Bandhavgarh National Park, History, Feature, Vegetation, Wildlife, Flora & Fauna

Bandhavgarh National Park is located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh. Read all about Bandhavgarh National Park, History, Feature, Vegetation, Wildlife, Flora & Fauna for UPSC Exam.

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Bandhavgarh National Park

One of India’s most visited national forests is Bandhavgarh. It is situated in the Umaria region of Madhya Pradesh’s Vindhya Hills. In 1968, it received national park status. The 105 square kilometre Bandhavgarh National Park is located. Bandhavgarh is renowned for having India’s highest tiger population density as well as being a region rich in biodiversity. It is one of the important topic of Environment one of the important subject of UPSC Syllabus. The UPSC Mock Test can help candidates prepare for the exam with more precision.

Bandhavgarh National Park History

A famous location with significant historical significance is Bandhavgarh. Bandhavgarh is the precise combination of the words Bandhav (Brother) and Garh (Fort). The reserve is known as Bandhavgarh because it contains an ancient fort that legend has it that Lord Rama gave to his younger sibling Lakshmana.

The history of the Bandhavgarh area also reveals the main dynasties that ruled there, such as the Sengars, the Kalchuris, and the Baghels. The Maharajas of Rewa used to hunt in the Bandhavgarh area until 1968. The state government then turned the region into a national park after the royal family had given it to them. As part of Project Tiger, the Bandhavgarh National Park was designated a tiger reserve in 1993.

Bandhavgarh National Park Feature

The area’s most notable hill, which is said to have been given to Lord Rama’s brother Laxman by the latter to keep a watch on Lanka, inspired the park’s name. (Bandhav means brother, and Garh means fort). The forest is home to numerous deer species and a sizable breeding population of leopards. Due to its chances of seeing tigers, Bandhavgarh National Park draws the most tourists.

Its varied flora, which ranges from tall grasslands to thick Sal forests, makes it the perfect home for a variety of animals and birds. Nilgai, Chausingha, Chital, Chinkara, Wild Boar, and, on rare instances, a Fox or Jackal, are additional attractions. Experts in forests estimate that there are over 250 species of birds, over 80 species of butterflies, and numerous animals.

Bandhavgarh National Park Structure

The national park’s three main zones are Tala, Magdhi, and Khitauli. The most biodiversity is found in Tala, primarily in the shape of tigers. These three peaks, which together cover 716 km2, make up the “center” of the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve.

Bandhavgarh National Park Vegetation

The Bandhavgarh National Park has a wide variety of vegetation, from meadows to hills that are densely forested. The Sal (Shorea robusta) and Bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus) that grow in a variety of mixes rule the tropical wet deciduous belt, which includes the forest in the park.

Birds and herbivorous Indian creatures like the fruiting trees in the Bandhavgarh National Park, such as the Ambla (Emblica Officinalis), Jamun (Syzygium cuminii), and ficus species. Among the trees in blossom are Palash, the Flame of the Forest (Butea monosperma), the climber (Butea Superba), Kapok (Bombay ceiba), and Amaltas (Cassia fistula). Mahua (Madhuca Indica) is a ubiquitous plant, and the local peasants use the blossoms to make a potent homebrew.

Bandhavgarh National Park Flora & Fauna

The abundance of flora and fauna in Bandhavgarh is supported by the varied mix of habitats there. The park is incredibly diverse, with everything from tiny butterflies to magnificent tigers.

250 different bird species exist along with over 22 different kinds of mammals. The Asian Jackal, Bengal Fox, Sloth Bear, Ratel, Gray Mongoose, Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat, Leopard, and Tiger are examples of carnivores. Wild Pigs, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Chausingha, Nilgai, Chinkara, and Gaur are among the artiodactyls.

Other mammals that can be seen include the lesser bandicoot rat, palm squirrel, tiny Indian civet, and dhole. Fox, jungle cat, ratel, palm civet, and mongoose are some of the less dangerous animals that can be found. White tigers have a well-known natural home in this national park. Chital, Sambhar, Barking Deer, Nilgai, Chinkara, Wild Pig, Langur, and Rhesus Macaque are among the significant food species.

Bandhavgarh National Park Wildlife

The tropical and arid deciduous region of the Bandhavgarh National Park. It provides lovely trails through deep forests where a wide variety of colourful wild animals can be seen in their natural setting. Around 22 mammalian species and 250 bird species can be found in the area, with rhesus macaques and common langurs ruling the primate family.

With a wide variety of tigers that have been spotted in the former state of Rewa for many years, the Bandhavgarh National Park is well known as the white tiger region. The park is home to a wide variety of other animals. The gaur, or Indian buffalo, has either vanished from the country or has spread to other regions. Sambar and barking deer are frequently seen, and nilgai are occasionally seen in the park’s open areas.

Three species have been identified: the striped hyena, the caracal, and the Indian wolf (Canis lupus indica). The Bandhavgarh National Park has over 22 different animal species, including chital, sambar, chinkara, chowsingha (four-horned antelope), wild hog, leopard, and dhole, though seeing a tiger in the wild is its primary draw. One can find eagles, peacocks, parakeets, hornbills, orioles, parakeets, and more than 275 different kinds of birds in the area.

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

Madhya Pradesh’s Umaria region is home to Bandhavgarh National Park. In 1968, Bandhavgarh was designated as a national park; in 1993, it was changed to a tiger reserve. The most notable hillock in the region, which was allegedly given by the Hindu Lord Rama to his brother Lakshmana to keep an eye on Lanka, is where the park gets its name. Hence, Bandhavgarh, which means “Brother’s Fort” in Sanskrit.

Bandhavgarh National Park UPSC

Madhya Pradesh, a state in northern India, is home to Bandhavgarh National Park. Royal Bengal tigers are well-represented in this biodiverse forest, particularly in the central Tala zone. Deer, leopards, and white tigers are other creatures. Numerous bird species, including eagles, can be found in the area’s mixture of tropical woodland, Sal trees, and grassland. Students can read all the details related to UPSC visiting the official website of StudyIQ UPSC online Coaching.

Bandhavgarh National Park FAQs

What is the best time to visit Bandhavgarh National Park?

The ideal time to explore Bandhavgarh is during the winter. The weather in Bandhavgarh drops to 10 degrees from October to March.

Why is Bandhavgarh National Park famous?

With the greatest concentration of Bengal tigers in the world, Bandhavgarh National Park is one of India's most renowned tiger habitats. Its size, 1536 sq km, is made up of both central and buffer zones. Big cat enthusiasts, photographers, and nature filmmakers will find it to be a paradise.

In which city is Bandhavgarh National Park?

Bandhavgarh National Park is located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh.

Which is better kanha or Bandhavgarh?

Bandhavgarh is better than Kanha National Park with higher probability of spotting a Bengal tiger. There are three main zones in Bandhavgarh, named as Tala, Magdhi and Khitauli plus couple of buffer zones. Zones – Tala, Magdhi and Khitauli.