Satpura Tiger Reserve conducts wild animal census, counting underway

The annual wildlife census in Satpura Tiger Reserve (STR) began on December 1, counting herbivorous and carnivorous animals in the buffer and core areas. It runs from December 1 to December 7.

Teams are currently focusing on carnivorous wildlife, with 500 employees working across 186 beats in 10 reserve ranges. The counting process, which involves recording the names and numbers of herbivorous and carnivorous animals, will continue throughout the week.

As of December 3, footprints and signs of carnivorous wild animals have been identified in various locations, including tigers, leopards, wild dogs, jackals, civet cats, hyenas, foxes, wild cats, and bears. STR staff have been documenting these signs to compile accurate data.

On the other hand, herbivorous animals like sambhar, chital, chinkara, bhelki, nilgai, and black deer are also being recorded. The census staff is focusing on identifying their presence over the next few days.

Field Director of STR, Rakhi Nanda, confirmed that the departmental wildlife count is on track and will continue until December 7. The data collected will provide insights into the population and distribution of herbivorous and carnivorous species in the reserve.

History of Satpura Tiger Reserve

Satpura Tiger Reserve (STR), or Satpura National Park, is in Madhya Pradesh's Narmadapuram district. Established in 1981, it spans 524 km² and, with the Bori and Pachmarhi wildlife sanctuaries, forms a 2,200 km² central Indian highland ecosystem. The reserve features rugged terrain with sandstone peaks, gorges, and dense forests, ranging from 300 to 1,352 meters in altitude.

STR is home to diverse wildlife, including leopards, tigers, wild boars, and herbivores like sambhar and chital. It supports over 50 mammal species, 250 bird species, and rare animals like the Indian giant squirrel. The flora includes sal, teak, mahua, and medicinal plants, with about 1,300 recorded.

The reserve’s biodiversity is complemented by a unique grassland ecosystem covering 10% of the area. STR’s conservation efforts help protect endangered species, including tigers and wild dogs. The park also boasts significant biodiversity, with endemic species like the flying squirrel and Rhesus monkeys.

The reserve near Pachmarhi is accessible by road, with the nearest rail station at Pipariya and Bhopal airport about 190 km away. The climate is moderate, with summer temperatures reaching 40°C and winters dipping to 1°C.

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