Satpura National Park

Satpura National Park

State : Madhya Pradesh Area : 524 sq. km Altitude: 300- 1,352 m Vegetation : Evergreen deciduous

Satpura national Park is one of the best kept wildlife secrets of India.  The beautiful water bodies, hilly backdrop and the dry deciduous forests create a stunning topography.

The area of the Satpura Tiger Reserve was first explored by Captain James Forsyth of Bengal lancers in the year 1862. Realizing the ecological and commercial value of vast expanses of forest it was declared the first reserve forest of India.

Satpura Tiger Reserve is prime example of central Indian highlands ecosystem. It is an unique area of high natural and diverse land resource values. Area is endowed with rich biodiversity.

Satpura forest is a habitat to diverse fauna including Indian Bison (Gaur), Leopards, Wild boars, Wild dogs (locally called Dholes), Sloth bears, and Tigers.  The flying squirrel, Indian Giant Squirrel and Leaf nosed Bats must be regarded among the most sensitive to habitat changes. 

Due to its many water-bodies, Satpura is also home for a large number of both migratory and resident birds.; more than 300 species of birds can be seen which include Malabar pied horn-bill, Malabar whistling thrush and the State Bird of Madhya Pradesh Paradise Flycatcher. Area also visited by many migratory birds like Indian Skimmers, Black bellied tern, Brahmni duck, Bar-headed Geese, Pintails, Spotbills etc.

This area is very important from view point of archaeology and study of human evolution history as there are more than 50 rock shelters with beautiful painting which are 1500 to 10,000 years old. Some of them are having very rare depictions of elephants, lions,Tigers, Porcupines and Pangolins.

Fauna : Indian Bison (Gaur), Leopards, Wild boars, Wild dogs (locally called Dholes), Sloth bears, and Tigers. 

Avi Fauna :  Malabar pied horn-bill, Malabar whistling thrush , Paradise Flycatcher, Indian Skimmers, Black bellied tern, Brahmni duck, Bar-headed Geese, Pintails, Spotbills etc.