TIGER RESERVES IN NEWS: MADHAV, RATAPANI

It is located in the northern Central Highlands of India, features a diverse landscape of plateaus, valleys, and the Upper Vindhyan Hills. It is home to lakes like Sakhya Sagar and Madhav Sagar, and rivers such as the Sind and Amarnadi. The reserve supports dry deciduous forests, rich flora, and various herbivores and carnivores.

It is located in Raisen district, Madhya Pradesh, is known for its teak forests, rich wildlife, and proximity to Bhopal. It plays a vital ecological role and promotes ecotourism, creating economic opportunities. The reserve is protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, supporting conservation and local communities.

Last Updated on 4th December, 2024
3 minutes, 29 seconds

Description

Context:

In a landmark conservation move, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has granted in-principle approval for the designation of Madhav National Park in Shivpuri district as a Tiger Reserve.

 Madhav

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

About Madhav Tiger Reserve:

Location

The northern fringe of the Central Highlands, part of the Upper Vindhyan Hills, India.

Landscape

Intermixed plateaus, valley sections, and Upper Vindhyan Hills.

Lakes

Sakhya Sagar and Madhav Sagar in the southern part of the park.

Rivers

The northern area forms the catchment of Amarnadi.

Sind River flows along the eastern boundary of the park.

Geological Features

Sedimentary rocks of the Vindhyan system (sandstone, shale, limestone) in the eastern part.

Vegetation

Northern tropical dry deciduous mixed forests and Dry Thorn Forests typical of North West MP.

Flora

Kardhai, Salai, Dhaora, Khair; understory includes Ber, Makor, Karonda, Jamun, and Mahua.

Fauna

Herbivores: Nilgai, Chinkara, Chowsinga, Chital, Sambar, Barking Deer.

Carnivores: Leopard, Wolf, Jackal, Fox, Wild Dog.

 Ratapani

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

 

About Ratapani Tiger Reserve:

Location and Area

Raisen district, Madhya Pradesh, in the Vindhya Hills.

Ecological Significance

Teak forests and diverse wildlife.

Bhimbetka Rock Shelters (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and historical/religious sites.

Proximity to Bhopal (<50 km), accessible for wildlife enthusiasts and tourists.

Protection of Local Rights

The buffer zone includes nine revenue villages.

Villagers retain rights to usual activities with added eco-friendly initiatives.

Legal and Administrative

Declared under Section 38V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Core area recognized as a critical tiger habitat.

Madhya Pradesh’s Tiger Reserves

Ratapani is the 8th tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh. Madhav National Park is expected to become the 9th tiger reserve soon.

Source:

TOI

 

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following statements about Madhav Tiger Reserve:

  1. Madhav Tiger Reserve is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh.
  2. It was established as a protected area primarily to conserve the Barasingha (Swamp Deer).
  3. The reserve is part of the Vindhyan mountain range.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: a

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Madhav Tiger Reserve is located in Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The reserve was not established primarily for the conservation of Barasingha; rather, it aims at the protection of overall biodiversity, including tigers. Barasingha conservation is more associated with Kanha Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Madhav Tiger Reserve is part of the Bundelkhand plateau, not the Vindhyan mountain range.

Free access to e-paper and WhatsApp updates

Let's Get In Touch!