Satpura tiger reserve

Satpura Tiger Reserve
Satpura Tiger Reserve is cradled in the rugged
hills of the Satpura range in the Hoshangabad
district of Madhya Pradesh. The Tiger Reserve
is spread over an area of 2133.30 sq km
together with wildlife sanctuaries of Pachmarhi
and Bori. Rich in biocultural diversity, the
Satpura national park was established in 1981
and harbours some of the critically endangered
animal and plant species. Pachmarhi, the
important hill station of the state is also
located within the area of Pachmarhi wildlife
sanctuary. Dhoopgarh (1352 m) the highest
peak in Madhya Pradesh is also located inside
the park. The terrain is generally hilly with
precipitous slopes, deep and narrow gorges,
ravines, sheltered valleys and dense forests
with many water falls.
The area is unique on account of the biological
diversity of different forests ranging from dry
thorn forests to tropical dry deciduous, moist
deciduous and semi evergreen forests. Teak,
sal and mixed forests are the major
compositions. The Bori Wildlife Sanctuary is
rich in Bamboo. Over 1200 varieties of
flowering and non-flowering plants are found
in this area. Some of them are very rare and
endangered species which only grow in
Pachmarhi plateau, an area percolated by deep
gorges with perennial streams. The park area
supports a rich wildlife. The Tiger is found in
good number but is confined to dense forest
areas. Leopards are found all over the park.
Other endangered species found in the reserve
include Indian bison (gaur), Indian giant
squirrel and the chameleon. Sambhar, chital,
chinkara, mouse deer, barking deer are also
present. Nilgai, chausingha, langurs, wilddog,
jackal, common fox and jungle cat are found
throughout the reserve. Sloth bear and wild
pig are also frequently seen in the park.
Water bodies of the reserve have crocodiles
and are rich in fish fauna. The area has a wide
spectrum of bird life. Among the birds
represented are jungle fowls, quails,
partridges, bee eaters, parakeets, egrets, eagle,
myna, bulbul, malabar pied hornbill and
vultures. One is also attracted by a large
variety of colourful butterflies, moths and
other insects. Madai, Churna, Bori, Dhal and
Paraspani are some of the areas for viewing
wildlife.
Of great archaeological interest are more than
130 rock shelters with rock paintings depicting
battles, hunts, animals, ceremonies and routine
daily life of the people, found all over the park
in the Pachmarhi plateau. Some of these are
estimated to be over 10,000 years old. Also
present are several ruins of temples and
fortifications dating back to 4th and 15th
century when the area was inhabited by the
Gond tribe.