Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve: A Comprehensive Overview

Why in news?

A female tiger cub was found dead in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.

About Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

• Location: Eastern Satpura Hills, Umaria & Katni Districts, Madhya Pradesh
• Area: Core area of 694 sq km with a buffer zone of 437 sq km
• The park is spread across the Umaria and Katni districts and is famous for being a stronghold of the majestic Bengal tiger.
• Flora: Tropical moist deciduous forests dominated by Sal (Shorea robusta) and Bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus)
• Fauna: Famous for its tiger population, along with elephants, nilgai, chausingha, chital, langurs, wild boar, jackals, and more
• Birdlife: Home to rare species like the Paradise Flycatcher, Indian Pitta, Shikra, Long-billed Vulture, and White-backed Shama
• The reserve is not only significant for its wildlife but also for its cultural and historical connections to the Ramayana, where the Bandhavgarh Fort was said to be gifted by Lord Rama to his brother Lakshmana.

Historical Significance

• Bandhavgarh Name Origin: Derived from "Bandhav" (brother) and "Garh" (fort), the name reflects the fort's legendary connection to Lord Rama and Lakshmana.
• Bandhavgarh Fort: Situated atop the Bandhavgarh hill, this fort was historically the capital for local rulers until 1617. The fort remains centrally located within the park, adding to the area's historical charm.
• Royal Hunting Ground: The park was once a royal hunting ground for the Maharajas, who killed tigers for sport. Maharaja Venkat Raman Singh was known to have killed 111 tigers by 1914.

Conservation Efforts

• Establishment: The area was declared a national park in 1968, initially covering just 105 sq km. The reserve expanded over time to include a core area of 694 sq km and a buffer zone of 437 sq km.
• Project Tiger: Bandhavgarh was included in India's Project Tiger initiative in 1993 to help conserve the Bengal tiger population.

Biodiversity

• Fauna: The tiger is the star attraction of Bandhavgarh, but the park is also home to elephants, nilgai (blue bulls), chausingha (four-horned antelope), chital (spotted deer), langurs, wild boars, and jackals.
• Flora: The reserve features tropical moist deciduous forests with dominant tree species like Sal (Shorea robusta) and Bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus), creating a rich habitat for wildlife.
• Birdlife: Bandhavgarh is also famous for its bird species, including the Paradise Flycatcher, Indian Pitta, Shikra, Long-billed Vulture, and White-backed Shama.

Current Issues

• Bandhavgarh continues to face challenges such as poaching, habitat degradation, and human-wildlife conflict. Recent incidents, like the death of a female tiger cub, highlight the vulnerabilities faced by the park's wildlife.