Expansion of Bandhavgarh National Park

The conservation efforts have started showing results in increased population of tigers. Increased population of tiger in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, India is compelling forest authorities to expand buffer as well as core zones of Bandhavgarh National Park. The tigers roam in a larger area and travel quite a long distance.

Keeping in view the increased tiger population in Bandhavgarh Wildlife Sanctuary and frequent movement of the tigers in buffer zone, the forest authorities have proposed to include 540 sq. kms forest area of Umaria district into buffer zone of Bandhavgarh National Park. This will comprise Dhamokhar, Panpatha, Manpur, Chandia and Ghunghuti forest ranges. As a result, the buffer zone area of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve will increase to 1370 sq kms from 830 sq kms.

Naturally, as the tiger population increases and their movements become frequent in buffer zones, the buffer zones and later core zones of tiger habitat are increased. Presently the area of core zone of Bandhavgarh National Park is 740 sq kms and it is also likely to increase as well.  

The expansion of Bandhavgarh National Park will surely be a delight for wildlife lovers. Indian tour operators offer several India wildlife tours which include an excursion into Bandhavgarh tiger reserve. India wildlife tours comprising Bandhavgarh National Park offer ‘tiger safaris’ on jeep and elephant.