Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve: Location, Rivers, Dams, Flora, Fauna & UPSC Notes

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, located in Madhya Pradesh's Umaria district, is renowned for having one of the highest tiger densities in India. Spread across diverse landscapes of hills, valleys, and forests, it is equally famous for its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage, including Bandhavgarh Fort.

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Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve conservation is essential for UPSC Prelims (Environment & Ecology) and GS Paper-III (Environment, Biodiversity, Conservation) under Environment and Ecology. It links to Protected Areas, Species Conservation, and Government Initiatives. Join the UPSC coaching today and boost your preparation.

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About Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, in Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh, spans about 1,536 km² across the Vindhya ranges, featuring hills, valleys, and grasslands. Its centrepiece is the historic Bandhavgarh Fort, adding cultural significance to its ecological richness.

1. Introduction & Geography

• Location & Extent: Situated in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve lies between the Vindhya and Satpura ranges. It encompasses an area of approximately 1,536 km², with a core zone of 716 km² and a buffer zone of 820 km².
• Topographical Diversity: The reserve combines valleys, plains, and rocky hills, prominently featuring the historical Bandhavgarh Fort perched atop a central hill; the fort is believed to have been gifted by Lord Rama to his brother Lakshmana (“Bandhavgarh” meaning “Brother’s Fort”).
• Vegetation & Climate: Home to moist deciduous forests, sal-mixed forests, dry mixed deciduous forests, grasslands, and bamboo thickets. Dominant tree species include sal, Terminalia (Saj, Arjun), Anogeissus, and Amla.
• Rivers: The Johilla River flows through the northern part of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. The Son River and its tributaries, like Umrar and Damnar, also drain the reserve, supporting its rich biodiversity and dense forest ecosystems.

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2. Flora & Fauna

• Flora: The reserve has more than 515 plant species, approximately 242 bird species, a variety of reptiles and insects.
• Mammalian Diversity: Rich in wildlife such as Royal Bengal Tigers, leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, gaurs (Indian bison), chital, sambar, barking deer, nilgai, chinkara, wild pigs, langurs, and hyenas.
• Tiger Population: Boasts one of the highest densities of tigers in India, with estimates of around 80–135 individuals, delivering some of the best sighting probabilities across the country.
• Cultural & Historical Heritage: Beyond wildlife, the landscape is dotted with ancient caves, rock paintings, 1,500–2,000-year-old water structures, reflecting rich cultural layers and possibly serving as ancient trade route rest stops.

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3. Conservation & Governance

• • Protection Status: Designated a National Park in 1968 and upgraded to a Tiger Reserve in 1993 under Project Tiger.
  • Anti-Poaching & Project Tiger: Part of India's flagship tiger conservation initiative, with active anti-poaching patrols and surveillance systems.

• Recent Legal Developments:

• • National Green Tribunal (NGT) has shown interest in the inevitability of Yeoman hazard in case the annual Darshan Yatra was permitted to be located at the centre of the reserve, and wanted the practice of SOPs and caps on the number of visitors to preserve the delicate habitat.
  • One of the pleas considered frivolous by the Supreme Court concerns illegal mining in the park, giving strength to the park to guard itself against such intrusion.

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Importance of National Parks in India

A national park in India is significant in the conservation of biodiversity, conservation of endangered species, ecological stability, eco-tourism purposes and as research, educational and cultural heritage sites.

• Biodiversity Conservation – They protect endangered species like tigers, lions, elephants, and rhinoceroses, ensuring the survival of India's rich flora and fauna.
• Ecological Balance – Forest cover in parks regulates climate, prevents soil erosion, and maintains water cycles.
• Cultural & Heritage Value - Most parks preserve the ancient sites, tribal cultures, and sacred landscapes.
• Tourism & Economy - Eco-tourism attracts locals' revenue and income.
• Research & Education – Serve as natural laboratories for ecological studies and environmental awareness.
• Climate Change Mitigation - Be carbon sinks and alleviate greenhouse gases to help enhance climate resilience.

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Conclusion

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, the most crucial sanctuary in the tiger conservation process in India, combines ecology and culture. It has various landscapes, many tigers and historical value, which makes it imperative to maintain equilibrium in Conservation practices, sustainable tourism, and safeguarding of delicate ecosystems for the future.

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