Introduction Bandhavgarh

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.

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.

Constraints

Human population

The National Park is surrounded by 62 villages, which have direct impact on the protected area by way of grazing, M.F.P. collection, fires and poaching.

Grazing

There exists a tremendous grazing pressure on the Reserve.

FIRE

Summer fires are frequent. Although these are ground fires and do not significantly harm the trees. Human settlements in and around is the main cause of these fires.

Poaching of fauna and flora

Animals moving out frequently, get killed occasionally by the villagers

Highways: PWD roads

Umaria-Rewa and Parasi-Katni via Khitauli, pass through the Reserve.

Conflicts

Man-Animal

Herbivores do move out for raiding the cultivated areas of the adjoining villages. Tigers also move out during monsoon and lift livestock. Crop raiding by wild animals is the main reason for conflicts.

Man-Forest

Grazing is the main area of conflict. Sporadic theft cases of timber, bamboo and M.F.P. are also reported.

Wild Animal-Forest

Grasslands like Bathan, show signs of over grazing by herbivores. Rotational grazing has been started with the help of enclosure of chain-link fencing.

Predator-Livestock

During monsoon, tigers move close to the villages and lift livestock.