India, May 13 -- The Satara forest department has initiated steps to declare the Kiraksal-Kukudwad grassland region in Maandesh as a 'conservation reserve' to protect its rich biodiversity, rare wildlife, and native grassland ecosystem. The proposed conservation plan includes grassland restoration, wildlife monitoring, a leopard census, and eco-tourism initiatives. Earlier on April 9, Hindustan Times had reported about the Kiraksal wildlife conservation project and growing efforts to protect the region's grassland habitat and wolf population.

The initiative is being undertaken under the guidance of Amol Satpute, deputy conservator of forests (DCF), Satara division; with a focus on preserving the region's fragile grassland ecosystem, nati...