State

Madhya Pradesh

History

Altitude (above M.S.L.)

580 - 675 m

Pench Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1977. A part of its area, which today represents the core area of the Tiger Reserve, was declared a National Park in 1983. Pench was added to the Tiger Reserve Network in 1992.

Area

Total

757.8 km²

Core

292.8 km²

Buffer

465.0 km²

Flora and Fauna

Pench is located in an area that holds a significant place in the natural history of Central India. The description of its richness in fauna and flora and its natural beauty has been recorded in numerous wildlife books dating back to the 17^th century. An estimated 44 tigers inhabit the reserve.

Temperature

3°C - 47°C

Rainfall (per annum)

1397 mm

Seasons

Winter

Dec - Feb

Summer

Mar - Jun

Monsoon

Jun - Sep

Fauna

Tiger, leopard, jungle cat, leopard cat, striped hyena, wild dog, wolf, common mongoose, sloth bear, pangolin, spotted deer, sambar, barking deer, blue bull, wild pig, gaur, fresh water crocodile, Indian chameleon, common krait, Indian rock python, cobra, Indian flap turtle, Peninsular black turtle etc.

Forest Types

Southern Dry Mixed Deciduous Forest, Southern Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest, Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Teak Bearing Forest

Funds

Insufficient & delayed

Management Objectives

Staff

Understaffed

Habitat protection is a primary objective, which includes the relocation of villages and creation of water sources.

Problems

Fishermen at the Penchreservoir indulge in illegal activities, often threatening the park’s patrol staff. Poaching of animals, including tigers, has occurred. Over-grazing has resulted in weed invasion of certain areas and outbrakes of various diseases have occurred.

External Influences (1991 census)

Human population

Not recorded

Livestock numbers

1030