Daily News Analysis

Panna Tiger Reserve

stylish_lining

ent death of Vatsala, considered Asia’s oldest elephant, highlights the historical significance of Panna. While elephants are not a primary species in Panna, this incident underscores the reserve's role as a critical part of India's wildlife conservation efforts.

Location & Landscape

  • Geography: Situated in the Vindhyan mountain range of northern Madhya Pradesh, Panna Tiger Reserve spans 542 sq.km. It is the only tiger reserve in the entire Bundelkhand region.

  • Topography: The reserve has a unique ‘Table Top’ landscape, consisting of plateaus and gorges. Two large plateaus run parallel from the southwest to the northeast.

  • River: The Ken River flows through the reserve, running from south to north, contributing to the diverse ecosystem.

  • Historical Significance: The reserve features two-thousand-year-old rock paintings, adding cultural depth to its biodiversity.

Flora & Vegetation

  • Dominant Vegetation: The reserve is predominantly covered with dry deciduous forests, with areas of grasslands.

  • Teak Forests: To the north, there are dense teak forests, while the eastern side is surrounded by Teak-Kardhai mixed forests. The area represents the northernmost extent of the natural distribution of teak (Tectona grandis).

  • Acacia Catachu: This species dominates the dry, steep slopes of the plateaus in Panna.

Fauna & Biodiversity

Panna Tiger Reserve is rich in wildlife, hosting a wide variety of species:

  • Carnivores:

    • Tigers are the highlight, with the reserve being a part of the Project Tiger initiative since 1994.

    • Other significant predators include the Sloth Bear, Leopard, Striped Hyena, Jackal, Wolf, Wild Dog, Jungle Cat, and the elusive Rusty Spotted Cat.

  • Herbivores:

    • The reserve also supports a large population of herbivores, though specific species aren't mentioned, common herbivores in such areas include Chital, Sambar, and Nilgai.

Cultural and Tribal Influence

  • Indigenous Tribes: The region surrounding Panna is home to indigenous tribes such as the Baiga and Gond tribes, each with distinct cultures, traditions, and practices deeply tied to the forest and its resources.

Conservation & Protection Efforts

  • Project Tiger Reserve: Established in 1994, Panna was brought under the Project Tiger scheme of the Indian Government, which aims to conserve the tiger population and their habitats.

     

Panna Tiger Reserve is a significant site both for its rich biodiversity and its historical and cultural importance. Its landscape, flora, and fauna make it a crucial hub for wildlife conservation in India, especially as part of the Project Tiger initiative. The Ken River adds to the ecological diversity, while the surrounding indigenous tribes provide a cultural layer to the region's significance.


 


 

Offshore Wind Energy

As India expands its wind energy capacity, reaching an estimated 51.3 GW by mid-2025, concerns are growing over the environmental impact, particularly on bird populations and marine biodiversity.
Share It

AI-Powered Public Service Delivery in India

India is increasingly embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform public service delivery, ensuring that services are not only more efficient but also more inclusive and accessible. From e
Share It

Transforming Northeast India

The Act East Policy has played a pivotal role in transforming Northeast India into a key gateway for Southeast Asia, improving the region's infrastructure, economic ties, and regional integration.
Share It

Child Adoption in India

India’s child adoption system faces a number of challenges, but there are ongoing efforts to improve the process. Adoption Statistics Total Adoptions (2024–25): 4,515 children
Share It

permanent settlement for displaced tribals

The discussions surrounding permanent settlement for displaced tribals in India bring into sharp focus the urgent need for a comprehensive and structured approach to address the multi-dimensional issu
Share It

Right to Information

The recent amendments to Section 8(1)(j) of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, via the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, have sparked significant debate regarding the balance b
Share It

India Creative Economy

India’s growing focus on fostering creativity and innovation, especially at the grassroots level, holds immense potential for driving the nation’s ambition to become a $5 trillion economy.
Share It

linguistic reorganisation of states

The linguistic reorganisation of states in India has been a pivotal chapter in the country's post-independence history. The debate on the divisive nature of linguistic-based state creation, recent
Share It

Indian Himalayan Region (IHR)

The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) is a critically important ecological, economic, and strategic zone, but it faces escalating threats due to unchecked development, unregulated tourism, and ecological
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS