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India National Park of Bandhavgarh When it was opened in 1968 it was much smaller, i.e.105 km² until two big areas of Sal forest were added in 1986. The centre of the park corresponding to the size of the original National Park is now the main observation centre for the tourists and consists of 32 hills. On the top of the last 300 meter high hill there is an old garrison built by the Maharajahs. Sal forests cover more than half of the park. Other forests also exist consisting of Sali, Saj, Dhobin and a bit higher up, Saja.The north is covered with prairies and bamboo woods. Many small rivers cross this area, although only three carry water. In winter (November until the middle of January) the temperature varies between zero with night frosts and 20 °C during the day. The park is closed during the mating season, i.e. the rain season (July until October) where 1200 m of rain falls per year.
History
The forest eventually took over and the region was declared as a royal hunting ground. The construction of this reserve played an important role in the protection of the woods and the fauna of this region, although the Maharajahs hunting habits paid absolutely no consideration to the environment. One assumes that 90% of the tigers in India were exterminated during these hunts which were organised by the Indian Maharajahs together with the English colonialists. As India became independent Bandhavgarh remained under the auspices of the Maharajahs of Rewa until he released the area to the state in order to create a National Park in 1968. As soon as the region was declared protected, a hard fight began against the poachers. The animal lives recovered. Small dams were built to solve problems in the dry season. Grazing of the domestic animals was forbidden and a village within the park was moved. The tiger population increased more and more and the expansion of the park in 1996 gave them the necessary conditions for survival.
The tigers of Bandhavgarh The park of Bandhavgarh is known for the tigers and numerous other animals. The tigers can be observed from a jeep or elephant back. The cornacs and the guards know their area very well and follow the animals on a regular basis, which of course increases the chance to see them. The elephants are also capable of climbing up the hills where no vehicle can go. Protection of the Park
Parentage Programs Our Parentage Program for the Bengal- Tigers of the Royal Chitwan Park in Nepal and Bandhavgarh in India will allow us to strengthen our anti-poacher policy in the reserves. Many things are still necessary:
We are pleased that in the summer of 2002, we increased our funds by 5'000 FCH to be invested in India, to protect the tigers of Bandhavgarh.
A short while ago our president together with 3 other members from T&F were able to realise a concrete development project. 1) Build up a sister organisation of T&F in Delhi 2) Together with the minister of environment and Raj (our partner in the field), create of a list of urgently needed material, to improve our already existing anti-poaching system. We need money for: a) 30 bicycles: SFr. 1935. - Your support is necessary and important. It helps us to save one of our most impressive and rare animals on this planet: The Bengal Tiger |
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This animal conservation area was only just recently recognised as a National Park, but it has a long history.
It is situated in the hills of Vindhya in Madhya Pradesh, and covers an area of 437 Km² and contains numerous biotopes, is very rich in fauna and is inhabited by more than 50 Bengal Tigers.
Bandhavgarh was already an active centre for human colonisation 2000 years ago. The oldest remains are the caves built into the rocks near to the old garrison. Several of these contain wall paintings and Brahmi inscriptions dated at 100 BC. Since the beginning of time this area has been reigned by several dynasties including the kings of Chandel from Bundelkhand who built the famous temple of Khadjuraho. The kings of Baghel, direct predecessors of the now ruling family Rewa, developed the dynasty of Bandhavgarh in 1200 AD. This area remained the headquarter until 1917, when it was moved to Rewa, 120 km to the North. Without this regal protectorate Bandhavgarh gradually abandoned.
The poachers and the conflicts between the wildlife and the local population threaten the park of Bandhavgarh, with its relatively small area. The shepherds of the region bring their herds to the prairies close to the border of the park and set traps to kill the tigers, which come to near.
A small female tiger, from Mohini's second litter, was killed in this way on the 30th of May 2001. Another big threat is the demand for Tiger bi-products (bones, whiskers, claws, paws, teeth, penis etc) for traditional oriental medicine.
Thus whereever they may be found the tiger population remains at risk.