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Introduction
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Census
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Archeology
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Introduction
The reserve named after the highest hill Bandhavgarh (807 m) in the centre 
of it, falls between the Vindhyan hill range and the eastern flank
of Satpura hill range and is located in Shahdol and Jabalpur districts
of Madhya Pradesh. A chain of smaller hills, 32 in all, surrounds this hill, forming a number of valleys and spurs interspersed with low lying areas, such as Chakradhara, Rajbahera, Sehra-Dadra, Bhitri bah, Kolua bah etc. Since the main formation is of sandstone, water percolates through it forming a number of perennial streams and springs. The hills are mainly flat topped. The meadows in certain areas are marshy. The Sal & bamboo covers plain tract and degenerates in growth and quality as it ascends the hill slopes, further giving place to mixed forest on upper slopes, mainly due to edaphic factors. Few rare species like insectivorous plants Drocera peltata and medicinal plant like Buch (Acorus calamus) are found in some isolated patches of Tala ranges of the Reserve.
Rivers Johilla and Son flowing on the boundary on the eastern
side, river Umrar passing through western fringes and the Bandhavgarh
hill, which is visible from as far as 30 km, are some of the landmarks
of the Reserve. Conservation
History
The Bandhavgarh Fort, in the centre of the Reserve, atop the Bandhavgarh hill, was the seat of rulers of Rewa State, until they shifted to Rewa town in 1617 A.D. After independence and abolition of the princely States, the process of degradation of forests started due to relaxed control. Maharaja Martand Singh of Rewa, was deeply moved by the destruction of forests. On his proposal an area of 105 sq. km. was declared as National Park in 1965. The area of the park was increased to 448.84 sq. km. in 1982. Bandhavgarh has been an excellent habitat of tiger and is known for the highest density of tigers in the world. Considering the importance and potentiality of the National park, it was included in the Project Tiger Network in 1993. The adjoining Panpatha Sanctuary too was declared as a part of the Reserve.
The area of 105 sq. km. of old National Park was finally notified
in 1968. The remaining part of the National Park i.e. 343.842
sq. km. is yet to be finally declared though State Government
had made the initial notification in 1982. Panpatha Sanctuary
with an area of 245.847 sq. km. was declared in 1983.
Forest Types
Spotted
deer or Chital, Sambar, Barking deer or Muntjac, Chausinga or
Four-horned antilope, Nilgai or Blue bull, Indian Gazel or chinkara
and Tiger, Leopard, wild dog or Dhole, Wolf, Scavangers consists
of Hyena, jackal, Wild boar, Sloth bear, Common Langur, Rhesus
monkey etc.
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Bird: 242
species of birds have been identified in the Reserve. Commonly
seen are Peafowl, Red Jungle fowl, Grey Hornbill, Common Teals,
Red Wattled Lapwing, Crested Serpent Eagle, White Breasted Kingfisher,
Lesser Adjutant Stork, etc.
Reptile: Cobras,
Kraits, Vipers and Python
Special Projects
Constraints
Conflicts
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protection
and other works. Two diesel jeeps for patrolling have been
provided
by WWF and one Gypsy by Global Tiger Patrol. They are used
as and when required inside the reserve and the periphery.