National Parks in Madhya Pradesh | 24 Apr 2024

Why in News?

Madhya Pradesh, often referred to as the "Heart of India," is renowned for its rich biodiversity and natural landscapes. The state is home to a total of 11 national parks, each offering a unique ecosystem and a diverse array of flora and fauna.

Key Points

  • From dense forests to sprawling grasslands, Madhya Pradesh's national parks provide habitat to a wide variety of wildlife, including Bengal tigers, leopards, deer species like barasingha, and numerous bird species.
  • The parks also play a crucial role in the conservation of endangered species and contribute significantly to the state's eco-tourism sector.
  • Bandhavgarh National Park:
    • Known for its high density of Bengal tigers, Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the most popular tiger reserves in India. It also houses various other wildlife species such as leopards, deer, and numerous bird species.
  • Kanha National Park:
    • Famous for its diverse wildlife and lush landscapes, Kanha National Park inspired Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book. It is renowned for its significant population of Bengal tigers, as well as barasingha (swamp deer) and other species of deer.
  • Dinosaur Fossil National Park:
    • Located in Dhar district, this national park preserves the fossilised remains of dinosaurs that roamed the region millions of years ago. Visitors can explore the fossil beds and learn about the prehistoric creatures that once inhabited the area.
  • Ghughua Fossil National Park:
    • Situated near Shahpura, Ghughua Fossil National Park is renowned for its large collection of plant fossils dating back to the Jurassic period. Visitors can observe the well-preserved fossils embedded in the rocks.
  • Kuno National Park:
    • It was initially established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1981. It covers an area of 344.686 sq km in the Sheopur and Morena districts. The main predators in the area include the Indian leopard, Southeast African cheetah, jungle cat, sloth bear, dhole, Indian wolf, Indian jackal, striped hyena, and Bengal fox. Ungulates found here include chital, sambar, nilgai, chousingha, chinkara, blackbuck, and wild boar.
  • Madhav National Park:
    • Nestled in the Vindhya Range (Gwalior district), Madhav National Park is characterised by its diverse flora and fauna, including deer, leopards, and various bird species. It also surrounds the scenic Madhav Sagar Lake.
  • Panna National Park:
    • It is renowned for its efforts in tiger conservation and is home to a significant population of these majestic cats. The park also boasts a rich biodiversity, including various species of deer, antelope, and birds.
  • Pench National Park:
    • Located on the border of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, Pench National Park is famous for its dense forests and diverse wildlife. Visitors can spot tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and a variety of bird species.
  • Sanjay National Park:
    • This national park, located in the Chhattisgarh-Madhya Pradesh border region, is known for its pristine forests and diverse flora and fauna. It is a part of the Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve and provides habitat for tigers, leopards, and other wildlife.
  • Satpura National Park:
    • It is characterised by its rugged terrain, deep valleys, and dense forests. It offers a unique experience of exploring the wilderness through jeep safaris, boat rides, and walking trails, allowing visitors to encounter wildlife like tigers, leopards, and sloth bears.
  • Van Vihar National Park:
    • Situated in Bhopal, Van Vihar National Park is a unique urban national park that aims to conserve biodiversity within an urban setting. It provides a natural habitat for various species of animals, including deer, monkeys, and birds, and offers a serene environment for visitors to enjoy nature walks and wildlife viewing.