Madhav National Park Declared as India’s 58th Tiger Reserve
Declared on March 9, 2024, making it the 9th tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh, the state with the highest number of tiger reserves.
The core area is 355 sq km, with a buffer zone of 4-6 sq km.
Initially had no tigers, but after relocation in 2023, the population has grown to seven.
Acts as a corridor between Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (Rajasthan) and Kuno National Park (MP).
Why Are Tiger Reserves Important?
India’s tiger population declined drastically from 40,000 (early 1900s) to 1,863 (1972) due to hunting, poaching, and deforestation.
Project Tiger (1973) launched conservation efforts, creating 9 initial reserves, which have now expanded to 58.
NTCA (since 2006) manages reserves with a core-buffer zone model and ensures scientific conservation strategies.
Funding for Tiger Reserves
60% of funds are provided by the Centre, and the State covers the rest (90% Centre funding for NE & Himalayan states).
Funds are used for anti-poaching, habitat improvement, human-animal conflict resolution, and relocation of villages from core areas.
Madhav National Park’s Strategic Importance
Located in northern Madhya Pradesh, a historically neglected region for tiger conservation.
Acts as a wildlife corridor connecting Ranthambore (Rajasthan) and Kuno (MP), which also hosts captive cheetahs.
Potential future conflict between tigers, cheetahs, and possibly lions, if Gujarat’s Gir lions are relocated to Kuno.
Current Tiger Status in India
2023 Tiger Census: 3,682 tigers in India.
30% of tigers live outside tiger reserves, requiring additional conservation efforts.
Madhya Pradesh leads with 785 tigers, thanks to successful conservation strategies in Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Panna, and others.
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