Panna National Park
Panna is situated in the Vindhyan hill range and spreads over Panna and Chhtarpur
districts in the northern part of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh (M.P.).
One of the most significant ecological aspects of the Reserve is that the district
Panna makes the northern most boundary of natural distribution of teak and the
eastern limits of teak-kardhai (Anogeissus pendula) mixed forests.
The Ken river, which flows through the Reserve form south to north, is the home
for Long Snouted crocodile (gharial) and Marsh Crocodile (mugger) and other
aquatic fauna.
Ken is one of the sixteen perennial rivers of M.P. and is truly the life-line
of the Reserve. It offers some of the most spectacular scenery while it meanders
for about 55 km. through the Reserve.
Conservation History
Panna National Reserve was created in 1981. It was declared a Project Tiger
Reserve in 1994, 22nd in the country and fifth in the state. The National Reserve
consists of areas from the former Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary created in 1975.
This sanctuary comprised territorial forests of the present North Panna Forest
Division to which a portion of the adjoining Chhatarpur Forest Division was
added later. The reserved forests of the Reserve in Panna district and some
protected forests on Chhatarpur district were the hunting preserves of the erstwhile
rulers of Panna, Chhatarpur and Bijawar princely states.
Archaeological Richness
The Reserve is dotted with ancient rock paintings, which are believed to be
around two thousand years old. Old relics of the Gondwana period (rule of the
tribal people of Central India) are scattered all over the Reserve.
Forest Types
- Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Dry Teak Forest
- Northern Tropical Dry Deciduous Mixed Forest
- Dry Deciduous Scrub Forest
- 1Boswellia Forest
- Dry Bamboo Brakes
- Anogeissus pendula Forest
General Information :
Location : Encompassing the forest divided by the Ken river flowing north
to join the Yamuna.
Size : 209 sq miles ( 543 sq km ).
Best time to Visit : January to May.
Panna Wildlife Conservation
Panna
National Reserve was created in 1981.
It was declared a Project Tiger Reserve in 1994,the 22nd in the country and
5th in the State. The National Reserve consists of areas form the former Gangau
Wildlife Sanctuary created in 1975. This sanctuary comprised of territorial
forests of the present North Panna Forest Division to which a portion of the
adjoining Chhatarpur Forest Division was added later. The reserved forests of
the Reserve in Panna district and some protected forests on Chhatarpur district
were the hunting preserves of the erstwhile rulers of Panna, Chhatarpur and
Bijawar princely states.
Flora of Panna
Tectona
grandis, Diospyros melanoxylon, Madhuca indica, Buchanania tanzan, Anogeissus
latifolia
,
Anogeissus pendula, Lannea coromandalica, Boswellia serrata
,
Acacia catechu, Zizyphus spp., Aegle marmelos, Butea monosperma, Gardenia spp.
Fauna of Panna
Mammals : Tiger, Jungle Cat, Leopard,
Hyena,
Wild Dog, Wolf, Sloth Bear, Sambar, Spotted Deer or Chital, Blue Bull or Nilgai,
Chinkara, Fourhorned Antelope or Chausinga, Porcupine, Jungle Cat, Rusty Spotted
Cat, Hare, Ratel and Tree shrew.
Avifauna : Over 200 species have been identified, which include a host
of winter migratory birds.
Reptiles : Long Snouted Crocodile (gharial) and Marsh Crocodile (mugger)
are found in the Ken river.
Panna National Reserve was created in 1981. It was declared a Project Tiger
Reserve in 1994, the 22nd in the country and 5th in the State. The National
Reserve consists of areas form the former Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary created
in 1975. This sanctuary comprised of territorial forests of the present North
Panna Forest Division to which a portion of the adjoining Chhatarpur Forest
Division was added later. The reserved forests of the Reserve in Panna district
and some protected forests on Chhatarpur district were the hunting preserves
of the erstwhile rulers of Panna, Chhatarpur and Bijawar princely states.
Panna National Park, Wildlife Sanctuaries
in India
