Why Madhya Pradesh is known as Tiger State? Why Tigers Abound Here

 Madhya Pradesh Tiger State

With a population of 526 Bengal tigers, Madhya Pradesh has wrestled the title from Karnataka which was leading in numbers since the last census in the year 2010. In that year, Karnataka registered a population of 408 big cats.  But the last census conducted in the year 2018 showed more big cats than ever in Madhya Pradesh. Although the number is minuscule whence compared with their population before the hunting began a few centuries back.   

Bengal Tiger

 

Central Indian Tiger Landscape

Central India for centuries has been a heavily forested State with more than 40% of the area under forest cover. It was connected by extensive corridors with tiger landscapes in the North and the East and down below right up to the tiger landscape of Southern India. The fluid passages acted as a safe conduit for the migration of big cats and their prey. 

The state encompasses Vindhya Range in the North  West, and the Satpura Hill Range forming a ridge below. Both ranges converge at Maikal Hills in the Amarkantak  Achanakmar Biosphere Reserve. The region known as the Highlands of Central India comprises inaccessible terrain that encompasses Steep cliffs and tabletop mountains scattered all over the region. This terrain is now home to Central India's tiger reserves namely:

• Panna National Park
• Bandhavgarh National Park
• Nauradehi Tiger Reserve
• Achankmar Tiger Reserve
• Kanha National Park
• Pench National Park
• Satpura Tiger Reserve 
• Rata Pani Tiger Reserve
• Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve 

Although these reserves are fragmented with non-existing weak corridors they hold a substantial population of big cats, and the numbers are rising. Tigers need inviolate areas to breed and hunt they are sensitive to human intrusion and agrarian practices that clear forests. The predator is an ambush hunter and cannot chase its prey like the cheetah or the lion. The animal cannot survive in the absence of a dense crown cover intermingled with bush country and tall grasses. It needs a good prey base and water supply from waterholes, rivers, lakes, etc. 

Madhya Pradesh is endowed with characteristics that tiger habitats should have hence the state is home to amazing tiger landscapes that can help breed and sustain large populations. The next best step would be the formation of corridors but that is a distant dream.  

Thus the high-level saturation of the tiger population is due to habitat formations that best suit the predator. There still exists some large contiguous areas that are connected by corridors still allow migration of the predators and the prey. Inaccessible terrain, dense crown cover, and plenty of prey base. Thus populations are flourishing wherever proper protection is provided to them. 

The ban on hunting by the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and the formation of protected areas under the Project Tiger Program were highly successful all over India. This prevented hunting and poaching and provided them with inviolate areas where they could breed in peace.

A large sum of money is being pumped up into conservation. Fortunately, it is being generated from tiger tourism in the reserves. Tourists, holidaymakers, filmmakers, and photographers are regular visitors to these parks. Although the target species is the tiger they are also attracted by animals like the swamp deer, sloth bear, wild elephants, leopard, wolves, wild dogs, and even small predators and deer. 

Birding is also attracting a large number of visitors since these parks are home to more than two hundred avian species. Bird watching, and nature trails, are organized by luxury hotels using the services of a naturalist. The tiger reserves of Central India comprise excellent tourism infrastructure including the approach roads. 

Jabalpur Airport and Railhead in MP is the fulcrum from where you can easily approach these destinations. You can also approach some reserves from Nagpur Airport and Khajuraho Airport. Remember the park is closed during the monsoon due to slush formation on the roads. 

For excursions in the parks your need a safari permit for each ride. Book permits in advance since the jeep entry is limited. You can book a safari through the tour operator or at MPOnline. 

Land of The Tiger - Tadoba

In The Land of Taru

A local legend and a hero Taru fought a tiger to save a  man. The tribal is now worshipped as God in the tiger landscape that is known as Tadoba National Park. Situated in the Chandrapur District near Maharashtra it is at some distance from the Nagpur Airport.

The core of the park has become inviolate but the tribals are allowed to visit and pray at the spot where Taru became a martyr. Legends surround the landscape but now tourism dominates. 

Of late, the realm of the tiger has become a popular tourist destination. It is visited chiefly for easy sightings of the tiger and leopard. The park is home to large tracts of mixed forests with teak and bamboo. 

A large number of tourists visit Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra. The purpose of their visit is to see the tiger in its natural habitat. Tadoba abounds in tigers and leopards. Holidaymakers, wildlife photographers, filmmakers, and researcher flock to the destination everywhere. This generates revenue for conservation and provides employment for the locals.  The hotel industry in the buffer also plays a supportive role by employing the locals. There are a large number of hotels and resorts near the gates of Tadoba.

Tadoba Tourism Zones

Moharli Zone	Kolara Zone	Pangadi and Zari Zone	Navegaon Zone
Junona Gate	Kolara Chauradeo Gate	Pangadi Aswal Chuha Gate	Navegaon Ramdegi Gate
Devada Gate	Madnapur Gate	Zari Peth	Navegaon Gate
Adegaon Gate	Alizanza Gate	Zari Gate	Nimdela Gate
Agarzari Gate	Shirkheda Gate	Keslaghat	*********
Mamla Gate	Belara Gate	*********	*********

It is notified as a tiger reserve and a National Park.

Tiger - Monu Dubey 

Erstwhile hunting grounds, the reserve has proven to be an excellent breeding ground for the big cats. The dry deciduous forests comprise teak as well as mixed forests with patches of bamboo in between. 

Tadoba is home to many other mammals, a large number of avians, and reptiles. In fact, it is one of the best places to see marsh crocodiles in numerous lakes and water bodies.

Thanks to a highly successful breeding program, and effective protective mechanism the forests now thrive with the big cats. The big cats have spread beyond the boundaries of the tiger reserve.  They have been sighted in and around the forests of Chandrapur which is at a distance of more than thirty-four kilometers. Chandrapur is a coal mining town but has surroundings containing good forests. This is proving to be a good habitat for tigers. 

Thanks to active conservation measure the ecosystem comprising many niche habitats have vastly improved. The reserve is also noted for its incredible birdlife and reptiles. 

The Project Tiger Program an Indian Government initiative has been highly successful in the conservation of the species. A large number of reserves have been created as a home to the endangered species and the efforts are bearing fruits. The number of species in India is constantly rising and results are being awaited for the latest census. It is assumed that the number of tigers could have risen to more than three thousand all over the country. If this comes out to be true it will be an indicator of much-desired success. The program has been so successful in this park that the big cats and deer can often be spotted on the nearby roads and highways to lead to populated areas.  

Tiger Tourism at Tadoba

Spotting the tiger or the leopard the organized safari is the best option. The jeep rides are the best way to experience the amazing biodiversity of the park.  But the entry is limited and you have to book a permit in advance since without one you cannot take part in the excursions. Hence book Tadoba safari days before you make the tour. 

How to Reach 

The best route is from Nagpur Airport or Rail Head. Drive to Chandrapur at a distance of 130 km. The distance of various gates averages around 47 to 50 km approximately. The core are of the park is closed for tourism during the monsoon. But buffer tourism is open. Anyway before making the trip make sure.