Forests and Wildlife

The undulating topography supports mosaic of vegetation ranging from moist, sheltered valleys to open, dry deciduous forest. Over 1200 species of plants have been recorded from the area. This includes several rare and endangered plants as well as plants of ethno-botanical importance.

The area has always been rich in wildlife. The area is dominated by fairly open canopy mixed forests with considerable shrub cover and open grassy patches. The high habitat heterogeneity favours high population of Chital and Sambar. Pench tiger reserve has highest density of herbivores in India (90.3 animals per sq. km.)

The area is especially famous for large herds of Gaur (Indian Bison, Sambar, Nilgai, Wilddog and Wild Pig. The key predator is the Tiger followed by Leopard, Wild Dog and Wolf. Other animals include Sloth bear, Chousingha, Chinkara, Barking deer, Jackal, Fox, Palm civet, Small Indian civet, Jungle cat, Hyena, Porcupine etc.

There are over 285 species of resident and migratory birds including the Malabar Pied hornbill, Indian Pitta, Osprey, Grey-headed fishing eagle, White eyed buzzard etc. In winter thousands of migratory waterfowl including Brahmini duck, Pochards, barheaded geese, Coots, etc visit the tanks and the Pench reservoir within the park.

Pench tiger reserve is also among the best areas for bird watching. Four species of the now endangered vultures white-rumped, longbilled, white scavenger and king vulture can be seen in good numbers in the reserve. The other fauna present include 50 species of fishes, 10 amphibians, 20 reptiles, 45 butterflies, 54 Moths and numerous other insects.