Road and weather conditions will determine whether monsoon safaris are allowable through any gate in the buffer zone of Pench Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra. The lodging for visitors will be available at Sillari, Kolitmara, and Surewani regions. The forest department of Pench has decided that monsoon safari booking reservations for entry through the Paoni safari gate will be accepted from Sillari, Banera gate from Kolitmara, and Surewani Buffer Zone Gate of Pench Forest.

Pench Tiger Reserve News Inputs.

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The post Buffer Zones in Pench Tiger Reserve Maharashtra to Remain Open for Monsoon Safaris appeared first on Pench National Park | Wildlife Tourism.

Though before coming to Pench, the birds inhabited the Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre in Pinjore, Haryana till January of 2024, after which they were kept in an aviary, set up in a different corner of the tiger reserve, allowing them to better acclimate to the local environment for an easier relocation.

The 10 vultures, that consist of 5 male and 5 female vultures, were released in the Pench Tiger Reserve after being in the aviary for around 5 months. Currently, the jungles of the tiger reserve are home to over 100 vultures with an estimate of 20 nests, and has a varied population of vultures such as Long-billed, White-backed, Eurasian griffon, Egyptian, and Red-headed vultures.

BNHS, or the Bombay Natural History Society is a Mumbai-based NGO that has been at the forefront of the vulture conservation practice in India, owing to a decline in its population in the 1990s. Ever since its advent in 2001 as a vulture care center and in 2004, as a breeding and conservation center, has managed to successfully foster and raise over 700 vultures. With such an abundant population of these avian species, BNHS has now decided to release these vultures in their habitats in different phases.

Pench National Park News Inputs.

Other Interesting Blogs to Read

• Popular National Parks in Madhya Pradesh
• Hot Air Balloon Safari in Pench
• For Every Traveller: Top Things to Keep in Mind for Responsible Wildlife Tourism
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• Pench Online/Offline Safari Booking Tips
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• Best Things to Do in Pench National Park
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• Top 10 Weekend Getaways around Pench Tiger Reserve
• Best Top-Rated Places to Stay in Pench National Park

The post Into the Wild: Pench Tiger Reserve Maharashtra GPS Tags and Releases 10 Vultures appeared first on Pench National Park | Wildlife Tourism.

In a recent campaign launched by the tiger reserve, Pench appeals to the people to aid them in their mission by asking them to donate their old but functional digital camera for the cause. This will help the forest guards and the field staff of the tiger reserve to record their experiences among the wild which otherwise may not be documented due to lack of resources. The availability of a camera will make a world of difference in bringing to light events that happen among the silence of the jungle by its staff who witness such things occasionally.

With an aim to facilitate more efficient conservation practices, Pench Tiger Reserve requests your help for a greater cause.

You can directly approach the Pench Tiger Reserve Management if you wish to donate a digital camera to the tiger reserve on their contact number at: +91 9922951184.

Other Interesting Blogs to Read

• Popular National Parks in Madhya Pradesh
• Hot Air Balloon Safari in Pench
• For Every Traveller: Top Things to Keep in Mind for Responsible Wildlife Tourism
• Visit a Lesser Known Destination in Madhya Pradesh- Pristine Tamia
• Pench Online/Offline Safari Booking Tips
• India’s First Ever Dark Sky Park!
• Best Things to Do in Pench National Park
• Rare Black Panther Spotted in Pench Tiger Reserve
• Top 10 Weekend Getaways around Pench Tiger Reserve
• Best Top-Rated Places to Stay in Pench National Park

The post Donate a Camera to Pench Tiger Reserve Today and Help Uncover the Mystical Beauty of its Jungles appeared first on Pench National Park | Wildlife Tourism.

In this blog, we will read about the top 5 national Parks of Madhya Pradesh. These parks not only promise a good chance of sighting the apex predator of these jungles, the Bengal Tiger, but will thrill you with amazing experiences, beautiful landscapes, enchanting euphonies of jungle, and intriguing stories of its wild inhabitants.

So, let’s delve right away to know those 5 wildlife destinations in Madhya Pradesh and what’s so special about each of them.

Kanha National Park & Tiger Reserve

Kanha National Park is a natural oasis, a wildlife hotspot in the Maikal range of Madhya Pradesh. It is one among the most illustrious national parks in India. This biodiversity sanctum was recognised as early as 1860 and was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1933, to conserve the dwindling forest in the region.

Kanha National Park has a moist deciduous forest comprising towering sal trees predominantly. Lush greens, dense forest, and open meadows, all combine to be the reserve area of Kanha present near the border of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. When Captain James Forsyth discovered Kanha’s beauty and wrote his thoughts in his book called “Highlands of India,” a personal memoir of his excursions.

It was also one of the first tiger reserves to be introduced in the Project Tiger initiative of India in the year 1973. Although a tiger reserve, Kanha National Park was mainly focused on the wildlife conservation of the endangered deer species, the hard ground Barasingha.  The Barasingha deer species was once on the verge of extinction when Kanha National Park encouraged breeding programs in enclosed areas to achieve the population count of over thousand of this species from merely 60 of them.

Entering the forest of Kanha National park is a transition to a lush realm surrounded by tall sal trees and greenery. Almost 60% of the forest is blanketed by Sal trees. This diverse ecosystem is home to over 800 plant species, 320 birds, 50 aquatic animals, 26 reptiles, and a staggering 43 mammal species. Although, only about 20% of the total core area of the forest is open for tourists, this is enough to witness aplenty of wildlife.

Park is majorly divided into two regions, the core zone and the buffer zone. Core zone is further divided into six areas namely Kisli, Mukki, Sarhi, and Kanha in the west while Bhaisanghat and Supkhar zone in the east. Any part of these zones offers a chance to spot magnificent animals roaming around freely in their natural habitat.

Kanha not only is dotted with magical landscapes but also a diverse range of fauna which includes many endangered and uncommon animals. There are more than 800 plants, 320 birds, 50 aquatic animals, 26 reptiles, and 43 mammal species.

Apart from Bengal Tiger and Barasingha, Kanha has a healthy population of sloth bears and predators like leopards and wild dogs. The water bodies which are dotted all around the park are the hotspots of wildlife encounters. Animals like Chital, Sambar, Black buck, Barking deer, Chousingha, Gaur, Langur, Wild pig, Jackal, regularly approach the water ponds to quench their thirst. Your wildlife rendezvous cannot be more enthralling than traversing through the deep forest of Kanha National Park through jungle safari.

Bandhavgarh National Park & Tiger Reserve

Bandhavgarh National Park is a densely forested wildlife reserve which is reputed for its high Tiger population density. The core area of Bandhavgarh tiger reserve is around 100 sq. km while the encircling buffer area is about 400 sq. km. Although the park spans a lesser area, this comes a s an advantage for tourists for sighting tigers.

Bandhavgarh is a lush territory occupied with sal forests, grass meadows, mixed forest, bamboo, and rocky hills. In the center of the park is the Bandhavgarh Fort, which was built over a mesa called Bandhavgarh hill with around 800 meters of altitude. There are several small hills alla around the park creating small valleys. The lower valleys are mostly Sal forest while the hills are mixed deciduous.

Bandhavgarh plays a significant role in the wildlife tour in Madhya Pradesh, not only due to its wild-life but also its historical legends. According to local beliefs, the Bandhavgarh fort was a gift to Lakshman, by his brother, Lord Ram. Thus, the name, Bandhavgarh, which means “brother’s fort”.

Most people come to Bandhavgarh National Park, to boost their probability of getting glimpses of the rare and glorious predator, Bengal Tigers, but inadvertently they get to witness the diverse and magnificent animal kingdom here. Bandhavgarh is home to a diverse range of animals including mammals like spotted deer, wild pigs, chausingha, Barking deer, Nilgai, Indian civet, palm squirrel, etc. Bandhavgarh also has a good population of leopards.

The biosphere of Bandhavgarh also hosts more than 250 bird species including Indian Pitta, Paradise Flycatcher, Crested Serpent Eagle, Long-billed, Egyptian & Himalayan Griffon Vultures, Malabar Pied Hornbills, Kingfishers and Indian Rollers.

Also, many reptile species like cobra, viper, python, turtles, and a number of lizards are seen around the water bodies of the park.

The enchanting and dense thickets of Bandhavgarh National Park are not less than a paradise creating a harmony between human and nature. The wildlife journey in Bandhavgarh satisfies both tourists and wildlife lovers alike.

Pench National Park & Tiger Reserve

Exploring wildlife of Madhya Pradesh is incomplete if you have not visited one of the most prestigious wildlife oases, Pench National Park. The forest of Pench is believed to be younger than its fellow parks and is beautifully sprinkled with more exciting locations to explore.

Pench National park and its wildlife is mentioned in Mughal documents and many other wildlife literatures, but Rudyard Kipling, an English novelist, captured the world’s imagination with his classic work, The Jungle Book. The beauty of Pench forest inspired him to plot his stories and characters from this jungle.

Pench National Park is named after the Pench river that flows right from its middle. Pench National Park lies on the southern border of Madhya Pradesh and a significant part of its forest area lies in the neighboring state, Maharashtra. Pench National Park also has two divisions, one is the Indira Priyadarshini National Park and the other is Mowgli-pench sanctuary. This forest was first declared a sanctuary in 1977 and later recognised as a Tiger reserve in 1992.

Pench National Park is spread over an area of around 750 sq km with a core region of 300 sq km and buffer area of 400 sq km. The jungle safari into the dense forest of pench opens up to open meadows at regular intervals. These are the best places to spot groups of various animals like deers and antelopes.

The diverse flora of Pench National park, which includes tall thickets, shrubs, and climbers, support a lot of animal and bird life. Other than the Shar Khan (Bengal Tigers), Pench is home to Indian leopards, gaur, chital, sambar deer, jungle cats, sloth bear, four-horned antelope, and many other exotic species. There are around 300 species of birds including resident and migratory avians like White-eyed Buzzard, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Indian Pitta, Osprey, Grey-headed Fishing Eagle, Sarus Crane, peafowl, red vented bulbul, crow pheasant, crimson-breasted barbet, red jungle fowl, etc.

The immersive journey in the expansive realm of the wild of Pench National Park only fills you up with amazing wildlife encounters and aplenty of memories.

Panna National Park & Tiger Reserve

Panna National Park (PTR) opens a gate to the pure realm of wildlife. Regular warning calls of animals, swift movements of creatures, rustle that forces you to turn in each direction, and glimpses of creatures being wild, is the picture that paints whilst your tiger safari in the wildlife of Panna.

With a core area of 576 sq km and a buffer area of over 1,000 sq km, panna offers a unique expedition in an environment that feels otherworldly. PTR has no divisions in the core area which allows tourists to explore any of the safari trail routes and get the best sighting of wild animals.

Penna is the part of gangetic plains and comprises dry deciduous forest of mahua, arjun, tendu, and kardhai trees. The thickets are mixed with extensive grasslands to provide the best glances into the wildlife movements.

Panna National Park was established in 1981 and later turned into India’s 22nd tiger reserve in 1994. In 2008, this reserve lost almost all of the Bengal tigers to poaching, but reintroduction and breeding programs from 2009 helped the park to recover the lost population.

Ken river, the major water source of Penna National Park, flows through the park. The ravines and the forest belt of panna is a host to many natural and archaeological wonders. The ravines of penna are home to a diverse range of wild-life. Apart from the Bengal Tigers, the most impressive animal in the whole Madhya Pradesh wildlife safari, penna is also a home to Indian leopards and other Jungle cats, scavengers like the striped hyena, and Indian jackal. Many herbivore species like chinkara, nilgai, chital, sambar, and chausingha, reside in the lush territory. Furthermore, over 200 species of bird life call penna their permanent or temporary home during migration.

There are two beautiful waterfalls in Penna, Pandav falls, which is named after the pandav brothers of Indian epic mahabharat, and the Ken river gorge, also known as Karnvati.

The gorge of Dudhwa Seha provides a wonderful panoramic view of the Penna National Park and the vulture nests on the canyon. The cliff made up of granite, dolomite, and quartz caters to some of the best landscape of the park.

More than exploring the wildlife, Panna National Park also provides a chance to witness the water birds and crocodiles on the boat rides in Ken river. Undoubtedly, there are more chances of spotting animals, quenching their thirst, on the bank of the river.

Satpura National Park & Tiger Reserve

The name itself defines the landscape – Satpura, meaning ‘seven mountains. Satpura National Park (STR), a biosphere territory of Madhya Pradesh, is enveloped in lush hills, offering a serene experience amidst the wild. This translates to wildlife safaris unlike any other – no crowds, no struggling for tickets, no long queues, and uncrowded vehicles during wildlife encounters.

This journey to the peaceful jungle of Satpura is a complete package of exploring Madhya Pradesh wildlife. Explore beautiful hilly terrains, deep gorges, and rivulets. Encounter large herds of mammals and enjoy excellent birding opportunities in untouched forest locations. Satpura National Park was even awarded the prestigious TOFT wildlife tourism award in 2010 for being the most friendly wildlife destination.

The magic behind it all? The 4000 feet high Satpura range. It forms a watershed between the Narmada and Tapti rivers, creating stunning sandstone peaks, gurgling streams, cascading waterfalls, and dense Sal and Teak forests. This unique pollution-free ecosystem allows for activities like cycling, canoeing, and trekking right from the entry gate at Madhai, which is a one-of-a kind experience only possible here. The large water body also allows the tourist to enjoy boat safaris.

Satpura National Park was formed in 1981 combining Satpura, Pachmarhi, and Bori sanctuary, which packaged it with a rich ecosystem. The incredible array of fauna includes a significant count of Bengal Tigers and many other magnificent species like Indian bison, leopards, sloth bears, black bucks, porcupine, Nilgai, sambar, golden jackals, chital, and sloth bears, etc. As a wildlife conservation effort, the re-introduction of a significant population of Hard Ground Barasingha in the park also added to the wildlife diversity of Satpura. Also, the park’s various water bodies and large reservoirs not only host a variety of resident and migratory birds but also reptiles like gharials, mugger crocodiles, and Indian softshell turtle. Some major birds include the Malabar Pied Hornbill, Black Crested Bulbul, Crested Hawk Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, and Indian Skimmer.

But Satpura National Park has more than its wildlife. History buffs are baffled to know that this park has more than 50 rock shelters from historical times, making it an archaeological heritage. This unique combination of nature, wildlife, and historical significance makes Satpura National Park a must-visit wildlife getaway for people seeking exploration of untouched nature.

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• Pench Online/Offline Safari Booking Tips
• India’s First Ever Dark Sky Park!
• Best Things to Do in Pench National Park
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• Best Top-Rated Places to Stay in Pench National Park

The post 5 Best National Parks for Tiger Safaris in Madhya Pradesh appeared first on Pench National Park | Wildlife Tourism.

Peacock Royal Butterfly Captured on Camera of the Pench Tiger Reserve

According to earlier butterfly surveys, the Peacock Royal Butterfly was never sighted before in the park region. During the recent site visit for the camera installation of a tiger project in the Nagpur district of Maharashtra’s Pench forest, a stunning species of peacock royal butterfly known as ‘Tajuria Cippus’ was captured coincidently. Four to five specimens of the butterfly species were observed on a Banyan tree at Mama Tower, located at an elevation of 438 metres above sea level. The species belongs to the ‘Lycaenid’ family and is found widely across the Asia continent.

Wildlife conservationists and forest officials of Satpuda Foundation witnessed that the sightings of new species are adding to the reserve’s flora and fauna hence becoming a reason behind the flourishing of the wildlife tourism industry. It is also a noteworthy record for the Pench’s Tiger Reserve as it is the first-time observation of the Tajuria Cippus’s presence in the park region. The butterflies were recognised based on their distinctive wing patterns and colours, and standard butterfly observation techniques were followed after the observation; the identification was verified using photographic evidence.

Pench Tiger Reserve News Inputs.

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Named Pantera, the AI system incorporates a mix of satellite-based data and camera feed and provides alerts for forest fires in real time, in less than just three minutes, with the ability to differentiate between smoke and cloud! Consisting of a tower, camera, and a control room, it has been installed at one of Pench’s higher hills, remaining connected to the West Pench Range Office’s control room, also equipped with the ability of night time detection. Not just helpful for detecting any ongoing forest fires, Pantera is also able to predict the chance of any probable fires based on weather conditions, and data related to past fires as well.

Pantera, undoubtedly is a much more efficient way of detecting oncoming forest fires, it wasn’t always this way. Earlier, the forest department in the region relied on satellite-based data for any alerts, which now combined with visual data from Pantera makes it much easier to locate and respond to forest fires in the region.

The first AI-based forest fire detection system to be installed among any of India’s tiger reserves, Pantera has been the result of collaboration between Pench Tiger Reserve, Satpuda Foundation, Umgramerio, and Forest Fire Tech, USA, where part of the project was funded by Solar Industries India Limited, Nagpur, with the rest by the state government, and wishes to protect and further conserve the rich biodiversity of the forest of Pench.

Pench National Park News Input.

The post A First Among India’s Tiger Reserves, Pench Gets AI-Based Tech to Detect Forest Fires appeared first on Pench National Park | Wildlife Tourism.

Witnessing a rare leopard cat in the jungles of Pench Tiger Reserve

Pench Tiger Reserve of Maharashtra is widely known for its exotic flora and fauna all around the world and this time an exceptional leopard cat, scientifically known as Prionailurus Bengalensis is sighted for the first time roaming in the jungle by a senior official of the reserve. The cat belongs to the Felidae family and is getting highly noted for its resemblance to leopards.

The leopard cat’s presence was captured via a camera tapping within the reserve setting as a milestone for central India. The cameras are installed in numerous areas of the reserve but an image of this feline was captured in the vicinity of the Narahar Village of Pench, Nagpur district.

The biodiversity of India boasts around 15 different species of wild cats and the presence of the newly found leopard cat in the Pench region is a great breakthrough in the status of the felid species of India. The eye-catching landscape and astonishing wildlife of the Pench have been a well-liked destination for nature lovers and conservation enthusiasts since the new wildlife discoveries.

The Pench Tiger Reserve of Maharashtra covers an area of 740 square kilometres and plays an important role as a vital corridor for the other tiger reserves in the region including Melghat Tiger Reserve, Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve, Pench Tiger Reserve and Kanha Tiger Reserve. The reserve situated close to Pench River is home to ferocious Bengal tigers, leopards, sloths and over 285 species of birds.

Pench National Park News Inputs.

Photo Credit: Times of India

The post Sighting an Exclusive Leopard Cat at Pench Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra appeared first on Pench National Park | Wildlife Tourism.

Black Panthers are leopards who simply adorn a darker coat than regular leopards, caused by a genetic mutation which gives them a higher level of melanin than usual, providing them an elegant appearance and making them stand out. Since, black panthers are formed due to a genetic mutation and are not an entirely different species of their own, they are a rare sight, which is what makes spotting one in the wild so exciting.

Among the major tiger reserves of the country, Pench Tiger Reserve shares itself between the states of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, and houses animals like the Bengal tiger, leopard, Indian bison, Indian civets, and different antelope and deer species, including chinkara, sambhar, chinkara, chital, and barking deer.

Pench National Park News Inputs.

The post A Sight to Behold: Black Panther Cub Spotted with Mother appeared first on Pench National Park | Wildlife Tourism.

So, the question remains, what are dark sky parks? Dark sky parks are areas designated for the protection of night skies from light pollution, resulting in an environment that allows for the local ecosystem to thrive. These places are not only important for nature and wildlife but equally aid in research for those interested in astronomy. The use of artificial lights to provide visibility affects humans, animals, and hinders the ability to gaze into the celestial landscape with clarity.

At the Pench Tiger Reserve, a night observatory has been established with the district planning committee fund and the area near Bagholi designated for stargazing, according to the Deputy Director of the Reserve at Maharashtra, Prabhu Nath Shukla. As such, in the villages of Wagholi, Sillari, Pipariya and Khapa that fall under the Paoni UC Range buffer area, more than a 100 street lights have been replaced with lights facing the ground to minimize light pollution in the area. According to Shukla, the dark sky certification is a big step when it comes to the tiger reserve as it grants Pench not only national, but recognition at an international level. Another telescope has also been installed at a protection tower at Wagholi, which already has an observatory. With these new additions to the Pench Tiger Reserve, it is hoped to become an aid in education and research for celestial enthusiasts throughout the country.

Pench Tiger Reserve is one of India’s top reserves housing the population of the Bengal tigers and is often acknowledged for its management and efficiency practices. The reserve is located covering the two states of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh and is managed jointly by them.

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The post Gaze Into the Clear Skies At Pench Tiger Reserve- India’s First Ever Dark Sky Park! appeared first on Pench National Park | Wildlife Tourism.

Lying covering the states of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, the Pench National Park is among India’s top tiger reserves. Apart from the population of tigers, visitors may also get a chance to spot other animals such as leopards, Indian bison, Indian civet, and different species of deer and antelope. The hot air balloon safari ride in Pench will function in the Kolitmara buffer zone of the park, in addition to paramotoring flights that will be operated for the visitors from the same zone. Offering a mix of eco and adventure tourism, the Pench Tiger Reserve is set to welcome nature and adventure enthusiasts with this initiative. The price for hot air balloon rides and paramotoring is set at INR 1,500 and INR 2,500 respectively, and is a result of the collaboration between Maharshi Adventures Sports, Gondia, and the Kolitmara Eco-development Committee.

Apart from hot air balloon rides and paramotoring, Kolitmara offers activities such as boat rides, machhan sittings, bird watching and village exploration tours as well. Pench Tiger Reserve, earlier only had jeep, canter, and cycle safaris for the visitors, which still remain an exciting way to explore the national park in addition to the ecotourism activities offered by the park.

Pench Tiger Reserve News Inputs.

*The image is used for representational purposes only.

Other Interesting Blogs to Read

• 10 Best Weekend Getaways around Pench Tiger Reserve
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• Best Top-Rated Places to Stay in Pench National Park
• 8 Best Things to Do in Pench National Park
• Photo of Black Panther Posted on Twitter Goes Viral, Leaving Netizens Fascinated!

The post Soar Through the Skies of Pench Tiger Reserve in a Hot Air Balloon appeared first on Pench National Park | Wildlife Tourism.