The Satpura Tiger Reserve, nestled within the Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh, has recently come to prominence owing to the discovery of the Mahuva tree in its buffer zone. This location also serves as a residence for locals who deeply believe in the mystical abilities of the Mahuva tree to provide instant relief or cure from ailments and adversities.
Origins and Location of the Reserve
Satpura Tiger Reserve was established in 2000, located south of the Narmada River. It is an amalgamation of three protected areas: Satpura National Park, Bori Sanctuary, and Pachmarhi Sanctuary.
The Lifeline Denwa River
Denwa River, originating from the southeastern part of Hoshangabad district in Madhya Pradesh, acts as the main water source for the park. The river flows from east to west before finally merging with the Tawa River at the southern end of Ranipur.
A Habitat Teeming with Diverse Wildlife
The forest enclosures of the Satpura Tiger Reserve serve as homes to numerous endangered species. Chief among them are the Tiger, Black Buck, Leopard, Dhole, Indian Gaur, Malabar Giant Squirrel, and Sloth Bear.
Avian Fauna in the Reserve
A birdwatcher’s paradise, more than 300 species of birds inhabit the reserve. Among these are the Malabar Pied Hornbill, Malabar Whistling Thrush, and the State Bird of Madhya Pradesh, Paradise Flycatcher. Additionally, several migratory birds such as the Indian Skimmers, Black-bellied Tern, Bar-headed Geese, and others can be spotted.
Archaeological Significance
More than 50 rock shelters pepper the reserve, housing paintings that range from 1500 to 10,000 years old. Notably, some of these paintings feature rare depictions of elephants, lions, tigers, porcupines, and pangolins.
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Mahuva Tree (Mahua Longifolia) | An Indian tropical tree found predominantly in the central and north Indian plains and forests. |
| Buffer Zone | Areas created to enhance the protection of a specific conservation area. These are areas peripheral to a specific protected area, with restrictions on resource use and special development measures in place to boost the conservation value of the protected area. |
The Role of Buffer Zones in Conservation
Buffer zones play an essential role in conservation. They serve as transitional areas with restrictions on resource use, typically lesser than those within the protected area itself, so as to enhance the conservation value of the protected area. In the context of the Satpura Tiger Reserve, the buffer zone has come into focus due to the presence of the Mahuva Tree. The local inhabitants regularly exploit this tree for medicinal purposes, contributing another layer of complexity to the sustainable management of this reserve.
Source: IE