Conservation History
Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh, India, has a rich history of conservation, evolving from a hunting reserve to a protected tiger reserve. Its establishment as a national park in 1955 and later as a tiger reserve in 1974 under Project Tiger marked key milestones in India's wildlife conservation efforts. The park is renowned for its successful revival of the barasingha ( swamp deer ) population and serves as a model for conservation management.
Overview
Kanha National Park, located in the Maikal range of the Satpura hills in Madhya Pradesh, India, is one of the country's largest and most famous national parks. Spread over 940 square kilometers, it was established as a national park in 1955 and later became a tiger reserve in 1974. The park is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including the Royal Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, sloth bear, and the rare barasingha. The conservation history of Kanha is marked by significant efforts to protect its wildlife and habitats, including the relocation of villages and the implementation of strict protection measures. The park's success in conserving the barasingha from near extinction is a notable achievement. Today, Kanha is a popular destination for wildlife tourism and continues to be a vital area for biodiversity conservation.
Historical Timeline
Declared a reserved forest
First legal protection for the area, setting the stage for future conservation.
Declared a game reserve
Recognized for its wildlife value, though hunting was still permitted for some species.
Established as Kanha National Park
Formal protection as a national park, prohibiting hunting and human settlement.
Declared a tiger reserve under Project Tiger
Integrated into India's national tiger conservation strategy, boosting protection and funding.
Expansion and buffer zone notification
Enhanced protection by including surrounding areas as buffer zones, improving habitat connectivity.
Notable Figures
George Schaller
J.J. Dutta
Tour Packages for Kanha
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