FIRST FRANCHISE OF CHAKRAPANI AT
Introduction
The reserve named
after the highest hill Bandhavgarh (807 m) in the centre
of
it, falls between the Vindhyan hill range and the eastern
flank of Satpura hill range and is located in Shahdol and
Jabalpur districts of Madhya Pradesh.
A chain of smaller hills, 32 in all, surrounds this hill,
forming a number of valleys and spurs interspersed with low
lying areas, such as Chakradhara, Rajbahera, Sehra-Dadra, Bhitri
bah, Kolua bah etc. Since the main formation is of sandstone,
water percolates through it forming a number of perennial
streams and springs. The hills are mainly flat topped. The
meadows in certain areas are marshy.
The Sal & bamboo covers plain tract and degenerates in growth
and quality as it ascends the hill slopes, further giving place
to mixed forest on upper slopes, mainly due to edaphic factors.
Few rare species like insectivorous plants Drocera peltata and
medicinal plant like Buch (Acorus calamus) are found in some
isolated patches of Tala ranges of the Reserve.
Rivers Johilla and Son flowing on the boundary on the eastern
side, river Umrar passing through western fringes and the
Bandhavgarh hill, which is visible from as far as 30 km, are
some of the landmarks of the Reserve.
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Conservation
History
The Bandhavgarh Fort, in the centre of the Reserve, atop the
Bandhavgarh hill, was the seat of rulers of Rewa State, until
they shifted to Rewa town in 1617 A.D. After independence and
abolition of the princely States, the process of degradation
of forests started due to relaxed control. Maharaja Martand
Singh of Rewa, was deeply moved by the destruction of forests.
On his proposal an area of 105 sq. km. was declared as
National Park in 1965. The area of the park was increased to
448.84 sq. km. in 1982.
Bandhavgarh has been an excellent habitat of tiger and is known
for the highest density of tigers in the world. Considering the
importance and potentiality of the National park, it was
included in the Project Tiger Network in 1993. The adjoining
Panpatha Sanctuary too was declared as a part of the Reserve.
The area of 105 sq. km. of old National Park was finally
notified in 1968. The remaining part of the National Park i.e.
343.842 sq. km. is yet to be finally declared though State
Government had made the initial notification in 1982. Panpatha
Sanctuary with an area of 245.847 sq. km. was declared in 1983.
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Animal
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Bandhavgarh National park
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Panpatha
Sanctuary
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Total Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
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Tiger
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Leopard
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Barking deer
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Nilgai
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Gaur
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Chausingha
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Wild boar
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Wild dog
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Chinkara
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Archeology
Mythologically the fort was built by Lord Rama for his brother
Laxman, during Ramayan period. There are a number of man made
caves (35) in Bandhavgarh with inscriptions and carvings,
which date back between about 129-168 A.D. Statues of various
incarnations of Lord Vishnu, which were carved out of single
rocks are found in the fort. "Sheshshaiya" the statue of lord
Vishnu in reclining pose is the biggest of all and attracts
every tourist. These statues date back to 10-11th Century A.D.
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Forest Types
Major Flora
Sal, Saja, Dhauda, Tendu, Arjun, Aonla, Pals, Salai, Bhirra,
Khamer, Dhaman, Mango, Jamun, Bamboo, etc.
Major Fauna
Main Species
Mammals:
Spotted deer or Chital, Sambar, Barking deer or Muntjac,
Chausinga or Four-horned antilope, Nilgai or Blue bull,
Indian Gazel or chinkara and Tiger, Leopard, wild dog or
Dhole, Wolf, Scavangers consists of Hyena, jackal, Wild
boar, Sloth bear, Common Langur, Rhesus monkey etc.
Bird:
242 species of birds have been identified in the Reserve.
Commonly seen are Peafowl, Red Jungle fowl, Grey Hornbill,
Common Teals, Red Wattled Lapwing, Crested Serpent Eagle,
White Breasted Kingfisher, Lesser Adjutant Stork, etc.
Reptile:
Cobras, Kraits, Vipers and Python
Fauna listed in the Schedules of WPA, 1972
Tiger (Panthera tigris), Leopard (Panthera pardus), Jungle Cat
(Felis chaus), Wolf (Canis lupus), Jackal (Canis aureus),
Indian Fox (Vulpes bengalensis), Wild Dog (Cuon alpinus),
Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus), Ratel (Mellivora capensis),
Hyaena (Hyaena hyaena), Chinkara (Gazella gazella) and
Chowsingha (Tetraceros quadicornis). Amongst birds are Malabar
Pied Hornbill and amongst reptiles Indian Varanus (Varanus
bengalensis) and Python (Python morulus).
