Fauna

Since the tract consists of Varying altitudes, topography climate and forests, it also contains almost all the wildlife species found in the Central India. There are 52 species of mammals, 300 species of birds and 31 species of reptiles are found here. Nature has endowed this area with luxuriant flora and rich fauna. Tiger, Panther, Gaur, Sambar, Cheetal, Barking deer, Chausingha, Chinkara, Bluebull, Wild boar, Sloth bear, Hyena are seen easily. The small carnivore include Jungle cat, Palm civet and small Indian civet. There are two important arboreal mammals the Indian Giant squirrel and the large brown flying squirrel. The only record of Leaf nosed bat (Rhinopus lucdus) in central India is around the Pachmarhi plateau. Important reptiles are fresh water crocodile, the monitor lizard and Indian soft shell turtle.

Panthers were in abundance and bear common. Sambar was the commonest deer. At present a project for re introduction or Barasingha is in progress at Bori. The Indian Bison is found on high hill and slopes.

The bird life varied specially in the area adjoining cultivation Peafowl, Grey jungle fowl, Green pigeon, Peacock were common in the forests, while Grey partridges, several types of quails, Snipes and other water birds are found in the open area and water bodies.

The several sand stone cliffs around Pachmarhi plateau provide diverse habitat. The edges along the cliffs are significant resting and roasting sites of long billed vulture (Gyps indicus) and white Rumped vulture (Gyps Bengalensis). Like wise such large cracks have colonies of bats. Prominent among them Fruit bat, Flying fox and short nose Fruit bat.

The riparian areas constitute the most important habitat for the Indian giant squirrel. The large crowned tall trees with continuous canopy are ideal for supporting their population, providing nesting sites and access to fruit trees. The species occurs in valley portion of Tiger Reserve and performs a significant function of dispersal of wild fruits and seeds.

Fish of various types also found in large number in the streams and rivers. In the deeper holes even up to some elevation crocodiles were reported to have been seen in Sonbhadra River.

Satpura Tiger Reserve Mammals

Being a part of unique eco-system, Satpura Tiger Reserve is very rich in bio-diversity. Its fauna comprises Spotted Deer, Indian Bison(Gaur), Tigers, Leopards, Wild boar, Wild dog (locally called Dholes), Sloth bear, Black buck (unique attraction), Porcupine, Sambhar, four Horned antelopes (Chowsingha), Smooth otter, Pangolin, Marsh crocodile, Languars etc. Indian Giant squirrel is the special feature of Satpura Tiger Reserve as it is rare in India now. Sighting of Leopards, Gaurs,Wild Dog, Sloth Bear is good in comparison to other Tiger Reserve of Central India.

INDIAN GREY WOLF SIGHTED BY TOURISTS AND ALSO CAPTURED IN CAMERA TRAPS IN OLD KERIYA VILLAGE / KAMTI CORE RANGE, STR

List of mammals commonly seen in Satpura reserve during jungle safari.