The 54th tiger reserve in India, declared in September 2023, is the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve, located in Madhya Pradesh. This reserve adds to the network of protected areas crucial for conserving the endangered Bengal tiger population in India.
New Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh: Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve
Introduction
- Madhya Pradesh, known for having the highest tiger population in the country, welcomes a new protected area for big cats named ‘Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve.’
- This reserve is the seventh in the state and the 54th in India.
Read More: List of 55 Tiger Reserves in India 2024
Government Announcement
- The Madhya Pradesh Government officially introduced the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve.
- The state continues to hold the esteemed title of the “tiger state,” as declared in the 2022 census.
Tiger Population Growth
- The 2022 census reveals a notable increase in the tiger population in Madhya Pradesh, rising from 526 in 2018 to 785.
- This growth solidifies Madhya Pradesh’s standing as a significant contributor to tiger conservation efforts in India.
Key Reserve Details
- The newly designated Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve covers an expansive area.
- Approximately 1,414 square kilometers have been allocated to the core area, emphasizing the primary focus on tiger conservation.
- The buffer zone extends over 925.12 square kilometers, providing additional protection and support for the reserve’s biodiversity.
This strategic expansion in tiger reserves aligns with India’s commitment to wildlife conservation, ensuring the continued growth and sustainability of tiger populations in the region.
Key Facts
- Location: Spread across Sagar, Damoh, and Narsinghpur districts of Madhya Pradesh.
- Area: Encompasses 2,339 square kilometers.
- Designation: Seventh tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh.
- Encompassed Areas: Includes Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary and Durgavati Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Green Corridor: Planned to link Panna Tiger Reserve (PTR) with Durgavati for the natural movement of tigers.
- Rivers: Parts of the reserve fall under the Narmada and Yamuna River basins.
- Historical Feature: Singorgarh Fort is located within the reserve.
- Vegetation: Predominantly dry deciduous type.
- Flora: Chief elements include Teak, Saja, Dhaora, Ber, Amla, etc.
- Fauna: Rich biodiversity including tiger, leopard, wolf, jackal, Indian fox, striped hyena, Nilgai, Chinkara, Chital, Sambhar, Black Buck, Barking deer, Common Langur, Rhesus Macaque, and more.
Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve in a Nutshell
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve |
| Location | Madhya Pradesh, India |
| Year of Notification | September 2023 |
| Total Area | 2,339.02 sq km |
| Core Area | 1,414 sq km |
| Buffer Zone | 925.12 sq km |
| Estimated Tiger Population | 46-58 (as per initial assessment) |
| Other Notable Wildlife | Leopards, sloth bears, dholes, pangolins, gaur, chital, sambar |
| Habitat | Dry deciduous forests, mixed bamboo forests, rocky hills, grasslands, rivers (Narmada and tributaries) |
| Threats | Habitat loss, poaching, human-wildlife conflict |
| Conservation Efforts | Anti-poaching patrols, habitat restoration, community engagement programs |
Significance of the 54th Tiger Reserve
- Contributes to the national goal of tiger conservation in India.
- Boosts tourism potential in the region.
- Promotes sustainable development and ecosystem protection.
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