Satpura Tiger Reserve UPSC

The Satpura Tiger Reserve is a national park and tiger reserve located in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. The tiger reserve is named after the Satpura Range.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
Hills
River
Lake
Rock Shelters and Ancient Cave Paintings
Flora
Fauna

Mammals
Birds
Reptiles

UPSC Questions

Satpura Tiger Reserve Location

The Satpura Tiger Reserve is situated in the Hoshangabad district (newly named Narmadapuram), which is approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles) southwest of Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh.

The reserve encompasses parts of the Satpura Range and is surrounded by dense forests, hills, and scenic landscapes.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Satpura Tiger Reserve is the Raja Bhoj Airport, also known as Bhopal Airport. It is located in Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. The airport is approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles) northeast of the Satpura Tiger Reserve.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Satpura Tiger Reserve is the Sohagpur Railway Station. It is located in Sohagpur town, which is about 20 kilometers (12 miles) away from the reserve.

Satpura Tiger Reserve History

The Satpura Tiger Reserve has a significant history in terms of its establishment and conservation efforts. Here are some key points about its history:

1. Establishment: In 1981, It was established as a national park.

2. Biosphere Reserve: Satpura Tiger Reserve is a part of Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve. Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve was declared as the first Biosphere Reserve of Madhya Pradesh in the year 1999 by Government of India. It includes three wildlife conservation units:

Bori Sanctuary
Pachmarhi Sanctuary
Satpura National Park

3. Recognition as a Tiger Reserve: In 2000, the Satpura National Park was declared a tiger reserve under the Project Tiger initiative, a national program focused on the conservation of the Bengal tiger and its habitat. It was created by merging the Pachmarhi Wildlife Sanctuary, Bori Wildlife Sanctuary, and Satpura National Park.

4. UNESCO Biosphere Reserve: In 2009, Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve was recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Satpura Tiger Reserve Area

Satpura Tiger Reserve comprises three protected areas:

(1) Satpura National Park: This is one of the core areas within the Satpura Tiger Reserve and covers a significant portion of the reserve's total area.

(2) Bori Sanctuary: Bori Sanctuary is another important component of the Satpura Tiger Reserve, providing additional protected habitat for wildlife.

(3) Pachmarhi Sanctuary: Pachmarhi Sanctuary is the third protected area within the Satpura Tiger Reserve, contributing to the overall conservation efforts in the region.

The core or critical tiger habitat of the Satpura Tiger Reserve spans approximately 1339.26 square kilometers (516.79 square miles). The buffer or peripheral area, which surrounds the core habitat, covers approximately 794.04 square kilometers (306.37 square miles).

When combining the core and buffer areas, the total area of the Satpura Tiger Reserve is approximately 2133.30 square kilometers (822.16 square miles).

Core/critical tiger habitat : 1339.26 sq.km.
Buffer/ peripheral area : 794.04 sq.km.
Total : 2133.30 sq.km.

Satpura Tiger Reserve Hills

The Satpura Tiger Reserve is located within the Satpura Range, which is a range of hills in central India. Satpura Tiger Reserve name is derived from the Satpura range. The reserve is characterized by its hilly terrain, as it is nestled amidst the Satpura Hills.

The Satpura Range is part of the larger Satpura-Maikal landscape, which is known for its rugged hills, deep valleys, and dense forests. The hills within the Satpura Tiger Reserve provide a varied topography, ranging from gentle slopes to steep cliffs. They add to the overall biodiversity of the region by creating diverse microhabitats and ecological niches.

Satpura Tiger Reserve River

Denwa river passes through Satpura Tiger Reserve. Denwa river join the Tawa river at the south of Ranipur. Tawa river is the largest tributary of Narmada River. The river flows through the reserve, providing water to the surrounding vegetation and wildlife.

Satpura Tiger Reserve Lake

The Satpura Tiger Reserve is home to several lakes and water bodies that enhance the natural beauty and ecological diversity of the reserve. Some of the notable lakes within or near the Satpura Tiger Reserve include:

(1) Tawa Reservoir:

The Tawa Reservoir is a large water body situated near the Satpura Tiger Reserve. It is formed by the damming of the Tawa River and serves as a significant habitat for aquatic life and migratory birds. The reservoir offers scenic views and opportunities for boating and other water activities.

(2) Madhai Reservoir:

Located within the Satpura Tiger Reserve, the Madhai Reservoir is another important water body in the area. It is formed by the damming of the Denwa River and provides a suitable habitat for various aquatic species and wildlife.

Satpura Tiger Reserve Rock Shelters and Ancient Cave Paintings

Satpura Tiger Reserve is important from view point of archaeology. The presence of more than 50 rock shelters within the Satpura Tiger Reserve, adorned with rock paintings depicting animals like elephants, tigers, deer, and porcupines, is a testament to the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region.

These paintings, estimated to be around 1,500 to 10,000 years old, provide valuable insights into the ancient human civilizations that inhabited the area and are instrumental in studying the history of human evolution in this region.

The rock paintings serve as a link to the past, offering glimpses into the lives, beliefs, and artistic expressions of the prehistoric communities that once thrived in the Satpura region. They provide valuable information about their hunting practices, lifestyle, and the flora and fauna that existed during that time.

The study of these rock paintings and their context aids archaeologists, anthropologists, and historians in understanding the cultural, social, and environmental aspects of human evolution in the area. The paintings also highlight the harmonious relationship between humans and nature in the past.

It is crucial to protect and preserve these rock shelters and their paintings as they are not only a valuable heritage but also contribute to our understanding of the history and evolution of human civilizations in the Satpura region.

Satpura Tiger Reserve Flora

The Satpura Tiger Reserve is renowned for its diverse and rich flora, encompassing various types of vegetation due to its varied topography and climatic conditions. The reserve hosts a wide range of plant species, including trees, shrubs, herbs, and grasses. Here are some of the notable flora found in the Satpura Tiger Reserve:

(1) Southern Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest: This type of forest is characterized by a diverse range of deciduous tree species that shed their leaves during the dry season. It typically includes trees like sal, teak, mahua, tendu, and bamboo.

(2) Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest: These forests have a similar composition to the moist deciduous forest but are adapted to drier conditions. Tree species like teak, saaj, tendu, and bel are commonly found in this type of forest.

(3) Tropical Riparian Fringing Forest: This forest type occurs along the banks of rivers and streams. It consists of vegetation adapted to the moist and humid conditions of riparian ecosystems, including tree species like jamun, arjun, mahua, and bamboo.

(4) Southern Tropical Thorn Forest: Thorn forests are characterized by trees and shrubs with thorny adaptations. These forests are found in drier areas and are dominated by species like babul, ber, khair, and tendu.

(5) Central Indian Subtropical Hill Forest: This forest type occurs in the hilly regions of the Satpura Tiger Reserve. It is characterized by a mix of tree species adapted to the hill ecosystem, including sal, bamboo, tendu, amla, and oak.

(6) Dry and Moist Grassland: In addition to forests, the Satpura Tiger Reserve also features grasslands of varying moisture levels. These grasslands support a variety of grass species, providing habitats for grazing animals and important ecological niches.

Satpura Tiger Reserve Fauna (Satpura Tiger Reserve Animals)

The Satpura Tiger Reserve is home to a diverse array of wildlife, with a wide range of animal species inhabiting its forests, grasslands, and water bodies. The reserve's varied habitats support a thriving ecosystem and offer ample opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Here are some of the notable fauna found in the Satpura Tiger Reserve:

Mammals:

Tiger
Leopard
Indian Bison
Flying Squirrel
Indian Giant Squirrel
Leaf Nosed Bats
Eurasian Otter
Smooth Coated Otter
Sambar
Chital
Indian Muntjac
Four-horned Antelope
Chinkara

Birds:

Malabar Pied Hornbill
Malabar Whistling Thrush
Madhya Pradesh’s state bird Paradise Flycatcher (Doodhraj)
Bar-headed Geese
Pintails
Spot-bills
Spoon-bills

Reptiles:

Indian Rock Python
Indian Cobra
Russell’s Viper
Common Monitor Lizard