Durgavati Tiger Reserve UPSC

Madhya Pradesh Wildlife Board approved the creation of the Durgavati Tiger Reserve in 2022. Durgavati Tiger Reserve will host tigers of Panna Tiger Reserve, quarter of which is set to be submerged because of the linking of Ken-Betwa rivers.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
Green Corridor
Flora
Fauna

Mammals
Birds
Reptiles

UPSC Questions

Durgavati Tiger Reserve Location

Durgavati Tiger Reserve is located in Narisinghpur, Damoh and Sagar districts of Madhya Pradesh, India.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Durgavati Tiger Reserve is the Khajuraho Airport.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Durgavati Tiger Reserve is the Khajuraho Railway Station

Durgavati Tiger Reserve History

1. Wildlife Santuary: The Durgavati Tiger Reserve is named after Rani Durgavati, a queen of the Gondi people, and was initially notified as a sanctuary by the Government of Madhya Pradesh in 1996.

2. Tiger Reserve Status: In 2022, Durgavati Tiger Reserve was approved by the Madhya Pradesh Wildlife Board as a new reserve for tigers from the Panna Tiger Reserve. This decision was made in response to the potential submergence of a quarter of the Panna Tiger Reserve due to the linking of the Ken and Betwa rivers.

Durgavati Tiger Reserve Area

Durgavati Tiger Reserve spans across 2,339 square kilometers. It consists of a core area covering 1,414 square kilometers and a buffer zone covering 925 square kilometers.

Green Corridor

Green corridors are crucial for maintaining connectivity between different habitats and allowing the movement of wildlife, including tigers, between protected areas. They help prevent isolation and promote genetic diversity among tiger populations, which is essential for their long-term survival.

In the case of the Durgavati Tiger Reserve, tigers from the Panna Tiger Reserve are planned to be shifted to the Durgavati Tiger Reserve through a green corridor. This corridor would facilitate the natural movement of tigers between the two reserves, ensuring their conservation and minimizing the impact of the potential submergence of a quarter of the Panna Tiger Reserve due to the linking of the Ken and Betwa rivers.

Additionally, the Durgavati Tiger Reserve is identified as a green corridor for the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. This means that it serves as a connecting pathway between the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve and other habitats, potentially allowing for the movement of tigers. The sanctuary can also serve as a space to accommodate any excess tiger population from Bandhavgarh, helping maintain a balanced tiger population within the region.

Durgavati Tiger Reserve Flora

The Durgavati Tiger Reserve is known for its diverse flora. The reserve encompasses different types of vegetation, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands. Here are some of the common flora species that can be found in the Durgavati Tiger Reserve:

Teak (Tectona grandis): Teak trees are prevalent in the reserve.

Sal (Shorea robusta): Sal is another prominent tree species found in the tiger reserve.

Bamboo: Various species of bamboo are present in the Durgavati Tiger Reserve. Bamboo provides food and shelter for several wildlife species and is an important resource for local communities as well.

Mahua (Madhuca longifolia): Mahua is a common tree species in the region, and its flowers are used to produce edible oil.

Indian Gooseberry (Emblica officinalis): Indian Gooseberry, also known as Amla, is a small to medium-sized tree found in the sanctuary. Its fruits are rich in vitamin C and are utilized for various medicinal and culinary purposes.

Grasses and sedges: The Durgavati Tiger Reserve also supports a variety of grasses and sedges in its grassland and wetland areas. These provide grazing grounds for herbivores and create habitats for several bird species.

Durgavati Tiger Reserve Fauna (Durgavati Tiger Reserve Animals)

The Durgavati Tiger Reserve is home to a diverse range of fauna. The reserve supports various species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and other wildlife. Here are some of the notable fauna species found in the Durgavati Tiger Reserve:

Mammals:

Tiger
Leopard
Sloth Bear
Wolf
Jackal
Indian Fox
Striped Hyena
Indian Gaur
Sambar Deer
Barking Deer
Wild Boars

Birds:

Peafowl
Jungle Fowl
Owls
Eagles
Waterfowl

Reptiles:

Snakes
Lizards
Turtles