Synopsis The 'Project Tiger' was initiated in India on 1 April, 1973, as a Centrally Sponsored Plan Scheme, with a view to conserve and increase the tiger population in their natural habitats for scientific, economic, aesthetic, cultural and ecological values; and to preserve for all times areas of such biological importance as a natural heritage for the benefit, education and employment of the people. Presently, there are 25 Tiger Reserve in India, spread throughout the country in 16 states, covering over 33.875, sq.km. forest area, representing different forest types of the Indian vegetation. The botanical account of various Tiger Reserves is prerequisite in evaluation of the habitat requirement for tigers, as well as for other animals and plants, commonly found in association with tigers. The various Tiger Reserves in India are : Bandipur (Karnataka), Corbett (Uttaranchal), Kanha (Madhya Pradesh), Manas (Assam), Melghat (Maharashtra), Palamau (Bihar), Ranthambhor (Rajasthan), Simlipal (Orissa), Sunderbans (West Bengal), Periyar (Kerala), Sariska (Rajasthan), Buxa (West Bengal), Indravati (Chhattisgarh), Nagarjunasagar (Andhra Pradesh), Namdapha (Arunachal Pradesh), Dudhwa (Uttar Pradesh), Kalakad-Mudathurai (Tamil Nadu), Valmiki (Bihar), Pench (Madhya Pradesh), Tadoba-Andheri (Maharashtra), Bandhavgarh (Madhya Pradesh), Panna (Madhya Pradesh), Dampha (Mizoram), Bhadra (Karnataka) and Pench (Maharashtra). The Nagarjunasagar Tiger Reserve (Andhra Pradesh) is the largest (3,568 sq.km.), whereas the Pench Tiger Reserve (Maharashtra) is the smallest in area (257 sq.km.).