest is facing threats from human activities such as illegal logging, overfishing, pollution and climate change.
It's important to note that visiting the Katerniaghat forest requires proper permission and guidance, as some areas of the forest are not safe to enter without an expert.