The Maharastra state government has declared a new conservation reserve in the forest land of Sangli district — Atpadi conservation reserve — connecting the Maini conservation area in the west with the Maldhok bird sanctuary in the northeast.

• The new reserve will help protect the wildlife corridors and preserve the habitat of wolves, deer, foxes, civets and other mammals in the area.  
• The Atpadi conservation reserve is home to 36 species of trees, 116 species of herbs, 15 species of shrubs, 14 species of vine and one parasitic plant.
• The Sangli forest department submitted a proposal under the guidance of Dr Ben to the state government to protect the area.
• The Government of Maharashtra, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 36-A of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and of all other powers enabling it on that behalf, declared the formation of Atpadi Conservation Reserve