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Satpura Tiger Reserve
Satpura Tiger Reserve is located in the Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh, India. It covers an area of approximately 1427 square kilometers, making it one of the largest tiger reserves in India. The reserve is located in the Satpura Range of hills, which gives it its name.
The Satpura Tiger Reserve was established in 1981 and is part of the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve. It is also one of the first tiger reserves in India to have a buffer zone. The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife including tigers, leopards, Indian bison, Indian wild dog, sloth bear, and several species of deer and antelope.
As of the last census conducted in 2018, the Satpura Tiger Reserve was home to an estimated 47 tigers. The reserve has been successful in conservation efforts with a steady increase in tiger numbers over the years. In addition to tigers, the reserve also has a high population of leopards.
Read about: Tiger Reserves in India
Satpura Tiger Reserve Topography
The Satpura Tiger Reserve is located in the Satpura Range of the Hoshangabad district in Madhya Pradesh, India. The topography of the reserve is varied, with high-altitude mountains, deep valleys, narrow gorges, and wide plateaus. The terrain is rugged and rocky in some areas, with steep slopes and cliffs. The vegetation in the reserve is a primarily deciduous forest with a mix of teak, sal, bamboo, and other species.
Several rivers and streams flow through the Satpura Tiger Reserve, including the Denwa, Tawa, Sonbhadra, and Khobrar Rivers. These waterways provide a habitat for a diverse range of aquatic life, including fish, turtles, and crocodiles. The Tawa Reservoir, which is located within the reserve, is a popular spot for boating and fishing.
Read about: Amrabad Tiger Reserve
Satpura Tiger Reserve Map
Here is a map of the Satpura Tiger Reserve given below for a better understanding
Satpura Tiger Reserve Flora
Satpura Tiger Reserve has diverse vegetation consisting of moist deciduous forests, dry deciduous forests, bamboo forests, and grasslands. Here is a detailed description of each of them.
|Flora Category||Important Species||Interesting Facts|
|Trees||Teak (Tectona grandis), Sal (Shorea robusta), Bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus)||The Teak and Sal forests in Satpura are highly valued for their timber and provide shelter to various species of fauna.|
|Shrubs||Lantana (Lantana camara), Grewia (Grewia tenax), Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica)||Lantana is an invasive species and has been known to cause negative impacts on the native flora of the reserve.|
|Herbs||Wild turmeric (Curcuma aromatica), Spiderwort (Tradescantia zebrina), Bitter apple (Citrullus colocynthis)||Wild turmeric has medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine.|
|Grasses||Blue panic (Panicum antidotale), Khus grass (Vetiveria zizanioides), Elephant grass (Saccharum spp.)||Khus grass is used for making perfumes and cooling mats.|
Read about: Kanha Tiger Reserve
Satpura Tiger Reserve Fauna
The Satpura Tiger Reserve is home to a diverse range of fauna, including tigers, leopards, Indian bison, wild boar, Indian giant squirrel, sloth bear, and various species of birds and reptiles. Here is a detailed description of them.
|Mammals||Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard, Indian Bison, Wild Dog, Indian Giant Squirrel, Sloth Bear, Sambar Deer, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer||The reserve has a significant population of Bengal Tigers and is known for its healthy population of Indian Bisons and Indian Giant Squirrels. Other mammalian species found in the reserve include Indian Leopards, Wild Dogs, Sloth Bears, and various types of deer.|
|Birds||Malabar Pied Hornbill, Indian Pitta, Paradise Flycatcher, Crested Serpent Eagle, Indian Scops Owl||Over 250 species of birds have been recorded in the reserve, making it a bird-watcher’s paradise. Some of the popular bird species found here include the Malabar Pied Hornbill, Indian Pitta, Paradise Flycatcher, and Crested Serpent Eagle.|
|Reptiles||Indian Rock Python, Indian Cobra, Russell’s Viper, Common Monitor Lizard||The reserve is home to a diverse range of reptilian fauna, including the Indian Rock Python, Indian Cobra, Russell’s Viper, and Common Monitor Lizard. It also has several species of amphibians and insects.|
|Aquatic||Indian Skimmer, Gharial, Mugger Crocodile, Indian Softshell Turtle||The Tawa Dam reservoir located in the reserve provides an ideal habitat for several aquatic species, including the Indian Skimmer, Gharial, Mugger Crocodile, and Indian Softshell Turtle. It is a popular spot for crocodile sightings.|
Read about: Panna Tiger Reserve
Satpura Tiger Reserve Tourism
Satpura Tiger Reserve is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. The best time to visit the reserve is from October to June, as the park remains closed during the monsoon season from July to September. The nearest airport is in Bhopal, which is about 210 km away from the reserve. The nearest railway station is in Sohagpur, which is about 20 km away. From there, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the reserve.
Visitors can expect a unique and exciting experience at Satpura Tiger Reserve, which offers a range of activities like jeep safaris, boat rides, nature walks, and camping. The reserve is known for its diverse wildlife, scenic beauty, and rich cultural heritage. Some of the key attractions of the reserve include the Satpura Range, the Denwa River, and the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve.
There are several nearby tourist places that one can explore during their visit to Satpura Tiger Reserve. These include Pachmarhi Hill Station, Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, Bhojpur Temple, and the city of Bhopal, which is known for its rich history and culture.
Read about: Anamalai Tiger Reserve
Satpura Tiger Reserve UPSC
Satpura Tiger Reserve is an important topic of the UPSC Syllabus as it is one of the significant tiger reserves in India with a diverse range of flora and fauna. UPSC often asks questions related to the conservation efforts, biodiversity, and management strategies of tiger reserves in India, making Satpura Tiger Reserve an important topic for UPSC preparation. Candidates can enhance their UPSC exam preparation by using StudyIQ UPSC study materials and assessing their understanding and competency in the topics through UPSC Mock Test.
Read about: Bandipur Tiger Reserve