Welcome to the enchanting Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve, a protected area in the Satpura Range of Madhya Pradesh, India.
Established in 1999, this reserve spans an impressive 4,926 square kilometers, making it the largest biosphere reserve in Madhya Pradesh.
Furthermore, Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is a haven for biodiversity, boasting over 1,000 plant species, 50 mammal species, and 250 bird species.
Furthermore, in addition to its natural wonders, the reserve is renowned for its rich cultural heritage. It is home to several tribal communities, including the Baiga, Gond, and Korku tribes.
Equally important in the reserve’s ecosystem, these communities profoundly understand the local ecology and have lived in harmony with nature for generations.
Finally, the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is a testament to the delicate balance between human life and the natural world.
Discover Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve
1. Geography
The Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is in the picturesque Satpura Range of Madhya Pradesh, India. Established in 1999, it spans 4,926.28 square kilometers (1,217,310 acres), making it the largest biosphere reserve in Madhya Pradesh.
The reserve encompasses areas of Narmadapuram, Betul, and Chhindwara Districts and includes three wildlife conservation units: Bori Sanctuary (518.00 km²), Pachmarhi Sanctuary (461.37 km²), and Satpura National Park (524.37 km²).
Satpura National Park serves as the core zone, while the remaining area of 4,401.91 km², including Bori and Pachmarhi sanctuaries, acts as the buffer zone.
This is a haven for a diverse range of flora and fauna. It boasts over 1,000 plant species, showcasing the endemic flora of Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve, 50 mammal species, and 250 bird species.
Moreover, the fauna of this Biosphere Reserve includes a variety of animals, such as leopards, Indian bison, and several deer species. Besides its natural beauty, the reserve is rich in cultural heritage.
It is home to tribal communities like the Baiga, Gond, and Korku, who live sustainably and deeply understand the local ecology.
Beautiful Places in Madhya Pradesh, such as the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve, offer a unique blend of natural splendor and cultural richness.
2. Ecology
Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is located in central India and is known for its rich and diverse ecology.
This reserve, composed primarily of forest habitats, serves as an essential transition zone between the forest species of western and eastern India.
It has a subtropical climate with hot summers and cool winters. The average summer temperature (March-June) ranges from 25°C to 42°C, while in winter (November-February), temperatures can drop as low as 4°C.
The monsoon season (June-September) brings heavy rainfall, with annual averages of 1,400-1,800 mm, transforming the reserve into a lush, green landscape with waterfalls and streams.
However, the rebest time to visit Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is from October to June when the weather is pleasant, with temperatures between 10°C and 25°C.
Moreover, theserve is teeming with wildlife, making it perfect for trekking, wildlife safaris, and exploring the local tribal culture.
Waterfalls in Madhya Pradesh The endemic flora of this Biosphere Reserve and the diverse Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve flora and fauna are equally essential highlights.
Besides, the fauna of this Biosphere Reserve includes numerous unique species, offering visitors a rich experience of nature’s beauty.
3. Flora
The Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is located in central India and is renowned for its great biodiversity. The forests here are dominated by teak (Tectona grandis) and include the westernmost groves of sal (Shorea robusta), the main tree of eastern India’s forests.
Moreover, the endemic flora of the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve features wild mango, silver fern, jamun, and Arjun trees. Additionally, the Cuddapah almond trees are abundant over the Pachmarhi hills.
Prof. Chandra Prakash Kala has studied a part of the reserve’s vegetation, focusing on the indigenous uses of the plants.
He found that local people collect different parts of fourteen important ethnobotanical plant species for their use and trade. These plants are traded from selected villages in the buffer zone area of the reserve.
Furthermore, this Biosphere Reserve’s flora and fauna include diverse species that contribute to the area’s ecological balance. Understanding the endemic flora of the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve helps preserve the unique ecosystem.
4. Fauna
The Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve, located in central India, is a haven for various wildlife.
This reserve is home to many large mammals, including tigers, leopards, wild bears, gaur (Bos gaurus), chital deer (Axis axis), muntjac deer, sambar deer (Cervus multicolor), and rhesus macaques.
Moreover, the endemic fauna of this Biosphere Reserve includes species like the chinkara, nilgai, Asian wild dogs, Indian wolves, Indian giant squirrels, flying squirrels, and Ancient Caves of Madhya Pradesh.
Furthermore, the fauna of Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is incredibly diverse, featuring sloth bears, barking deer, sambar deer, and wild boar.
In addition to mammals, the reserve is also a paradise for bird watchers, boasting over 300 bird species, such as the Indian pitta, Malabar pied hornbill, yellow-billed blue magpie, and rufous-bellied eagle.
In addition, the reserve hosts various reptiles and amphibians, including the Indian rock python, common krait, Indian cobra, Indian star tortoise, and Malabar gliding frog.
Lastly, this Biosphere Reserve flora and fauna are rich with numerous insect species, particularly butterflies, moths, and beetles, making it a vibrant and crucial ecosystem.
FAQ
Q. Which animal is protected in the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve?
A. Large mammals like tigers, leopards, wild bears, gaur (Bos Taurus), chital deer (Axis axis), muntjac deer, sambar deer (Cervus multicolour), and rhesus macaques thrive in this Biosphere Reserve.
Q. What is the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve famous for?
A. Pachmarhi BR is renowned as the “Genetic Express Highway,” linking two biodiversity hot spots: the Eastern Himalayas and the Western Ghats. It is also a confluence of northern and southern vegetation types, with 633 genera of angiosperms under 127 families reported.
Q. What are the three biosphere reserves of MP?
A. In Madhya Pradesh, there are 3 BRs: Pachmarhi (1999), Achanakmar-Amarkantak (2005), and Panna (2011), all notified by MoEF, GoI.
Q. Which rivers flow through the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve?
A. The Denwa River, a tributary of the Tawa River, which joins the Narmada River near Bandrabhan, flows through Pachmarhi. Besides, Dhar, Dudher, Nagdwari, and Sonbhadra are its tributaries.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Biosphere Reserve is a vital sanctuary for biodiversity and cultural heritage. This reserve, nestled in the heart of the Satpura Range, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and ecological significance.
Furthermore, its rich flora and fauna, including endemic species and diverse wildlife, serve as a crucial habitat for numerous species.
Furthermore, integrating tribal communities that have harmoniously coexisted with nature adds a profound cultural dimension.
Thus, the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is a testament to India’s natural wonders and a symbol of sustainable coexistence between humans and the environment.
Lastly, for those seeking an immersive experience in nature, the Biosphere Reserve promises an unforgettable journey through its wild landscapes and vibrant ecosystems.
