Government of IndiaPanna Biosphere Reserve
Panna Biosphere Reserve falls in the bio-geographic zones of the Deccan Peninsula and Biotic Province of Central Highlands. It comprises effectively protected and minimally disturbed areas. The areas have different land uses, forests, agriculture, water bodies, settlements and wasteland which provide ample scope for research and management. The Panna Biosphere Reserve area is the habitat of various rare and endangered species. Panna National Park has also been declared as Panna Tiger Reserve, apart from this the entire area of Panna National Park and 3 parts of Gangau Sanctuary have also been notified as Critical Tiger Habitat Area.
Ecological Characteristics:
The Panna Biosphere Reserve in India encompasses Panna National Park, three sections of the Gangau Sanctuary (I, III and IV) and the Reserved and Protected Forests of the North Panna Forest Division. The Panna Tiger Reserve is one of the most critical in North Central Highlands for protecting the Bengal Tiger(Panthera tigris tigris). Other 2 species of cats claim this region as their home; the Siyah Gosh (Felis caracal) and Jungle cat (Felis chaus). The avifauna in this region is rich with over 280 species recorded. The Ken River is a beautiful location to witness the beautiful and skilled songster that is the Indian Paradise Flycatcher(Terpsiphone paradisi). The site is characterized by forests, seasonal as well as aquatic, and marshy vegetation.
Socio-Economics Characteristics
The Panna Biosphere Reserve encompasses nearly 300 villages. The diversity of the forest aids in the livelihood of the inhabitants with medicinal plants, and secondary products such as Kattha, Gum and resins that are collected from the forest. Sustainable development can be seen through activities like agriculture, horticulture, forestry, cultural and eco-tourism. The major ethnic groups are Gond, Khairuas, and Yadavas. The Panna Biosphere Reserve is nestled peacefully in its magnificent mementoes of a glorious past and marvels of ancient and medieval architecture, Panna is the most sacrosanct pilgrimage for the followers of the Pranami sect world over. They believe that like fragrance is to a flower, Prannathji, the manifestation of Aksharatita Brahman, is ever present in Gummatiji temple invisibly.
Panna Biosphere Reserve
The Panna Biosphere Reserve is located in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Situated amidst the Vindhyan Ranges, it spreads over the Panna and Chhatarpur districts. It is the twenty-second Tiger Reserve of India and fifth in Madhya Pradesh. The reserve covers a total area of approximately 2998.98 sq. km. Out of the total area, 64.16% falls in Panna district & the remaining 35.84% in Chhatarpur district. The biosphere reserve is divided into three well-delineated zones i.e. core, buffer, and transition. It comprises the following Protected Areas: Panna National Park, three sections of the Gangau Sanctuary (I, III, and IV), and the Reserved and Protected Forests of the North Panna Forest Division.
History
The Panna Biosphere Reserve was established as a national park in 1981. Before that, the reserved forests of the Park in the Panna district and some portion of the protected forests from the Chhatarpur district were used as hunting grounds by the erstwhile princely states of Panna, Chhatarpur, and Bijawar. In 1994, the National Park was declared a Project Tiger Reserve by the Government of India. In 2011, It was designated as a Biosphere Reserve by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). In 2020, UNESCO included it in the Man and Biosphere Programme (MAB).
Flora and Fauna
This region’s unique ecosystem is known for its diverse flora and fauna. It includes traditional agroecosystems, dry deciduous forests of Teak, Salai, Kardhai, bamboo, and mixed types of forests. The forests within its confines can be further divided into six types i.e. southern dry deciduous teak forest, northern dry deciduous mixed forest, dry deciduous scrub forest, Salai forest, dry bamboo forest, and Kardhai forest. Extensive surveys and studies highlight this reserve as the habitat of several rare species. It houses approximately 1255 species of plants. The reserve functions as an ideal habitat and breeding ground for several wild animals, around 34 mammalian species inhabit the Panna Biosphere Reserve. Among the lesser-known cats residing here are the Siyah Gosh (Felis caracal) and Jungle cat (Felis chaus). Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra), an endangered species, is also found in the southern part of the Biosphere area. More than 200 bird species inhabit this region, including the King vulture, Indian Vulture, and bar-headed goose. Altogether, Panna Biosphere Reserve is an ideal example of successful wildlife conservation, ecosystem management, and community engagement.
Socio-Economics Characteristics
Apart from being a rich reserve of flora and fauna, this biosphere reserve is surrounded by time-honoured traditions and practices of several Indian communities. It is inhabited by tribes like Gond (Rajgond, Nandgond, and Saurgond) and Khairuas and Yadavas (Dauvas). The Panna Biosphere Reserve encompasses nearly 300 villages. The economy of the people residing here is mostly based on agriculture, cattle rearing, and eco-tourism. The Panna Biosphere Reserve lies in the vicinity of several ancient and medieval relics and architectural marvels. This includes the Mesolithic rock/cave paintings at Brihaspati Kund and some of the best sculptural & architectural imprints in the temples at Khajuraho.
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