GS 1 -Geography
- Panna Tiger Reserve is located in the northern part of Madhya Pradesh, nestled within the Vindhyan mountain range. Covering an area of 542 square kilometers, it stands as the only Tiger Reserve in the Bundelkhand In recognition of its ecological significance, the reserve was designated as a Project Tiger Reserve by the Government of India in 1994.
- The reserve features a distinct ‘Table Top’ topography, which is marked by extensive plateaus and deep gorges.
- The Ken River flows from south to north, cutting through the reserve and contributing to its biodiversity. Additionally, the reserve houses two-thousand-year-old rock paintings, reflecting its rich cultural history.
- The dominant vegetation in the reserve is the dry deciduous forest, interspersed with patches of grassland. In the northern part of the reserve, teak forests are abundant, while in the east, the forests are a mix of Teak and Kardhai.
- This area also marks the northernmost natural distribution of the teak tree (Tectona grandis). The steep slopes of the plateaus are characterized by the presence of Acacia catachu, a tree species that thrives in the dry conditions of the region.
- The reserve supports a substantial population of tigers, sloth bears, leopards, and striped hyenas. Other notable carnivores include jackals, wolves, wild dogs, jungle cats, and the elusive rusty-spotted cat.
- The Vindhya Hill ranges, running in a northeast-southwest direction, form a natural corridor that links the eastern and western populations of wildlife, facilitating biodiversity in the region.