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Panna is situated in the Vindhyan
hill range and spreads over Panna and Chhtarpur districts
in the northern part of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh
(M.P.).One of the most significant ecological aspects of
the Reserve is that the district Panna makes the northern
most boundary of natural distribution of teak and the
eastern limits of teak-kardhai (Anogeissus pendula) mixed
forests.The Ken river, which flows through the Reserve
form south to north, is the home for Long Snouted
crocodile (gharial) and Marsh Crocodile (mugger) and other
aquatic fauna. Ken is one of the sixteen perennial rivers
of M.P. and is truly the life-line of the Reserve. It
offers some of the most spectacular scenery while it
meanders for about 55 km. through the Reserve.
Conservation History
Panna National Reserve was created in 1981. It was
declared a Project Tiger Reserve in 1994, 22nd in the
country and fifth in the state. The National Reserve
consists of areas from the former Gangau Wildlife
Sanctuary created in 1975. This sanctuary comprised
territorial forests of the present North Panna Forest
Division to which a portion of the adjoining Chhatarpur
Forest Division was added later. The reserved forests of
the Reserve in Panna district and some protected forests
on Chhatarpur district were the hunting preserves of the
erstwhile rulers of Panna, Chhatarpur and Bijawar princely
states.
Archaeological Richness
The Reserve is dotted with ancient rock paintings, which
are believed to be around two thousand years old. Old
relics of the Gondwana period (rule of the tribal people
of Central India) are scattered all over the Reserve.
Forest Types
Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Dry Teak Forest
Northern Tropical Dry Deciduous Mixed Forest
Dry Deciduous Scrub Forest
1Boswellia Forest
Dry Bamboo Brakes
Anogeissus pendula Forest
General Information :
Location : Encompassing the forest divided by the Ken
river flowing north to join the Yamuna.
Size : 209 sq miles ( 543 sq km ).
Best time to Visit : January to May.
Panna Wildlife Conservation
Panna National Reserve was created in 1981. It was
declared a Project Tiger Reserve in 1994,the 22nd in the
country and 5th in the State. The National Reserve
consists of areas form the former Gangau Wildlife
Sanctuary created in 1975. This sanctuary comprised of
territorial forests of the present North Panna Forest
Division to which a portion of the adjoining Chhatarpur
Forest Division was added later. The reserved forests of
the Reserve in Panna district and some protected forests
on Chhatarpur district were the hunting preserves of the
erstwhile rulers of Panna, Chhatarpur and Bijawar princely
states.
Flora of Panna
Tectona grandis
Diospyros melanoxylon
Madhuca indica
Buchanania tanzan
Anogeissus latifolia
Anogeissus pendula
Lannea coromandalica
Boswellia serrata
Acacia catechu
Zizyphus spp.
Aegle marmelos
Butea monosperma
Gardenia spp.
Fauna of Panna
Mammals : Tiger, Jungle Cat, Leopard, Hyena, Wild Dog,
Wolf, Sloth Bear, Sambar, Spotted Deer or Chital, Blue
Bull or Nilgai, Chinkara, Fourhorned Antelope or Chausinga,
Porcupine, Jungle Cat, Rusty Spotted Cat, Hare, Ratel and
Tree shrew.
Avifauna : Over 200 species have been identified, which
include a host of winter migratory birds.
Reptiles : Long Snouted Crocodile (gharial) and Marsh
Crocodile (mugger) are found in the Ken river.
Panna National Reserve was created in 1981. It was
declared a Project Tiger Reserve in 1994, the 22nd in the
country and 5th in the State. The National Reserve
consists of areas form the former Gangau Wildlife
Sanctuary created in 1975. This sanctuary comprised of
territorial forests of the present North Panna Forest
Division to which a portion of the adjoining Chhatarpur
Forest Division was added later. The reserved forests of
the Reserve in Panna district and some protected forests
on Chhatarpur district were the hunting preserves of the
erstwhile rulers of Panna, Chhatarpur and Bijawar princely
states.
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