Panna National Park, Location, History, Interesting Facts

Panna National Park is located in Panna and Chhatarpur districts of Madhya Pradesh, holding a diverse landscape of plateaus and dense forests, with the Ken River flowing through it. It plays a crucial part of the Panna Tiger Reserve, known for its dedicated efforts in conserving the Royal Bengal Tigers, which were once nearly extinct in this region. The Panna National Park plays a major role in India's tiger conservation program and also consists of a rich variety of flora and fauna.

Panna Tiger Reserve

Panna Tiger Reserve was declared a tiger reserve in 1994, covering approximately 542.67 sq.km along the Ken River in Madhya Pradesh. The Panna Tiger Reserve is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, with around 50 tigers recorded as of 2021, and conservation efforts continue to increase their population in the area. Known for its scenic views, the reserve offers jungle safaris, bird watching, and nature walks, making it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Panna National Park History

Panna National Park was once used as hunting grounds by the princely states of Panna, Chhatarpur, and Bijawar. The park was established as a wildlife reserve to protect the region’s rich biodiversity and natural habitats. Panna National Park was declared India’s 22nd tiger reserve and Madhya Pradesh’s 5th, prompting its importance in Royal Bengal Tiger conservation. 

The Panna Tiger Reserve received the Ministry of Tourism’s Award of Excellence for being the best-maintained national park in India. The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF) recognized Panna National Park as a Biosphere Reserve, highlighting its ecological significance. Panna was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, covering Panna National Park, parts of Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary (I, III, IV), and the North Panna Forest Division’s reserved and protected forests.

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Panna National Park Flora

Panna National Park is home to a diverse range of flora, including tropical dry deciduous, tropical moist deciduous, and tropical thorn forests, each supporting a variety of plant species. The park features prominent tree species such as Teak (Tectona grandis), Sal (Shorea robusta), Jamun (Syzygium cumini), Mahua (Madhuca indica), Tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon), Flame of the Forest (Butea monosperma). 

These trees play a crucial role in providing habitat and food for various wildlife species. These plant species serve as vital food sources for herbivores and omnivores. The park is rich in medicinal plants such as Amla (Phyllanthus emblica), Arjun (Terminalia arjuna), Bel (Aegle marmelos). Other than these, orchids, ferns, and climbers enhance the park’s biodiversity and scenic beauty, making it a significant ecological zone.

Panna National Park Fauna

Panna Tiger Reserve covers an area of 542.67 sq.km, serving home to a diverse range of fauna, including several endangered species, carnivores and herbivores, including, Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), Indian Leopard (Panthera pardus fusca), Indian Wolf (Canis lupus pallipes), Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus), Sambar Deer (Rusa unicolor), Chital (Spotted Deer) (Axis axis), Chinkara (Indian Gazelle) (Gazella bennettii), Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)

Jackal (Canis aureus), Nilgai (Blue Bull) (Boselaphus tragocamelus). The reserve gained attention for its tiger conservation efforts, successfully reviving its declining tiger population.

Panna National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, especially during winter. Notable bird species include, White-naped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis), Red-headed Vulture (Sarcogyps calvus), Indian Vulture (Gyps indicus), Greater Spotted Eagle (Clanga clanga), Indian Pitta (Pitta brachyura), Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone paradisi), Painted Sandgrouse (Pterocles indicus).

Panna Tiger Reserve Interesting Facts

1. Panna Tiger Reserve has received the Award of Excellence 2007 for outstanding park maintenance.
2. Ken River features stunning waterfalls within the park.
3. Famous Tigers of Panna Tiger Reserve are Tiger T3, Tigress T1, and T2.
4. Major Wildlife Attractions of the park include Tiger, Leopard, Caracal, Sloth Bear, Cheetal, Chinkara, Nilgai, Blossom-Headed Parakeet, and Hawk-Eagle.
5. Harsha Gate is renowned for night safaris.