Kanha Tiger Reserve

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of India, the Kanha Tiger Reserve — also known as Kanha National Park — in the state of Madhya Pradesh is a majestic example of wilderness conservation and natural splendour. Spread across lush sal and bamboo forests, sweeping meadows and serene water-bodies, this reserve offers an immersive encounter with wildlife and the ecosystem that sustains it. It also holds tremendous significance in India’s tiger-conservation journey and stands as a beacon of biodiversity protection.

Location & Landscape

Kanha Tiger Reserve is located in the Mandla and Balaghat districts of Madhya Pradesh, set within the Maikal range of the Satpura hills.

The core zone of the tiger reserve, which is officially referred to as Kanha National Park, spans approximately 940 sq. km.

Beyond that, when including the surrounding buffer zones, the total protected landscape is considerably larger.

The terrain is rich and varied — from lowland sal (Shorea robusta) dominated forests to dry-moist deciduous uplands, from bamboo thickets to open grass plains (“meadows”) that create ideal habitat for grazing animals and their predators.

Streams and seasonal water-holes cut through the park, adding to both its aesthetic character and ecological importance.

History & Conservation Milestones

The area that is now Kanha was declared a reserve forest many decades ago, and it later became a wildlife sanctuary.

In the early 1970s, under India’s tiger-conservation efforts (Project Tiger), Kanha was designated as a Tiger Reserve.

The name Kanha National Park continues to denote its core critical tiger habitat, which is globally renowned for strong tiger protection.

One particularly noteworthy achievement is its role in saving the swamp deer (barasingha) from near-extinction, making it a celebrated conservation success story.

Biodiversity: Flora & Fauna

Flora

The forest composition reflects the diversity of the terrain. Lowlands are dominated by sal and mixed deciduous species, interspersed with grassy meadows that provide excellent openings for wildlife. Higher slopes carry dry-moist deciduous vegetation with bamboo stands. These varied habitats combine to create a rich mosaic of vegetation that supports many animals.

Fauna

Kanha Tiger Reserve / Kanha National Park boasts impressive wildlife diversity.

• Bengal Tiger – the apex predator and key attraction

• Indian leopard, dhole (wild dog), sloth bear and gaur also thrive here

• Barasingha (Swamp Deer) – the iconic species saved by Kanha

Abundant prey like chital, sambar and wild boar ensure a balanced predator–prey system.

With 300+ bird species, several reptiles, insects and small mammals, Kanha is one of India’s richest wildlife ecosystems.