Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve UPSC

The Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is a renowned national park located in Madhya Pradesh, India. It is one of the most popular tiger reserves in the country and is known for its high tiger population density.

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve has been recognized for having one of the highest densities of tigers in India. One tiger is found in every 8 km area.

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is famous for White Tigers. Maharaja Martand Singh of Rewa captured the first white tiger (Mohan) in Bandhavgarh region in 1951.

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve has a rich historical and mythological significance. The area houses ancient caves, rock shelters, and inscriptions that date back thousands of years. It is believed to be associated with the Ramayana, an ancient Hindu epic, and has connections to Lord Rama's stay during his exile.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
Zones
Hills
River
Lake
Tribe
Flora
Fauna

Mammals
Birds
Reptiles
Turtles

UPSC Questions

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve Location

The Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is situated in the central part of the country and in the eastern Satpura hills.

The nearest major city to Bandhavgarh is Jabalpur, which is approximately 190 kilometers (118 miles) away. The reserve is well-connected by road and can be reached by taking a taxi or bus from Jabalpur or other nearby cities.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is Jabalpur Airport (also known as Dumna Airport). It is located in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, which is approximately 190 kilometers (118 miles) away from the reserve. Jabalpur Airport is well-connected to major cities in India.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is Umaria Railway Station. It is located in the town of Umaria, which is approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) away from the reserve.

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve History

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve has a rich history that spans thousands of years. Here's an overview of the historical significance of the reserve:

1. Ancient Times: The area around Bandhavgarh has a long history of human habitation. It is dotted with ancient caves and rock shelters, some of which have prehistoric paintings and inscriptions dating back thousands of years. These caves provide evidence of early human settlements in the region.

2. Mythological Significance: Bandhavgarh is believed to be associated with the Hindu epic Ramayana. It is said that Lord Rama, the protagonist of the Ramayana, stayed in the forests of Bandhavgarh during his exile. The reserve derives its name from the Sanskrit words "Bandhav" (brother) and "Garh" (fort), which alludes to the mythological connection.

3. Historical Fort: Bandhavgarh is known for its ancient fort, which sits atop a hill within the reserve. The fort has a history dating back to the 3rd century BC and has been ruled by various dynasties, including the Mauryas, Vakatakas, and Chandela kings. It served as a strategic stronghold due to its elevated position and commanding views of the surrounding landscape.

4. Hunting Preserve: During the colonial era, Bandhavgarh was used as a hunting ground by the Maharajas (kings) of Rewa. Hunting parties would visit the reserve to pursue game, including tigers.

5. National Park Status: In 1968, Bandhavgarh was declared a national park with the objective of conserving wildlife, particularly the endangered tigers.

6. Tiger Reserve: In 1993, Bandhavgarh National Park became a tiger reserve.

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve Area

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve consists of three distinct areas: Bandhavgarh National Park (452.666 km2), Panpatha Wildlife Sanctuary (264.235 km2) which make up the “Core Area” and the adjoining notified Buffer Area spread across the districts of Umaria, Shahdol and Katni.

Core Area: 716.903 sq. km
Buffer Area: 820.035 sq. km
Total Area: 1536.938 sq. km

Bandhavgarh National Park: The core area of Bandhavgarh National Park covers approximately 452.666 square kilometers (175 square miles).

Panpatha Wildlife Sanctuary: The core area of Panpatha Wildlife Sanctuary spans approximately 264.235 square kilometers (102 square miles).

Buffer Area: The notified buffer area surrounding the core zones is spread across the districts of Umaria, Shahdol, and Katni and covers an area of approximately 820.035 square kilometers (317 square miles).

Therefore, the total area of the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, considering the core area and the buffer area, is approximately 1536.938 square kilometers (594 square miles).

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve Zones

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is divided into three major zones, namely Tala Zone, Magdi Zone, and Bamera Zone. These zones are the primary safari zones within the reserve where tourists can explore and observe wildlife. Here's a brief description of each zone:

(1) Tala Zone:

The Tala Zone is the most popular and frequently visited zone in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. It is known for its high tiger density and offers excellent opportunities for tiger sightings. The zone is characterized by a mix of grasslands, rocky terrain, and dense forests, providing a diverse habitat for wildlife.

(2) Magdi Zone:

The Magdi Zone is another important safari zone within Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. It is known for its scenic beauty and varied topography, which includes hills, valleys, and streams. The zone is home to a range of wildlife species, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and various species of deer.

(3) Bamera Zone:

The Bamera Zone is relatively less explored but gaining popularity among visitors. It is characterized by dense forests and offers a serene and tranquil environment. The zone is known for its birdlife, and birdwatchers can spot a variety of avian species here.

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve Hills

The Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is located between the Vindhyan and Satpura ranges of Madhya Pradesh, India. The reserve is situated in the eastern part of Madhya Pradesh and is bordered by the Vindhyan and Satpura mountain ranges.

The presence of these mountain ranges contributes to the diverse topography and varied habitats found within the reserve, making it a suitable home for a wide range of wildlife species, including tigers.

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve River

Several rivers and streams like Johilla, janadh, charanganga, Damnar, Banbei, Ambanala and Andhiyari Jhiria streams passes through Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. These streams merge into the Son river.

(1) Johilla River:

The Johilla River is a significant river that passes through the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. It originates from the Shahdol district in Madhya Pradesh and flows through the reserve, providing water to the surrounding areas.

(2) Janadh River:

The Janadh River is another notable river that flows through the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. It originates in the Umaria district and traverses through the reserve, contributing to the water resources and ecosystems of the region.

(3) Charanganga River:

The Charanganga River is a small river that also passes through the reserve. It adds to the water network within the reserve, supporting the flora and fauna in the area.

(4) Damnar River:

The Damnar River is a seasonal river that flows through the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. During the monsoon season, it carries water and adds to the overall water system of the reserve.

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve Lake

Within the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, there is a notable water body called Mahaman Pond, also known as Mahaman Talab. Mahaman Pond is a significant water source located in the Tala Zone of the reserve. It is a large artificial pond that was created to provide water to wildlife, especially during the dry season when natural water sources may be scarce.

Mahaman Pond serves as a crucial watering hole for various animals, including tigers, deer, and numerous bird species. It attracts wildlife from the surrounding areas, making it a prime spot for wildlife sightings and photography. The pond is often frequented by animals during early mornings and late evenings, creating excellent opportunities for visitors to witness and observe the diverse wildlife of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve Tribe

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is home to various tribal communities. While there are no specific tribes residing within the boundaries of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, the surrounding regions are inhabited by tribal communities that have their unique cultures, traditions, and lifestyles.

Some of the tribal communities found in the vicinity of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve and the broader region of Madhya Pradesh include:

(1) Baiga:

The Baiga tribe is one of the prominent tribal communities in Madhya Pradesh. They traditionally inhabit the forests of central India, including parts of the Vindhyan and Satpura ranges.

(2) Gond:

The Gond tribe is one of the largest tribal communities in central India, including Madhya Pradesh. They have a rich cultural heritage and are known for their unique art forms, such as Gond painting.

(3) Kol Tribe:

The Kol tribe, also known as Kolar or Koli, is an indigenous tribal community primarily found in the central and eastern parts of India, including the states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal. The Kol tribe is considered one of the oldest tribes in India and has a distinct cultural identity and rich heritage.

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve Flora

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is known for its rich and diverse flora, consisting of various forest types. The major vegetation types found in the reserve include:

(1) Moist Peninsular Low-level Sal Forest:

This forest type dominates a significant portion of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. It is characterized by the presence of sal trees (Shorea robusta), which are a dominant species in the region. Along with sal, other tree species like bamboo, teak, tendu, mahua, and arjun can also be found in this forest type.

(2) West Gangetic Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest:

This forest type is prevalent in the western part of the reserve. It comprises a mix of deciduous trees such as sal, mahua, tendu, saj, amla, and banyan. The presence of these diverse tree species supports a variety of wildlife and provides a vital habitat for numerous bird species.

(3) Northern Dry Mixed Deciduous Forest:

This forest type is found in the northern regions of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. It consists of deciduous trees that are adapted to drier conditions. Common tree species in this forest type include saalai, dhawada, saja, palas, and kardhai.

(4) Dry Deciduous Scrub Forest:

This forest type is characteristic of drier areas within the reserve. It is dominated by scrub vegetation, thorny bushes, and smaller trees. The dry deciduous scrub forest is adapted to the arid conditions and includes species such as babool, khair, kullu, and tendu.

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve Fauna (Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve Animals)

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is renowned for its diverse and abundant wildlife. The reserve is home to a wide range of animal species, including both predators and herbivores. Some of the notable fauna found in the reserve are:

Mammals:

Tiger
Leopard
Dhole (Indian Wild Dog)
Bengal or Indian Fox
Sloth Bear
Smooth-coated Otter
Rusty Spotted Cat
Fishing Cat
Gaur
Wild Elephant
Wolf
Indian Fox
Jungle Cat
Common Langur
Rhesus Macaque
Hyena
Wild Pigs
Grey Mangoose
Porcupine
Spotted Deer
Barking Deer
Sambar
Chousingha
Chinkara
Nilgai
Gaur

Birds:

Sarus Cranes
Lesser Adjutant Stork
Cliff Nesting Long-billed Vulture
Tree Nesting White-backed Vulture
Peafowl
Indian Roller
Redwattled Lapwing
White-breasted Kingfisher
Asian Paradise Flycatcher
Crested Serpent Eagle (Dogra cheel)
Red Jungle Fowl
Oriole
Purple Sunbird
Indian Grey Hornbill
Malabar Pied Hornbill
Oriental Magpie Robin
Tree Pie

Reptiles:

Indian Rock Python
Common Vine Snake
Indian Rat Snake
Russell's Viper
Common Indian Krait
Indian Cobra
Bengal Monitor Lizard
Indian Garden Lizard
Fan-throated Lizard
Indian Chameleon
Common Skink
Geckos

Turtles:

Indian Softshell Turtle
Indian Flapshell Turtle