Tiger Reserves in India

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

Introduction

Conservation

Census

Archeology

Forests

» Introduction

The reserve named after the highest hill Bandhavgarh (807 m) in the centre of it, falls between the Vindhyan hill range and the eastern flank of Satpura hill range and is located in Shahdol and Jabalpur districts of Madhya Pradesh.

A chain of smaller hills, 32 in all, surrounds this hill, forming a number of valleys and spurs interspersed with low lying areas, such as Chakradhara, Rajbahera, Sehra-Dadra, Bhitri bah, Kolua bah etc. Since the main formation is of sandstone, water percolates through it forming a number of perennial streams and springs. The hills are mainly flat topped. The meadows in certain areas are marshy.

The Sal & bamboo covers plain tract and degenerates in growth and quality as it ascends the hill slopes, further giving place to mixed forest on upper slopes, mainly due to edaphic factors.

Few rare species like insectivorous plants Drocera peltata and medicinal plant like Buch (Acorus calamus) are found in some isolated patches of Tala ranges of the Reserve.

Rivers Johilla and Son flowing on the boundary on the eastern side, river Umrar passing through western fringes and the Bandhavgarh hill, which is visible from as far as 30 km, are some of the landmarks of the Reserve.


» Conservation History

The Bandhavgarh Fort, in the centre of the Reserve, atop the Bandhavgarh hill, was the seat of rulers of Rewa State, until they shifted to Rewa town in 1617 A.D. After independence and abolition of the princely States, the process of degradation of forests started due to relaxed control. Maharaja Martand Singh of Rewa, was deeply moved by the destruction of forests. On his proposal an area of 105 sq. km. was declared as National Park in 1965. The area of the park was increased to 448.84 sq. km. in 1982.

Bandhavgarh has been an excellent habitat of tiger and is known for the highest density of tigers in the world. Considering the importance and potentiality of the National park, it was included in the Project Tiger Network in 1993. The adjoining Panpatha Sanctuary too was declared as a part of the Reserve.

The area of 105 sq. km. of old National Park was finally notified in 1968. The remaining part of the National Park i.e. 343.842 sq. km. is yet to be finally declared though State Government had made the initial notification in 1982. Panpatha Sanctuary with an area of 245.847 sq. km. was declared in 1983.


» Census

CENSUS
Animal	Bandhavgarh National Park	Panpatha Sanctuary	Total Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
Tiger	46	6	52
Leopard	27		36
Sambar	753	59	812
Barking Deer	151	49	200
Nilgai	518	153	671
Gaur	1	0	1
Chausingha	19	0	19
Wild Boar	1414	447	1861
Wild Dog	3	6	9
Chinkara	110	73	183

Bandhavgarh National Park - Wildlife Population Estimation - 1989-1997
Species	1989	1990	1991	1992	1993	1994	1995	1996	1997
Tiger	59	60	45	40	41	44	46	43-49	44-49
Panther	20	22	22	22	24	24	26	23-26	25-29
Bison	36	38	35	35	32	32	30	1	1
Cheetal	7169	8659	6700	5900	6000	6500	7000	7400	7137
Sambar	4518	4628	650	570	600	700	750	821	753
Neelgai	4377	4403	460	490	500	350	550	644	518
Chausinga	61	61	9	10	8	10	15	13	19
Chinkara	215	430	150	160	150	150	160	224	110
Barking Deer	162	849	180	180	175	180	180	254	151
Black Buck	15	17	17	17	17	17	17	-	-
Deer	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-

» Archeology

Mythologically the fort was built by Lord Rama for his brother Laxman, during Ramayan period. There are a number of man made caves (35) in Bandhavgarh with inscriptions and carvings, which date back between about 129-168 A.D. Statues of various incarnations of Lord Vishnu, which were carved out of single rocks are found in the fort. "Sheshshaiya" the statue of lord Vishnu in reclining pose is the biggest of all and attracts every tourist. These statues date back to 10-11th Century A.D.


» Forest Types

Northern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests

Major Flora
Sal, Saja, Dhauda, Tendu, Arjun, Aonla, Pals, Salai, Bhirra, Khamer, Dhaman, Mango, Jamun, Bamboo, etc.

Major Fauna

Main Species

Mammals : Spotted deer or Chital, Sambar, Barking deer or Muntjac, Chausinga or Four-horned antilope, Nilgai or Blue bull, Indian Gazel or chinkara and Tiger, Leopard, wild dog or Dhole, Wolf, Scavangers consists of Hyena, jackal, Wild boar, Sloth bear, Common Langur, Rhesus monkey etc.

Bird : 242 species of birds have been identified in the Reserve. Commonly seen are Peafowl, Red Jungle fowl, Grey Hornbill, Common Teals, Red Wattled Lapwing, Crested Serpent Eagle, White Breasted Kingfisher, Lesser Adjutant Stork, etc.

Reptile : Cobras, Kraits, Vipers and Python

Fauna listed in the Schedules of WPA, 1972

Tiger (Panthera tigris), Leopard (Panthera pardus), Jungle Cat (Felis chaus), Wolf (Canis lupus), Jackal (Canis aureus), Indian Fox (Vulpes bengalensis), Wild Dog (Cuon alpinus), Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus), Ratel (Mellivora capensis), Hyaena (Hyaena hyaena), Chinkara (Gazella gazella) and Chowsingha (Tetraceros quadicornis). Amongst birds are Malabar Pied Hornbill and amongst reptiles Indian Varanus (Varanus bengalensis) and Python (Python morulus).




Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve Reservation Form

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