Maikal Range, Geography, Biodiversity, Conservation, Significance

The Maikal Range is a mountain range in central India. It forms the eastern part of the Satpura Hills and is mainly spread across Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The region has forested hills and plateaus and is known for its natural beauty. The famous Amarkantak plateau is located here. The Maikal Range is important for its rivers, forests and tribal culture and it plays a key role in the geography of central India.

About Maikal Range

• The Maikal Range is an important mountain range in Madhya Pradesh in central India. It runs mainly in a north-south direction and forms the eastern part of the Satpura Range. The hills are made up of flat-topped plateaus called “pats” and their height ranges between about 600 to 900 metres. 
• Many important rivers originate or flow through this region. The Narmada and Son rivers rise near Amarkantak, which lies in the Maikal Hills. Other rivers like Rihand, Kanhar and Banas also drain this region. These rivers have formed wide valleys and fertile basins, which support agriculture.
• The natural vegetation varies from grasslands and thorny bushes to tropical deciduous forests. Important trees include teak and sal. The region is rich in biodiversity and includes famous protected areas like Kanha National Park, which is known for tigers and barasingha deer.
• Agriculture is the main occupation of the people. Crops such as rice, wheat, maize, gram, pulses and oilseeds are grown in the fertile valleys. The region is also rich in minerals like coal, limestone, bauxite, marble and dolomite, which support small industries such as cement, stone cutting and brick making.
• The Maikal region is also important culturally. It is home to tribal communities such as the Gonds, Baigas and Korkus. Historical places like the fort at Mandla show the legacy of the Gond rulers.

Maikal Range Geography

• The Maikal Hills are located in central India and form the eastern extension of the Satpura Range. They are mainly spread across eastern Madhya Pradesh in districts such as Anuppur, Mandla, Balaghat and Dindori and extend into northern Chhattisgarh. The hills stretch in a north-south direction and have an average height of about 600 to 900 metres. The landscape is made up of plateaus, ridges and forested slopes.
• The Maikal Hills play an important role in shaping the drainage system of central India. They act as a watershed that separates the Narmada River basin from the Mahanadi River basin. Near Amarkantak, which lies in this region, important rivers like the Narmada and the Son originate.
• The region is rich in forests and wildlife. It includes famous protected areas such as Kanha National Park and Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary. The hills are also home to tribal communities and have cultural and historical importance. Overall, the Maikal Hills are a significant physical and ecological feature of central India.

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Biodiversity and Conservation of the Maikal Hills

• The Maikal Hills are known for their rich biodiversity and dense forests. A major part of this region comes under the Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve, which plays an important role in protecting plants and animals. 
• The natural vegetation mainly consists of tropical moist deciduous forests. Sal trees dominate the region, along with teak and bamboo. Many medicinal plants such as safed musli are also found here, which are important for local communities.
• The hills support a wide range of wildlife. Animals like the Bengal tiger, gaur (Indian bison), sloth bear, leopard, sambar and chital are commonly found. The hard-ground barasingha, which once faced the danger of extinction, has successfully recovered due to protection efforts in Kanha National Park. The region is also rich in birdlife and reptiles, adding to its ecological importance.
• Earlier, deforestation and hunting reduced wildlife populations. With the establishment of protected areas and better forest management, conservation has improved. Today, the Maikal Hills are an important example of biodiversity conservation and ecological balance in central India.

Protected Areas and Reserves in the Maikal Hills

• The Maikal Hills contain several important protected areas that help conserve forests and wildlife in central India. These areas are especially important for tiger conservation and for maintaining ecological balance.
• The most famous protected area in this region is Kanha National Park, established in 1955 and later declared a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger. It is located in Mandla and Balaghat districts of Madhya Pradesh. 
• Kanha is well known for the successful conservation of the hard-ground barasingha, whose population increased due to careful habitat protection and management. The park has sal forests and grasslands that provide a suitable habitat for tigers, leopards, gaur, deer and many bird species.
• Another important protected area is Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, located in Chhattisgarh. It was first declared a wildlife sanctuary and later upgraded to a Tiger Reserve. It acts as a corridor connecting Kanha with other forest areas. Such corridors are important because they allow animals, especially tigers, to move freely and maintain healthy populations.
• The Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary is another protected area in the Maikal region. It supports leopards, deer and many species of birds in its teak forests and grasslands.
• Together, these parks and sanctuaries form part of the larger Satpura-Maikal landscape, which is recognized as an important tiger corridor in India. This network of protected areas helps in wildlife conservation, protects biodiversity and supports sustainable development by promoting eco-tourism and involving local tribal communities in conservation efforts.

Maikal Range Significance

• Geographical Importance – Forms the eastern part of the Satpura Range and acts as a watershed. Rivers like the Narmada, Son and Kanhar flow through the hills, influencing drainage and water supply.
• Ecological Importance – Covered with tropical forests of sal, teak, and bamboo, supporting wildlife like tigers, leopards, barasingha and numerous birds and reptiles.
• Conservation Role – Hosts protected areas such as Kanha National Park, Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, and Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary, helping conserve tigers and maintain ecological balance.
• Economic Significance – Forests provide timber, bamboo and other products. Agriculture in valleys and plateaus supports local livelihoods.
• Cultural and Tourism Importance – Home to tribal communities and historical sites. Eco-tourism and wildlife tourism attract visitors, supporting the local economy and conservation awareness.
• Overall Importance – Plays a key role in water management, biodiversity, forest resources, local economy and cultural heritage in central India.