Kanha Kisli or Kanha National Park of Madhya Pradesh – UPSC

Kanha National Park is the largest national park in Madhya Pradesh, whose most of the area is spread in the Mandla district. However, it is also called as Kanha-Kisli National Park. Further, Kanha-Kisli is the first National Park and Tiger Reserve of Madhya Pradesh, which released its mascot “Bhoorsingh the Barasingha” in the year 2017.

Moreover, it is a truly unique and captivating wilderness, located in the heart of India. With its rolling hills, dense forests, breathtaking landscapes, and a place where visitors can experience the awe-inspiring beauty of India’s natural heritage.

This lush and vibrant reserve is known for its thriving populations of Bengal tigers, but also boasts a diverse range of other wildlife, from majestic leopards to shy sloth bears, and from graceful deer to lively antelopes.

Kanha-Kisli National Park is divided into 6 parts of two regions:

1. Western Ghats – Kanha, Kisli, Sarhi, Mukki.
2. Eastern Ghats – Bhainsaghat, Supkhar

National Park	Kanha National Park
District	Mandla & Balaghat
Establishment Year	1 June 1955 AD
Project Tiger	1974 AD (First in MP)
Area	940 sq. km
Tribe	Baiga Tribe
River	Banjar River
Important Species	Bengal Tiger, Barasingha, Indian Wild Dog, Indian Python, etc.

Kanha National Park

• Madhya Pradesh has the largest number of national parks in India, whose present number has increased from 11 to 12.
• Recently, Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary of Sheopur has been given the status of a National Park on 28 December 2018. This is the 12th National Park of MP.
• Mascot:
  • The mascot “Bhoorsingh the Barasingha” was designed by Rohan Chakraborty.
  • In addition to this, on June 1, 2005, a postage stamp was issued on the 50th anniversary of Kanha National Park, on which Swamp Deer was made.
• The Barasingha is also called the “Jewel of Kanha“. Further, most of the tigers are found in Kanha-Kisli. The black deer species are most commonly found here.
• In the book “Central India Highlands (1860)” by James Forsythe, a detailed description of the wildlife conservation work done by the famous wildlife expert “George Scholar” in the year 1963-65 under Kanha-Kisli is found.
• There are hollow and barren valleys in Kanha-Kisli.
• The barren valley has been described in the book “Wild Animals in Central India” written by Brander.
• Banjar and Suparna rivers flow from Kanha-Kisli.
• Highest Point:
  • The highest point of Kanha-Kisli National Park is “Bamni Dadar“. Which is called the sunset point of Kanha-Kisli.
• Tribe in National Park:
  • The oldest tribe of the Indian subcontinent “The Baiga tribe” resides in Kanha National Park. There is also a road in this national park named Baiga Mangla.
  • In Kanha-Kisli women of the Baiga tribe are given the task of guiding.
• Flora:
  • In Kanha-Kisli National Park there are two stumps of “Sal tree” without branches, which are known as “Raja-Rani“.
  • There is “Shravan Taal” in this national park, in which the memorial of a hunter named Lapsi is built.
  • Here tropical and dry deciduous forests are found. The most popular tree here “The Indian Ghost Tree (Kullu)” is also found in deciduous areas.

Also Read: Dholera Solar Park

Why Kanha National Park is Famous?

• Kanha-Kisli received the Best Tourism Award in the year 1999.
• There is also an airstrip in Kanha-Kisli.
• There is “Bagheera Jungle Resort” in Kanha-Kisli.
• To increase the number of lions, the Park Interpretation Project has been started in Kanha-Kisli with the help of the World Bank.
• “Chutka Nuclear Project” has been set up 35 km away from Kanha-Kisli, due to which the wildlife of the national park is in danger.

Tiger in Kanha National Park

In the year 2018, tigers have been rehabilitated from Kanha National Park to Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary and Satkosia Tiger Reserve (Odisha). Kanha-Kisli’s oldest and most dreaded tiger “Munna” was released in Van Vihar Bhopal. The special thing is that CAT and PM are written naturally on Munna’s head. Munna’s photo printed books were also distributed in the program held at Minto Hall on Children’s Day.

In conclusion, Kanha National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. With its rich and diverse ecosystems, its thriving populations of Bengal tigers and other wildlife, and its breathtaking landscapes. Moreover, it offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience.

Endangered Species in the Park

Kanha National Park, located in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, is home to a rich and diverse range of flora and fauna. The park is particularly well-known for its population of Bengal Tigers, but it is also home to many other endangered species.

Some of the endangered species that can be found in Kanha National Park include:

1. Bengal Tiger: The Bengal Tiger is one of the most iconic animals in India, and it is the national animal of the country. Kanha National Park is known for having a healthy population of Bengal Tigers, but the species is still considered endangered due to habitat loss and poaching.
2. Barasingha: Also known as the Swamp Deer, the Barasingha is a critically endangered species that is found only in a few locations in India. Kanha National Park is one of the few places where the Barasingha can be found in the wild.
3. Indian Wild Dog: The Indian Wild Dog, also known as the Dhole, is a highly social and intelligent species that is under threat due to habitat loss and hunting. Kanha National Park is one of the few protected areas where this species can still be found.
4. Sloth Bear: The Sloth Bear is a shy and elusive species that is found in forested areas of India. While it is not currently listed as endangered, its population has been declining due to habitat loss and poaching.
5. Indian Python: The Indian Python is a non-venomous snake that is found in forests and grasslands across India. It is listed as vulnerable due to habitat loss and hunting for its skin and meat.

These endangered species play a crucial role in the ecosystem of Kanha National Park, and their survival is important for maintaining the balance of the park’s biodiversity. Efforts are being made by the government and conservation organizations to protect these species, through measures such as habitat conservation, anti-poaching patrols, and community-based conservation programs.

However, more needs to be done to ensure the long-term survival of these species in the wild.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Kanha National Park is not only a popular tourist destination but also a vital habitat for many endangered species. The park is home to some of the most iconic animals in India, including the Bengal Tiger, Barasingha, Indian Wild Dog, Sloth Bear, and Indian Python. The conservation of these species is essential for maintaining the park’s biodiversity and ecological balance.

While efforts are being made to protect these endangered species, more needs to be done to ensure their long-term survival in the wild. It is crucial that we continue to raise awareness about the importance of protecting these species and their habitats to ensure their conservation for future generations.

Thank You!

Related Links:

Bandhavgarh National Park	Panna National Park
Kanha National Park	Kaziranga National Park