Kanha Tiger Reserve is a nature’s paradise and for the longest time, has been a prime forest areain India for nature lovers, conservationists, tourists or anyone who is enthusiastic about natureand Tigers. Located in the “Maikal” ranges of the Satpuras, and falling in the Mandla and Balaghat districts of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha Tiger Reserve is internationally renowned for its typical Central Indian floral and faunal attributes.
The lush green forests of Kanha, composed mainly of Sal Trees (Shorea Robusta) and other mixed forest trees, supports the growth of rich and varied flora and fauna. Kanha Tiger Reserve is bestowed with rich biodiversity and for an enthusiast or someone who wants to explore into the deep woods, Kanha Tiger Reserve has to be on their bucket list.
Kanha is one the oldest protected areas of India, being declared a reserve forest in 1879 and a National Park in 1955. It was also among the first nine Tiger Reserves of India when ‘Project Tiger’ started in India because of its rich population of Tigers and being one of the prime habitat for them. Apart from supporting a viable population of the tiger, the National Park has also distinguished itself in saving the highly endangered hard ground barasingha (Rucervus duvaucelii branderi) from extinction, and for close to five decades had the unique distinction of harbouring the last world population of this deer species. Its in the recent years that this species has been successfully reintroduced in other national parks of Madhya Pradesh like Satpura Tiger Reserve and Van Vihar National Park. Through holistic conservation approach and effective management practices, the Tiger Reserve has seen rise in population of this symbolic deer species which was once on the verge of extinction from the Earth. Hard Ground Barasingha has been aptly named the the State animal of Madhya Pradesh and tt is interesting to know that 'Bhoorsingh the Barasingha' is the official mascot for Kanha National Park.
The Tiger Reserve with an area of 2074.32 sq. km. is comprised of two divisions, namely the National Park of 940 sq. km. (including 917.43 sq. km.) of critical tiger habitat or the core area and the Buffer Zone (multiple use area) of 1134.36 sq. km. Besides, there is also Phen Wildlife Sanctuary (110.74 sq. km.), a Satellitic Micro Core under the unified control of the Field Director, Kanha Tiger Reserve.