Latest Topics in News
Discover Madhav Shivpur National Park [MAP]
Madhav Shivpur National Park
Madhav Shivpur National Park, located in the heart of India, is a natural paradise that offers the opportunity to experience the beauty and diversity of nature. Spread over an area of 375 square kilometers, this national park is home to a wide range of flora and fauna that thrive in its unique ecosystem.
The park is situated in Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh, India and is named after Madho Rao Scindia, the last ruling Maharaja of Gwalior. Its diverse terrain ranges from flat grasslands to rugged hills, making it an ideal habitat for various species of animals such as tigers, leopards, chinkara, blackbuck, sambar deer, wild boar and sloth bear among many others.
Madhav Shivpur National Park | Description |
---|---|
Area | 354.61 sq km |
Altitude | 380 to 480 meters above sea level (MSL) |
Ecosystem | Lake, meadow, and forest ecosystems |
Lakes | Sakhya Sagar and Madhav Sagar |
Wetland Habitat | Provides habitat for aquatic fauna and migratory waterfowls |
Crocodiles | Marsh Crocodiles are abundant in Sakhya Sagar lake |
Madikhera Dam | Located in the North Western part of the Park |
Madhav National Park Map
Madhav National Park, with a total area of 354.61 sq km and established in 1958, is located at longitude 77º38’E to 77º57’E and latitude 25º20’E to 77º35’E, with an altitude range of 380 to 480 m (MSL), and has been extended twice since its inception in order to preserve the diverse flora and fauna of the region.
Lakes in the Madhav Shivpur National Park
Sakhya Sagar | Abundant population of marsh crocodiles |
Madhav Sagar | Smaller reservoir |
The park is home to a wide variety of animals including tigers, leopards, deer species such as Chital, Sambar and Nilgai; primates such as Rhesus Macaque and Langur; reptiles like monitor lizards, crocodiles and snakes; birds like partridges, quails and kingfishers.
In addition to these species that are native to the region, there are also many migratory birds that visit the park during winter months.
Apart from wildlife sanctuaries within its boundaries like Chinkara Sanctuary (covering an area of about 4 sq km) which was created solely for conservation purposes for chinkara or Indian gazelle; there are also other attractions within the park such as Sakhya Sagar lake that has been designated as a Ramsar site since 2022.
Madhav national park animals
Animals | Species |
---|---|
Antelopes | Nilgai, Chinkara, Chowsinga |
Deer | Chital, Sambar, Barking Deer |
Other Animals | Leopard, Wolf, Jackal, Fox, Wild Dog, Wild Pig, Porcupine |
Madhav National Park is home to a diverse range of fauna, including species such as Nilgai, Chinkara, and Sambhar.
While it is not a tiger reserve, the park does offer abundant opportunities for spotting wildlife such as leopards, jackals, and wild dogs. Additionally, the avian fauna of Madhav National Park is renowned among birdwatchers for its variety and unique species.
Which animal is found in Shivpur National Park?
The fauna of Shivpur National Park includes a diverse range of species, making it a great destination for wildlife. The park is home to animals like nilgai, chinkara, sambhar, and cheetal, which are commonly spotted grazing in the meadows.
The presence of predators like leopards and wild dogs adds to the excitement of exploring the park. Apart from these charismatic mammals, Shivpur National Park also has a variety of reptiles such as marsh crocodiles and turtles.
The dry deciduous mixed forest and dry thorn forest provide habitat for an array of fauna that are unique to this region. Overall, Madhav Shivpur National Park is a beauty and diversity heaven for wildlife in India’s heartland.
Is Madhav National Park is a tiger reserve?
Unfortunately, Madhya Pradesh’s Madhav National Park is not currently designated as a tiger reserve. However, this does not mean that the park is devoid of wildlife. The six Tiger reserves in the state of Madhya Pradesh are Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Panna, Satpura, Pench and Sanjay Dubri
The national park covers an area of 354 sq km and houses a variety of flora and fauna. Visitors to the park can spot animals such as chinkara, sambar deer, sloth bear, leopard, and Indian wolf.
Which bird is famous in Madhav National Park?
One of the most well-known and beloved birds in the forest surrounding Sakhya and Madhav Sagar lake is the pintail, which can be seen during migration season. These long-necked ducks are easily identifiable by their striking white and chocolate-colored markings on their wings. Their bills are also distinctive as they are thin and pointed, allowing them to forage for food in shallow waters.
Apart from the pintail, there are several other migratory birds that visit Madhav National Park every year. The park is a great nesting ground for geese, pochard, teal, mallard, and gadwall.
Birdwatchers from all over the world come here to observe these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat. The lakes of Madhav National Park serve as home to many species of waterfowl throughout the year making it a bird-watcher’s paradise.
What type of forest is in Madhav National Park?
Madhav National Park boasts a unique and diverse ecosystem, representative of the Northern Tropical dry deciduous mixed forest and dry thorn forest found in North-Western Madhya Pradesh.
The dominant tree species is Kardhai, which contributes to the park’s distinctive flora and provides habitat for a variety of wildlife.
What is the famous flora of Madhav National Park?
The Madhav Shivpur National Park is home to a diverse and vibrant ecosystem, with the dominant tree species being Kardhai, Salai, Khair, Dhaura, Tendu and Palas.
The greenery of the park is primarily composed of Northern Tropical dry deciduous mixed forest as well as dry thorn forest typical of North-Western Madhya Pradesh.
Among the famous flora in Madhav National Park are the Kardhai trees which provide shade for wild animals and also serve as a source of food for them.
Another important tree species present in the park is Salai or Boswella serrata(roxb) which has medicinal properties and is used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
History
Park Degradation and Conservation Efforts
Time Period | Events |
---|---|
Post-independence | Degradation of the park due to agriculture and mining encroachment |
1956 | Shivpuri National Park noticed, later renamed Madhav National Park |
1982 | Proposal to expand the park along the Sindh River |
1990s | Illegal mining and degradation led to Supreme Court intervention |
1998 | Supreme Court injunction terminates mining in the park |
Significant stories surround the history of Shivpuri town, including the Mughal emperors’ hunting expeditions and Lord Hardinge’s impressive feat of shooting eight tigers in one day at Madhav National Park.
The park was once a Royal shooting reserve and home to large herds of elephants, which were captured by Emperor Akbar.
It was also well protected, abounding with wildlife and famous for its tigers.
During the reign of the Maharaja of Gwalior, Shivpuri served as the summer capital and former hunting ground.
The Maharaja constructed boat landing areas, picnic shelters, watch towers, hides etc., along with a network of well-laid out metalled roads around Sakhya Sagar lake that edges the forests.
A viewing lodge called Shooting Box was built above the lake by the Maharaja.
Visitors could sit under cover here and watch a tiger at a kill before commencement of Wildlife (Protection) Act in 1972.
Deep inside Madhav National Park stands George Castle at a height of almost 484 m (1597 feet), built by Jivaji Rao Scindia for an overnight halt during British King George V’s visit to India in 1911 for tiger shooting; however ironically he could shoot a tiger on his way itself and did not stop at this castle.
Today, Madhav National Park is known as one of India’s finest wildlife reserves where occasional presence of tigers has been seen since October 2007 after dedicated efforts towards conservation to provide secured habitats for transient tigers.
Alongside migratory waterfowls visiting in winter months; it is an ideal destination for birdwatchers too who can spot several species throughout the year amidst natural surroundings filled with rich flora and fauna biodiversity.
Geography Terrain and Extent
Water Bodies | Sankhya Sagar (reservoir), Madhav Sagar (smaller reservoir) |
Terrain | Forested hills, flat grasslands around the reservoir |
Ecoregion | Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests |
Biodiversity | Rich biodiversity due to varied terrain and ecosystems |
Average Rainfall | 816 mm |
Located in the ecoregion of Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests, Madhav Shivpur National Park is a natural wonder that boasts a diverse terrain of forested hills and flat grasslands around its two crucial reservoirs. The average rainfall in the region is 816mm, making it an ideal habitat for various species of flora and fauna.
The park’s geography is defined by its location in the central highlands of India, intersecting with the upper parts of the Vindhya hills. It is interspersed with valleys, hills, plateaus, lakes and forest ecosystems. Sakhya Sagar and Madhav Sagar are the two crucial lakes in the national park. Both these lakes not only add to the scenic beauty but also serve as important habitats for various aquatic animals.
Sakhya Sagar lake has an abundant population of marsh crocodiles that attract wildlife enthusiasts from all over India. Apart from this, there are several other species like chital deer, sambar deer, nilgai antelope, Indian gazelle and wild boar found here.
Climate
The climate of Madhav Shivpur National Park is characterized by extreme temperatures and moderate rainfall. The maximum temperature can reach up to 47ºC, while the minimum temperature drops down to 03ºC.
The park experiences three distinct seasons – monsoon from July to September, summer from March to June, and winter from November to January.
Temprature
The temperature in Madhav Shivpur National Park is quite diverse, ranging from a minimum of 03ºC to a maximum of 47ºC. This range can be attributed to the distinct seasons that characterize the region.
The monsoon season lasts from July to September and brings heavy rainfall and pleasant temperatures.
Summer, which runs from March to June, is characterized by scorching heat with temperatures reaching up to 47ºC.
Finally, winter spans from November to January and brings cooler temperatures.
Rainfall
Rainfall in this region is highly influenced by the monsoon season and plays a crucial role in shaping the Madhav Shivpur National Park’s ecosystem.
During the monsoon season, which runs from July to September, the park receives an average rainfall of 1145 mm annually.
This rainfall supports a diverse range of flora and fauna that are vital to the park’s biodiversity.
The heavy rains during this period lead to the growth of lush green vegetation that provides food and shelter for various animals including tigers, leopards, deer, monkeys, and many more.
The water bodies inside the park also witness an increase in their water levels which help sustain aquatic life forms such as fish, turtles, and crocodiles.
It is important to note that despite being dependent on rainwater for its survival, excessive rainfall can also have devastating effects on the park’s environment.
In recent years there have been instances of flash floods causing severe damage to both plant and animal life within the park.
Thus it becomes crucial to maintain a balance between rainfall-induced growth and protection against excessive rains’ destructive impact on this fragile ecosystem.