Madhya Pradesh''s Kanha Tiger Reserve has been declared the best tiger habitat in the country. On this occasion, CM Dr. Mohan Yadav congratulated the forest department and expressed hope that other reserves will also take similar proactive steps.
According to a report by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, Kanha has the highest number of herbivores in the country, making it an ecologically rich and balanced wildlife ecosystem. The reserve, located in Mandla district, spans 2,074 square kilometres, including a core area of 917.43 square kilometres and a buffer zone of 1,156.57 square kilometres.
Over 1 lakh herbivores in Kanha
The report states that the herbivore population in Kanha Tiger Reserve stands at 1,02,485, with a density of 69.86 animals per sq. km. The total biomass is reported to be 12.6 lakh kg, or 8,602.15 kg per sq. km. The reserve is home to a high concentration of herbivore species like Chital, Sambar, Gaur, Wild Boar, Barking Deer, Nilgai and Hog Deer. This diversity and abundance have contributed to Kanha being declared an ideal habitat for the growing tiger population.
Strategic Management: The Foundation of Success
Kanha’s success is attributed to its effective management strategies, which include year-round maintenance of grasslands, development of water sources, clearing of invasive species like lantana and habitat improvement to support prey base growth.
To counter summer water scarcity, the reserve maintains artificial waterholes, solar-powered borewells, and regularly deepens and cleans ponds. Surveillance through the M-STriPES mobile app ensures round-the-clock monitoring. In April 2025 alone, the reserve recorded 88,600 km of patrolling—the highest in the country.
Grasslands were restored
Following the relocation of villages from the core zone, grasslands were restored, providing undisturbed habitats for wildlife. Species like chital were translocated from high-density areas to low-density zones, and wildlife corridors were developed to connect grasslands, enabling free movement of species like Barasingha, Chital, and Gaur.
Focused habitat development
Regular training of forest personnel and technical support from WII Dehradun have enhanced data credibility and scientific rigor. In areas like Bhanwar Valley and Halan Valley, focused habitat development and species translocation have led to a steady increase in herbivore populations.
With its diverse habitat types, effective management, high biomass, balanced species distribution, and minimal human-wildlife conflict, Kanha Tiger Reserve now stands as a model for other wildlife sanctuaries across the country.
Prakash Kumar Pandey