Panna National Park, Geographical Feature, Flora, Fauna

Panna National Park is one of the most important wildlife reserves in central India, located in the Panna and Chhatarpur districts of Madhya Pradesh. The park was declared a national park in 1981, it was later designated as a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger, 1994. In 2020, UNESCO recognized it as a Biosphere Reserve, highlighting its global ecological significance.

Panna National Park is especially known for its tiger conservation efforts, having successfully reintroduced tigers after local extinction in the early 2000s. The park is also known for its rich biodiversity, scenic waterfalls, and riverine landscapes.

Panna National Park

Panna National Park spans an area of 542.67 sq. km and forms part of the Ken River ecosystem, a tributary of the Yamuna. The park lies at the junction of the Eastern and Western forest zones, contributing to its rich floral and faunal diversity. It shares its northern boundary with the Ken Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary. The significance of the Panna National Park increased after it was awarded the status of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for its efforts in tiger revival and ecosystem restoration. It is also home to tribal communities who depend on the forest for their livelihood, offering a model for conservation with community participation.

Geographical Features of Panna National Park

The Geographical Features of Panna National Park is characterized by plateaus, gorges, and riverine ecosystems. The Ken River flows through the park, carving deep valleys and supporting aquatic biodiversity. The park’s terrain includes tropical dry deciduous forests and grasslands.

• Location: Panna and Chhatarpur districts, Madhya Pradesh
• Area: Approximately 542.67 sq. km
• Altitude: Varies from 300 to 600 meters above sea level
• River: The Ken River traverses through the park
• Climate: Tropical, with hot summers and moderate winters
• Topography: Plateau, gorges, grasslands, and riverine valleys

Panna National Park Flora

Panna National Park Flora mainly consists of tropical dry deciduous forests, dominated by teak and other drought-resistant trees. The park falls under the Deccan Peninsula biogeographic zone and supports a mix of southern and northern species due to its transitional location.

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Panna National Park Flora

Panna National Park is renowned for its tiger population, which was successfully revived through reintroduction efforts starting in 2009. The park also supports a wide variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects, making it an ecologically vibrant habitat.