On December 1, the technical committee of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) reached a pivotal decision by endorsing the proposal to classify Madhav National Park in Shivpuri district, Madhya Pradesh, as a tiger reserve. This decision not only signifies the establishment of Madhya Pradesh's eighth tiger reserve but also highlights the state's unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation. With several important reserves such as Kanha, Satpura, Bandhavgarh, Pench, Sanjay Dubri, Panna, and Veerangana Durgavati already operating, the inclusion of Madhav National Park promises to substantially enhance efforts aimed at safeguarding the tiger and its vital habitat.
“The NTCA technical committee has approved the proposal to notify Madhav National Park as a tiger reserve,” L Krishnamoorthy, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (APCCF), Wildlife, told PTI. “It will have total area of 1751 square kilometres, comprising core area of 375 square kilometres and buffer area of 1276 square kilometres. The committee also approved the release of a tiger and a tigress into the park”.
He stated that the proposal was developed in response to directives from Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. He added that this conservation initiative by the Madhya Pradesh government will enhance wildlife management in Madhav National Park and Kuno National Park. It will also provide ecotourism benefits to local communities and contribute to the region's development.
Kuno National Park is India's sole sanctuary for cheetahs, making it a crucial location for conserving this magnificent species. It is located in Sheopur district and is close to the renowned Madhav National Park.
The 'Status of Tigers: Co-predators & Prey in India - 2022' report from the National Tiger Conservation Authority and Wildlife Institute of India highlights Madhya Pradesh's remarkable achievement: it is home to 785 tigers, the highest number in the country. This impressive statistic underscores the state's vital role in tiger conservation, surpassing Karnataka with 563 and Uttarakhand with 560. Protecting these habitats is essential for the survival of these iconic animals.
