Satpura Tiger Reserve: Map, Flora, Fauna and Significance

Satpura Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh is a biodiversity hotspot known for its rich wildlife, scenic landscapes, and conservation of tigers and other endangered species.

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Context: A tiger was recently found dead in Satpura Tiger Reserve (STR), Narmadapuram district, Madhya Pradesh, with officials suspecting that the cause of death was a territorial fight.

Satpura Tiger Reserve (STR)

Satpura Tiger Reserve is located in the Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh, India. It covers an area of approximately 1427 square kilometres, 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.

Location & Geography of Satpura Tiger Reserve

Satpura Tiger Reserve is situated in Hoshangabad district, Madhya Pradesh.
Lies in the Satpura ranges of the Central Indian Landscape, south of the River Narmada.
The name Satpura means “Seven Folds”, acting as a watershed between the Narmada and Tapti rivers.
Spread over 2,133 sq. km.
Comprises Satpura National Park, Bori Wildlife Sanctuary, and Pachmarhi Sanctuary.
Terrain: rugged sandstone peaks, narrow gorges, ravines, and dense forests.

Cultural & Geological Significance

Contains 50+ rock shelters dating back 1,500–10,000 years, important for understanding human evolution.
Geological formations include the Deccan Trap series, Gondwanas, and metamorphic rocks.

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.

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.

Category	Species	Description
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 bison 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.

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.

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.