Jumbo and vehicle safaris will soon be introduced at the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve to promote eco-tourism among the wildlife enthusiasts.

According to Forest Department sources, the 1.40 lakh hectare STR was declared a tiger reserve in 2013 by the National Tiger Conservation Authority of India. The other three tiger reserves in Tamil Nadu are Mudumalai in Nilgiris, Anamalai in Coimbatore and Kalakad-Mundanthurai in Tirunelveli district.

There are two divisions in the STR – Hasanur and Sathyamangalam. As per the recent census, there are about 75 tigers in the reserve.

“Thirty-seater vehicles will be pressed into service for the vehicle safari that will take around wildlife enthusiasts. The services of experts from the department will be utilised for the same. In addition to that jumbo safaris and trekking will also be arranged for the nature lovers and enthusiasts in places like Bhavanisagar, Thengumarahada, Kaermalam and Hasanur,” said an official.

A website that will provide information about the tiger reserve and the details of the safari is being developed and will be launched soon, the official added.