About Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve:
- It is nestled in the Satpura and Vindhya mountain ranges in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh.
- It is spread over 1536 sq. km., which includes the 716 sq. km. core zone and 820 sq. km. of the buffer zone.
- The name “Bandhavgarh” is derived from the ancient Bandhavgarh Fort, which sits atop a hill in the park.
- According to legend, the fort was gifted by Lord Rama to his brother Lakshmana, hence the name “Bandhavgarh” (Brother’s Fort).
- It also has several archeological monuments. The reserve features around 39 caves with Pali inscriptions and animal depictions. It also contains ancient structures, including stupas and statues from the 1st century BCE.
- The density of the tiger population at Bandhavgarh is the highest known in India as well as in the world.
- The habitat is characterized by valleys, hills, and plains, with the Bandhavgarh fort prominently seen as a major landmark.
- Flora: The flora of the region comprises majorly evergreen Sal forests, mixed forests, and grasslands.
- Fauna: Apart from tigers, the park is home to other significant species such as leopards, sloth bears, Indian bison (gaur), Asiatic elephants, and a variety of deer species, including sambar and chital.
