Important Tiger Habitat
This landscape is most vital for survival of tigers as it is the part of large tiger bearing habitat of over 10,000 sq.km., which is extended over Chhindwara, Narmadapuram, Betul, Harda, Khandwa and extending upto Melghat Tiger Reserve areas. The rich floral diversity is reflected in wide range of herbivorous species like Gaur, Sambhar, Cheetal, Barking Deer, Blue bull, Chousingha and Chinkara. After relocation of villages large chunks of grassland have been formed which provide suitable habitat for Tigers. Presently Madhai, Churna and Bori areas have fairly good population tigers in reserve.
This area has historically been renowned for Tiger, Gaur and Sambar; the later two supposedly there in finest sizes found in the country (Forsyth 1889). At least 14 endangered species of mammals, birds and reptiles inhabit these forests. The flying squirrel, Indian Giant Squirrel and Leaf nosed Bats must be regarded among the most sensitive to habitat changes. This protected area is also a paradise for avian fauna; more than 300 species of birds can be seen which include Malabar pied horn-bill, Malabar whistling thrush and the State Bird of Madhya Pradesh Paradise Flycatcher. Area also visited by many migratory birds like Indian Skimmers, Black bellied tern, Brahmni duck, Bar-headed Geese, Pintails, Spotbills etc.
Archaeological Importance
STR is very important form view point of archaeology and study of human evolution history as there are more than 50 rock shelters with beautiful painting which are 1500 to 10,000 years old and some of them are having very rare depictions.
Pilgrimage
Situated in the cradle of Satpura Range in Madhya Pradesh Pachmarhi is a paradise. It is very popular with tours and travel agencies as it has large number of natural sightseeing places and weather is cool. The forest clad table top mountains, deep glens with snaking rivers and the vivid terrain all form part of the attraction. The hill resort is reachable from Pipariya Railway Station about three hours from Jabalpur Rail Head in the our State of Madhya Pradesh.
Wetland
The Tawa reservoir, which have more than 220 sq. Km. of area within Protected Area stretches over Tawa, Devwa, Sonbhadra,Malini, Koti etc. These rivers create a big wetland and have developed into all year as well as seasonal habitats for the wintering and resident waterfowl, apart from Muggur and a small population of otter which can be sighted here.
Highest peaks of Central India
The Satpura Range is a range of hills in central India. The range rises in eastern Gujarat state running east through the border of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh to the east till Chhattisgarh. The range parallels the Vindhya Range to the north, and these two east-west ranges divide Indian Subcontinent into the Indo-Gangetic plain of northern India and the Deccan Plateau of the south. The Narmada River originates from north-eastern end of Satpura and runs in the depression between the Satpura and Vindhya ranges, draining the northern slope of the Satpura range, running west towards the Arabian Sea.
Finest Teak Forest of India
Grassland
Natural Grassland:- Found on Pachmarhi plateau, scattered in patches. Total area approximately 60 Ha.
Anthropogenic Grassland:- These are formed due to the relocation of villages. Total area approximately 8740 Ha.
Drawdown Areas:- Exposed landmass of Denwa back water and Tawa reservoir as the dam water released for irrigation. Area 11448 Ha.
Catchment of Tawa Reservoir
| Denwa | Prosperity in the command areas of Harda and Hoshangabad due to Irrigation from Reservoir |
| Nagdwari | |
| Sonbhadra | |
| Malini | |
| Koti | |
| Bainganga |