Madhav Tiger Reserve

Introduction

Madhav Tiger Reserve is a relatively new but highly significant protected area in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Located in the Shivpuri district on the northern fringe of the Central Highlands, it offers a mix of historical legacy, rich biodiversity and a landscape shaped by lakes, dry deciduous forests and gentle hills. With its recent designation as a tiger reserve, Madhav is poised to become an increasingly important conservation and nature-tourism destination. 

Location, Landscape & Geography

• Madhav Tiger Reserve is situated in the Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh. 

• The terrain comprises gentle slopes, plateaux, dry deciduous forest and important waterbodies (notably Sakhya Sagar, Madhav Sagar) in the southern part of the park. 

• The reserve covers an area of about 355 sq km in the core region as indicated on the official site. 

• The forest type is described as Northern tropical dry deciduous mixed forest and dry thorn forest, typical of the region. 

• The designation of the area as a tiger reserve (the 58th in India) was approved, marking its growing importance in India’s tiger conservation efforts. 

History & Conservation Status

• The area was earlier known as Madhav National Park (previously Shivpuri National Park) and has a history as a hunting ground for the royalty of Gwalior and earlier rulers. 

• Over time, recognizing the ecological significance of the area, the government moved to upgrade its status. On 1 December 2024 the government of Madhya Pradesh notified Madhav as a tiger reserve. 

• Being declared as the 58th tiger reserve of India (and the 9th in Madhya Pradesh) signals major emphasis on conservation, infrastructure, monitoring and habitat protection. 

Biodiversity: Flora & Fauna

Flora

• The vegetation is dominated by dry deciduous forests—trees like khair, dhaora, salai, along with thorny scrub in some parts. 

• The forests also contain grassland patches and lakeside vegetation, which enhance ecological diversity. 

• Topography and slightly varied geology (plateaux, valleys) add to micro-habitats supporting different plant-assemblages. 

Fauna

• Though detailed tiger-population data are emerging, the enhanced status of the reserve means tigers are a focus species moving forward. 

• The area is home to various ungulates and deer species (chital, sambar, nilgai, chinkara) as prey base for large carnivores. 

• Other mammals: leopard, jackal, wild pig, wolf and smaller carnivores are reported. 

• The presence of lakes and forest edges adds birdlife and aquatic species as well, though specific figures for the reserve may still be being compiled.

  
  

  Visit Now ->

  https://madhavtigerreserve.org/

  Facebook  Twitter  Instagram