Pench Tiger Reserve UPSC
The Pench Tiger Reserve is a wildlife sanctuary and national park located in central India. It spans across two states, namely Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. The reference to Pench is mostly to the tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh.
The Pench Tiger Reserve derives its name from the Pench River, which flows through the reserve. It is known for its rich biodiversity, including the majestic Royal Bengal Tigers, which are the main attraction of the reserve. The reserve is also among the sites notified as Important Bird Areas (IBA) of India.
The Pench Tiger Reserve is famous for its association with the renowned author Rudyard Kipling's classic novel, "The Jungle Book." The story of Mowgli and his animal companions is believed to have been inspired by the jungles of Pench. The reserve holds a special place in the hearts of nature enthusiasts and fans of the novel.
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Pench Tiger Reserve Location
The Pench Tiger Reserve is located in central India, spanning across two states: Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. It is situated in the southern part of Madhya Pradesh and the northeastern part of Maharashtra.
Pench Tiger Reserve is considered a major part of Madhya Pradesh since it lies in Seoni and Chhindwara district but the reserve also shares a part of Maharashtra. An additional area of 257 sq km lies in Maharashtra.
The reserve is easily accessible by road, rail, and air. It is approximately 90 kilometers north of Nagpur city in Maharashtra and about 100 kilometers east of Seoni town in Madhya Pradesh.
Nearest Airport:
The nearest major airports to the Pench Tiger Reserve are Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport (130 kms) in Nagpur, Maharashtra, and Jabalpur Airport (210 kms), Madhya Pradesh.
Nearest Railway Station:
For those traveling by train, the nearest railway stations to Pench Tiger Reserve are Nagpur Junction in Maharashtra and Jabalpur Junction in Madhya Pradesh. Both stations are well-connected with major cities across India.
Pench Tiger Reserve History
The Pench Tiger Reserve has a rich history that spans several decades. Here's an overview of the history of the reserve:
1. Early History: The region encompassing the Pench Tiger Reserve has a long history of coexistence between humans and wildlife. The indigenous tribal communities, such as the Gonds and Baigas, have inhabited the area for centuries and have traditionally shared the landscape with the diverse flora and fauna.
2. Wildlife Sanctuary: In 1965, Pench was declared as a sanctuary.
3. Establishment of Pench National Park: The Pench National Park, which is now part of the larger Pench Tiger Reserve, was established in 1983. Initially, it covered an area of 449 square kilometers in the Seoni and Chhindwara districts of Madhya Pradesh. The main objective was to protect the natural habitat and wildlife of the region.
4. Renamed: The national park was later renamed as Indira Priyadarshini Pench National Park.
5. The Influence of "The Jungle Book": The Pench region gained international fame due to its association with Rudyard Kipling's famous novel, "The Jungle Book." Many believe that the inspiration for Kipling's story came from the landscapes and wildlife of the Pench area. The reserve embraces this connection and attracts visitors who are captivated by the allure of Mowgli's fictional world.
6. Recognition as a Tiger Reserve: In 1992, Pench National Park was declared a Tiger Reserve under the Project Tiger initiative.
Pench Tiger Reserve Area
Pench Tiger Reserve core area is covered by Priyadarshini Pench National Park and Mowgli Pench Sanctuary. The remaining area of this tiger reserve is the buffer area.
Core/Critical Tiger Habitat: The core or critical tiger habitat of the Pench Tiger Reserve covers approximately 411.330 square kilometers.
Buffer/Peripheral Area: The buffer or peripheral area of the reserve occupies approximately 768.300 square kilometers.
When these two areas are combined, the total area of the Pench Tiger Reserve amounts to approximately 1,179.630 square kilometers.
- Core/critical tiger habitat : 411.330 sq.km.
- Buffer/peripheral area : 768.300 sq. km.
- Total : 1179.630 sq. km.
Pench Tiger Reserve Zones
How many zones are there in Pench?
Pench Tiger Reserve is surrounded by 7 zones-
1. Khursapur
2. Sillari
3. Wolf Sanctuary
4. Rukhad
5. Jamatra
6. Karmajhiri
7. Touria
Pench Tiger Reserve Hills
Pench Tiger Reserve lies in the southern lower reaches of the Satpura Range on the southern border of Madhya Pradesh.
The Satpura Range is a series of hills and plateaus that extends across several states in central India, including Madhya Pradesh. The Pench River, which flows through the reserve, meanders through the Satpura Range, adding to the natural beauty of the region.
The hilly terrain of the Satpura Range in the Pench Tiger Reserve provides a variety of habitats for wildlife, including the Royal Bengal Tigers, leopards, Indian bison (gaur), deer, and numerous bird species.
The presence of the Satpura Range in the southern border of Madhya Pradesh contributes to the unique geographical features and natural diversity of the Pench Tiger Reserve.
Pench Tiger Reserve River
The Pench Tiger Reserve is named after the Pench River, which flows through the reserve and plays a crucial role in shaping its landscape and supporting its diverse ecosystem. The river serves as a lifeline for the reserve's flora and fauna, providing water, nourishment, and a source of sustenance.
The Pench River is a tributary of the Kanhan River and originates in the Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh. It then flows through the Pench Tiger Reserve, acting as a natural boundary between Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, before eventually joining the Kanhan River.
The river not only provides water for the wildlife in the reserve but also creates a network of water bodies, including lakes, ponds, and marshes, which attract a wide variety of bird species and other aquatic life. These water sources are crucial for both resident and migratory birds, making the Pench Tiger Reserve an important destination for birdwatchers.
Pench Tiger Reserve Lake
The Pench Tiger Reserve is known for its diverse and abundant water bodies, including lakes, ponds, and reservoirs, which provide crucial habitats for various wildlife species and contribute to the overall ecosystem of the reserve. While there are several water bodies within and around the reserve, there are some notable lake that deserves mention:
(1) Totladoh Reservoir (Meghdoot Dam):
Totladoh Reservoir is a significant water body located near the Pench Tiger Reserve. It is a large water body of 72 km2 out of which 54 km2 falls in M.P. and the rest in the adjoining state of Maharashtra.
It is a man-made reservoir created by the damming of the Pench River. The reservoir not only serves as a source of water for irrigation but also supports the wildlife and vegetation in the surrounding area. The Totladoh Reservoir is known for attracting a wide range of water birds, making it a popular spot for birdwatching.
(2) Kamthikhairy Dam or Pench Dam:
The Kamthikhairy Dam, also known as the Pench Dam, is situated in the vicinity of the Pench Tiger Reserve. It is a reservoir formed by the damming of the Pench River. The dam is primarily used for irrigation and water supply purposes in the surrounding region. The reservoir created by the dam supports the wildlife in the area, including the flora and fauna of the Pench Tiger Reserve.
(3) Kohka Lake:
Kohka Lake is a significant water body in the region. It not only serves as a source of water for irrigation but also supports the wildlife and vegetation in the surrounding area. The reservoir attracts a wide range of water birds and is known as a favorable spot for birdwatching.
Pench Tiger Reserve Tribe
The Pench Tiger Reserve is located in the central part of India, specifically in the states of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. The region surrounding the reserve is home to several tribal communities who have been living in close connection with nature for generations. Some of the tribal communities found in the vicinity of the Pench Tiger Reserve include:
(1) Gond Tribe:
The Gond tribe is one of the largest tribal communities in central India. They have a significant presence in the regions surrounding the Pench Tiger Reserve. The Gonds have a rich cultural heritage, with unique traditions, art forms, and a deep knowledge of the local flora and fauna.
(2) Baiga Tribe:
The Baiga tribe is another prominent tribal community found in the region. They have a close bond with the forests and are known for their traditional knowledge of medicinal plants and sustainable forest practices. The Baigas have a unique way of life and continue to maintain their cultural practices and beliefs.
(3) Korku Tribe:
The Korku tribe is mainly found in the central parts of India, including parts of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. They have a significant presence in the areas surrounding the Pench Tiger Reserve. The Korkus traditionally rely on agriculture and forest-based livelihoods.
Pench Tiger Reserve Flora
The Pench Tiger Reserve is characterized by a variety of plant species that belong to different forest types, including South Indian Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest, Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest, and Southern Dry Mixed Deciduous Forest.
Here are some of the prominent flora species found in the reserve:
Mahua (Madhuca longifolia): Mahua trees are a significant component of the flora in the Pench Tiger Reserve. They bear edible fruits and are culturally and economically important for local communities.
White Kulu (Sterculia urens): White Kulu, also known as Indian Sandalwood, is a deciduous tree species found in the reserve. It is valued for its timber and has religious and medicinal importance.
Salai (Boswellia serrata): Salai trees are native to the region and are known for their resin, which is used in incense and traditional medicine.
Saja (Terminalia elliptica): Saja is a species of Terminalia tree found in the Pench Tiger Reserve. It is valued for its timber and has cultural significance.
Bijiyasal (Pterocarpus marsupium): Bijiyasal trees are known for their durable timber and are found in the reserve's forests.
Dhaora (Anogeissus latifolia): Dhaora is a deciduous tree species that is found in the region and contributes to the flora diversity of the Pench Tiger Reserve.
Amaltas (Cassia fistula): Amaltas, also known as the Golden Shower tree, is a flowering tree species found in the reserve. It is known for its vibrant yellow flowers.
Pench Tiger Reserve Fauna (Pench Tiger Reserve Animals)
The Pench Tiger Reserve is renowned for its rich and diverse fauna, including numerous species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and other wildlife. Here are some of the prominent fauna found in the reserve:
Mammals:
- Bengal Tigers
- Indian Leopard
- Sloth Bear
- Hyena
- Four-horned Antelope
- Sambhar
- Barking Deer
- Spotted Deer
- Jungle Cat
- Wolf
- Gaur
- Fox
- Wild Boar
- Langur
Birds:
- Crow Pheasant
- Peafowl
- Pintail
- Lesser Whistling Teal
- Indian Roller
- Wagtail
- Blue Kingfisher
- Crimson-Breasted Barbet
- Red-Vented Bulbul
- Munia
- Waterfowl
Reptiles:
- Cobra
- Krait
- Rat Snake
- Python
- Crocodiles
- Monitor Lizards
Pench Tiger Reserve UPSC Questions
Q. Where is Pench Tiger Reserve?/Pench Tiger Reserve is located in which state?
A. Pench Tiger Reserve is loacted in Seoni and Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh, India.
Q. Is Pench Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra or Madhya Pradesh?
A. The Pench Tiger Reserve is located in two states: Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. It is situated in the southern part of Madhya Pradesh and the northeastern part of Maharashtra. The reserve is considered a major part of Madhya Pradesh since it lies in Seoni and Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh
Q. When was Pench National Park declared as a tiger reserve?
A. Pench National Park was declared a tiger reserve in 1992.
Q. What is the new name of Pench Tiger Reserve?
A. The new name of Pench Tiger Reserve is Indira Priyadarshini Pench Tiger Reserve.
Q. Who is the queen of Pench?/Which tiger is famous in Pench Tiger Reserve?
A. There is a tigress in the Pench Tiger Reserve known as T-15 or 'Collarwali,' who is often referred to as the Queen of Pench. Tigress T-15 gained popularity and earned the nickname 'Collarwali' due to her unique identification collar that was placed on her for research and monitoring purposes.
Q. How many tigers are left in Pench?
A. Pench Tiger Reserve was reported to have a healthy population of tigers. According to estimates, the reserve was home to approximately 87 tigers (2018).
Q. Why is Pench Tiger Reserve famous?
A. The Pench Tiger Reserve is famous for several reasons:
- Inspiration for "The Jungle Book"
- Abundant Wildlife
- Natural Scenic Beauty
- Conservation Success
- Wildlife Tourism
- Cultural and Historical Significance
- Connectivity and Accessibility
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