Kanha Tiger Reserve is one of the most important tiger
habitats in Central India for the long-term
conservation of the “flagship” species – tiger.
It also harbours the last world population of the highly endangered
Central Indian swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii branderi). The
Tiger Reserve encompasses diverse vegetation, and has natural linkages with
several other PAs in the region, viz. Pench TR in Madhya Pradesh, Achankmar TR
in Chhattisgarh and Nawegaon-Nagzira TR in Maharashtra. Though the connectivity
between Kanha Tiger Reserve and these PAs may be weak, there is ample scope for
ensuring gene flow from the Kanha core conservation unit by resorting to
appropriate site-specific restorative management. Thus, Kanha Tiger Reserve has
considerable significance as a conservation nucleus. Besides, it affords scope for fostering
eco-regional development to complement the conservation initiatives. The above
corridor plans are under submission to the National Tiger Conservation
Authority, New Delhi.
