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Thursday, September 5, 2013

Kanha National Park - Information and FAQ

FAQ – Kanha National Park & Tiger Reserve

Map of Kanha National Park and Tiger Reserve
  • What is Kanha National Park?

    • Kanha National Park is a protected forest and designated tiger reserve spread over more than 2000 Sq. Kms. (including core and buffer area) of dense Sal and Bamboo forest. It is one of the best managed national parks of India and famous for seeing Tigers and other denizens of jungle. Hard ground Barasingha found here is endemic to kanha landscape.
  • Where is Kanha Tiger Reserve located?
    • Situated in Central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha falls in Satpura Maikal Landscape, spread over Mandla and Balaghat districts of the state adjoining Chattisgarh.
  • What can we do at Kanha?
    • Kanha forests are famous for jungle safari on 4x4 open Gypsy to see Tiger and other wildlife. It is the best place to enjoy the pristine forests of central India, bird watching, wildlife photography, wellness – Yoga / meditation tours or just for a relaxing holiday with family and friends. Interested people can visit Medicinal Plantation Conservation Area to enjoy the floral diversity of this world renowned forest reserve.  
  • When should we visit Kanha?
    • Kanha national park is open for tourism between 16th of October till 30th of June every year. For tourists who want to visit the core area on jeep safari should visit in this time only but for avid nature lovers and people who want to relax or do Yoga / Meditation or wellness tour it is open for whole 12 months.
    • Wildlife photographers and nature lovers should plan a trip in all seasons to enjoy this beautiful jungle. All seasons have their own advantages and disadvantages like in summers it’s very hot and dry here but wildlife sightings and visibility is better and in monsoon season although you may not be able to enter the core area but its great time to photograph reptiles, butterflies and other insects along with some mammals which come out in buffer region as well as enjoy the floral diversity.
    • Wildlife lovers should try to avoid peak tourism season like Dusshera, Dipawali, Christmas, New Year and long weekends.
    • In general October to mid December and mid February to mid May are best time to visit.
  • Which is best season to visit Kanha, MP?
    • As I told above, all seasons have their advantages and disadvantages. Family tours are best planned between October and April. November, February, March and April are best season at Kanha when evenings and nights are very pleasant. These months suit almost all tourists.
    • Kanha has extreme climate so its very hot in summers (max. temp 44 degrees centigrade), cold in winters (minimum temperature can drop to -2 degrees centigrade) and rains heavily in monsoon.
    • Kanha national park is closed for safari from 1st July to 15th October.
  • How will be the weather at Kanha National Park?
    • Kanha has extreme and tropical climate with January being the coldest and May / June hottest months.
  • Are Central Indian tiger reserves tourists friendly?
    • All tiger reserves and national parks of central India including Kanha and Bandhavgarh have very good tourist infrastructure. They have facilities suiting all budgets and can be reached very comfortably in taxi / cab. National parks have some do’s and don’ts which all tourists should follow. Many hotels have facilities for special needs of tourists and medical facilities are available within 50 Kms of most tiger reserves. But, we suggest that guests should carry their medicines and prescriptions with them always.
  • What languages are used at Tiger preserves of MP?
    • At almost all tiger reserves in MP including Kanha and Bandhavgarh national park English and Hindi are widely spoken. Some accommodation facilities also have other language guides / interpreters available but they are few. If you want a particular language guide confirm with your accommodation provider about availability.
  • What are other destinations we can cover along with Kanha?
    • When visiting Kanha on holiday you can plan visiting Bandhavgarh tiger reserve, Pench tiger reserve, Satpuda national park, pachmarhi (hill station), Jabalpur, Rewa, Khajuraho (temples), Panna national park, Orcha, Amarkantak, etc., It is best to plan how many days tour you want to make and finalize accordingly. We suggest all national parks in central India should be given 3 night / 4 days and minimum 2 parks should be covered. A 14 night 15 days tour package can cover almost all important tourist destinations of central India.
  • What should be minimum duration of stay at Kanha National Park?
    • We suggest a minimum 3 night stay at Kanha with 3 safaris and 2 jungle walks to enjoy this beautiful forest to its best.
  • Should we book tiger safari package through agent or directly?
    • Both the options are good depending on how you prefer to make your holiday plan. If you have enough time available and can plan personally that is always the best or else you can take pre made packages from any tour operator. If visiting national parks of Madhya Pradesh most accommodation providers here will be able to help you in your plans along with safari booking and transportation and make a tailor made package for you. Budget is a big consideration when planning as pre made and group departure packages are comparatively economical to tailor made / FIT packages. 
  • How are safaris planned?
    • 2 safaris are available every day one from sunrise and one at after noon. There is a break of 3 to 4 hours between both safaris.
    • Safari timings depend on season and can be changed if required.
  • How can we book tiger safari entry permit?
    • Safari entry permits in central Indian forests are best booked through MP Online portal and can be booked directly or through tour operator / wildlife lodge where you are staying. 
    • You can also book your safari entry permit through registered MP Online kiosks or at the entry gate of tiger reserve.
    • Jungle safari is off for Wednesday afternoon in all national parks in Central India.
    • Remember to carry your original photo ID to show at the entry point without which you can be denied admission. 
  • What is zone system for safaris?
    • Kanha tiger reserves tourism is divided into 4 zones namely Kanha, Kisli, Sarhi and Mukki. One safari entry ticket can take you to any one of above zones only. To visit a specific zone you need to book safari entry permit of the same zone or else you will not be permitted to enter the required zone.
  • How to get a guide / naturalist to accompany for safari?
    • Once your entry permit for safari has been booked you need not worry since you get vehicle and guide both at the main entrance of the national park. As such you are not allowed to enter the park without a registered guide who are trained by the forest department and made available on payment of small fees.
    • If you need a English speaking naturalist ask your accommodation provider and they should be able to arrange one. Most good hotels and resorts in Kanha have their own naturalists who accompany the guests if requested for.
  • Can I take my own vehicle for jungle safari?
    • Only registered vehicles are permitted to take guests for safari in the tiger reserve. You can get a vehicle through the wildlife lodge you are staying with at Kanha or ask for same at the main entry gate.
  • How many people are allowed in one vehicle?
    • One Gypsy is allowed to take maximum 6 guests along with one guide and one driver.
    • Children above the age of 5 years are counted and below 5 are allowed free.
  • Can safari ticket be cancelled / rescheduled?
    • Once safari entry ticket has been booked it cannot be rescheduled but only cancelled.
    • On cancellation of safari permit after deduction of cancellation charges the refund amount is directly sent to your bank account by MP online. 
  • What is elephant safari / Tiger shows?
    • Elephant safari is a good way of enjoying the forest as they take you inside deep forests whereas when on Jeep you have to remain on designated road route. But, we suggest not taking the elephant safaris since these psychederm should be used for patrolling the tiger reserve and not for tourism purpose.
    • Tiger shows were available earlier where after payment of a small amount you were taken on elephant back to show a tiger spotted by the Mahouts while patrolling the forests. This has been banned for in all central Indian forests till further orders.
  • What clothing is best for jungle tourism?
    • Always try to dress in subtle / forest colours as this will help you in camouflage and increase the chances of animal sighting. It is best to avoid bright colours like red, blue, violet, etc.
    • When visiting in winters do carry enough woolens since temperature can drop down to -2 degrees centigrade at times. If visiting February onwards do carry a light woolen jacket / wind cheater as mornings and late evenings can be cold till mid April.
  • What animals can we see at Kanha?
    • Kanha is full of biodiversity and still we do not know how many living beings use it as their home. Till now we have count of 22 mammals, 249 birds, 117 butterflies and other small and big once who play an integral role in natural management of this reserve. With Tiger on the top of tourist list we can see Leopard, Wild Dogs, Jackal, Hyena, Fox, Gaur, Spotted Deer, Sambhar Deer, Barking Deer, Blue Bull, etc. One of the most endangered of Deer species – Swamp Deer or Hard Ground Barasingha found here is endemic to Kanha and not found anywhere else in the wild. 
    • Further information about Kanha park and its fauna can be checked at: http://www.kanhavillage.com/kanha_national_park 
  • How is bird watching at Kanha reserve?
    • Kanha has more than 249 known species of birds. Bird watching here can be done in the core area by Gypsy safari or in the buffer region on foot. When planning a bird safari tour to Kanha do keep in mind to include a minimum of 4 to 5 bird watching treks in buffer area along with 3 to 4 core area safaris to see maximum numbers of these flying wonders.  Do carry a good pair of binocular and bird guide book if you are interested in Birding. Your accommodation provider will be able to arrange a good naturalist for you on payment of a small amount of fees. 



  • Which hotels resorts are best for stay at kanha?
    • Kanha has a well developed tourism infrastructure although not very well planned as far as sustainability is concerned. Guests can get accommodation ranging from INR 500/- to upward of INR 20,000/- and more per day so you have wide choice to make from.
    • We will suggest going in for hotels or resorts where the management is keen about its social responsibility and cares for local landscape and biodiversity. A herculean task to search between more than 65 accommodation providers here but looking into sustainable tourism concepts this is important.
    • We suggest Kanha Village Eco Resort, Flame of the Forest, Singinawa, Kipling camp, Indian Adventure, Taj – Banjar Tola, Courtyard House and MP forest department rest houses.
  • What budget should we keep in mind for kanha visit?
    • When visiting Kanha you can get accommodation ranging between INR 500/- to 20,000/- per day stay part depends on your choice.
    • Food here is a bit expensive since most of the farm produce here is costly and other ingredients are bought from cities and towns as far as 250 Kms from here so it may cost around INR 600/- per person per day and more depending on where you eat at road side eatery or a star hotel.
    • Safaris are the most costly of all each safari to premium kanha zone costs around INR 5000/- and in other 3 zones kisli, sarhi and mukki it is around INR 4500/-. This cost includes entry permit fees, gypsy charges, guide charges, safari facilitation charges and any taxes thereon. At some places you are charged higher amount than finalised by MP Tourism as per accommodation providers rules. 
    • Safari cost for foreign nationals is higher and it comes to around INR 7000/- for Kanha zone and INR 5500/-  for Kisli, Sarhi and Mukki zone. 
  • Is kanha a safe destination?
    • In last few years we have not heard of any major unpleasant incident in or around the national park and you will find most people here to be very tourist friendly and helpful.
  • I want to do wildlife photography, what suggestions do you have for me?
    • Wildlife photography has catched up in last few years and we see a lot of young people interested in it. This particular genre of photography is not easy and needs costly equipments which alone will not suffice. The most important factor is to understand wild animals well, anticipate their move and be ready to click at any moment. Kanha is a famous destination within the wildlife photographers fraternity and many famous once have clicked some of their best shots here.
    • To be more Kanha specific, if you are serious about wildlife photography remember there should be maximum 4 members in a gypsy vehicle and preferably all should be photographers or should understand the importance of patience. Carry lenses of up to 400 mm for mammals and 600 mm for birds and a sturdy tripod. Tell your driver and guide about your interest well in advance or else like general tourists you will be running around the park for the stripped cat only and miss many a good photographic opportunities. Drive slowly and keep a good watch. Carry extra battery and storage capacity for your photographs. I suggest you should take photographs in highest possible resolution.
    • One of the most beautiful features of forests is its small living beings like reptiles, insects, butterflies, etc. Do carry a macro lens along to take photographs of these neglected but equally significant, beautiful and colorful once.
    • Cover all the tourism zones of the park and do not forget to take some landscape shots to complete your portfolio. Keep your gear always ready and within reach.
  • Is kanha children / family friendly?
    • Yes, Kanha is a good destination to cover with children and family. This is one of the best places to let your children enjoy the natural heritage of our country, understand its importance and learn to respect the biodiversity our country has to offer. Just keep in mind Kanha has extreme climate so plan your trip keeping this in mind.
  • What should we carry when visiting Central Indian jungles?
    • Medicine is the first and most important thing you need to pack as Kanha, Bandhavgarh and most other tiger reserves are in dense forest area far from cities so it is difficult to get specific medication prescribed.

    • To enjoy this tiger reserve to its best do carry a guide book, list of flora and fauna seen here, a good binocular and a camera along with clothing as per season.
  • How to reach Kanha National Park?
    • Kanha tiger reserve can be reached from Jabalpur (165 Kms via Mandla), Nagpur (260 Kms via Seoni – Nainpur - Chraidongri), Raipur (250 Kms via Chilpi - Baihar) and Gondia (--- Kms). All these places are well connected with road and rail network. Jabalpur, Nagpur and Raipur are also connected by Air with major cities in India.
  • What are the rules and regulations of visiting the park?
    • You can get a copy of rules from the forest department if required. Most hotels and resorts in Kanha will be able to provide a copy of same. Check code of conduct for national parks here: http://www.kanhavillage.com/code-of-conduct
    • Remember to follow the rules, Do’s and Don’ts carefully if you want to enjoy your jungle ride.
    • Guide and driver of vehicle you take for safari will be able to tell you of all rules. Please follow them carefully as these have been made keeping your safety and maximum enjoyment of the forest as well as safety of wild animals in mind.
    • Always remember you are visiting the wild animals in their home so follow the rules of the jungle always.

We have tried to cover most frequently asked questions which cross tourists mind when planning a visit to any Tiger reserve in Central India with prime focus on Kanha reserve. Still if you have any query feel free to contact me at info@kanhavillage.com and we will be very happy to help.

Some detailed information about flora and fauna and geography of Kanha national park and tiger reserve can also be checked at our website www.kanhavillage.com


Spotting Tiger in Central Indian Tiger Reserve of Kanha



 You can also visit other national parks and tiger reserves around Kanha like Bandhavgarh, Pench, Tadoba and Satpuda national parks as well as places like Jabalpur, Pachmarhi, Rewa and other tourist destinations of Madhya Pradesh. If you need any help regarding planning your tour package or need information about tourism in central India we will be very happy to help. 


    Friday, June 28, 2013

    What can you do at Kanha?


    What can you do at Kanha?

    Kanha National Park is spread over 2000 Sq. Kms including core and buffer forest area. One of the best managed Tiger reserves of India, it is visited by tourists from all over the world to enjoy wildlife safari, spot tiger and other free roaming animals in their natural habitat. With most of the hotels at Kanha and tour operators, selling tiger safari packages people tend to miss that this one of the most beautiful forests of central India has so much more to offer.

    Visiting Kanha tiger reserve only to see the big cat is, I personally feel, the biggest blunder any tourist can make. But, due to dearth of information about other activities and attractions around Kanha I will certainly say it is not the tourists fault since the accommodation providers, wildlife tour operators as well as tourism department does not provide detailed information.  Most tour packages for Kanha National Park only have tiger safari options. Here I present a list of activities and attractions which most of the resorts at Kanha and wildlife lodges at Kanha will be able to help you with.

    Tiger Safari: Certainly the most famous activity for this world famous national park. It is conducted in two parts morning and noon wherein tourists visit the core area in 4 x 4 Gypsy vehicles. Safaris are conducted on designated zones and roads with a guide provided by the forest department.

    Elephant Safari: A very good way to see the dense forest where your safari Gypsy cannot take you due to lack of roads is on elephant back. But, I personally am against this since we need the elephants for patrolling and not joy rides so best avoided as there are other better ways of exploring the forest like – on foot.

    Jungle Walk: Tiger reserve management has made few pathways in the buffer area of tiger reserve where you can take a walk with help of a guide which is made available on payment of a small amount at the Khatia / Mukki entry gate. I will suggest – sacrifice a safari for it and you will never regret your decision. Here you will be able to enjoy the forest more, see those small things which we normally miss sitting on a safari vehicle and certainly be able to appreciate the bio-diversity in much better way. Guide fees of 200/- has to be paid at the ticket counter including which the total cost comes to around 750/- per group of 6 people.

    Bird Watching: Kanha forest has more than 280 bird species which can be seen inside and outside the core area. Different species of birds choose different type of forests from open to scrub to dense or grass land. Every season has its own advantage like in winters many migratory birds visit this area but some locals one migrate to further southern region and come back in summers. Near water body or around it is the best area to see birds. You can visit the core area to see those flying wonders that prefer dense forests and take walks in the buffer area to appreciate ones which do not hesitate of humans. Check list of birds in Kanha is available and can be purchased at local store or downloaded from www.kanhavillage.com.

    Wildlife Photography: One beautiful photograph can change heart of so many making them fall in love with nature and wildlife converting them in to conservationists. Today wildlife nature photography as a hobby is catching up very fast amongst our younger generation and why not, it is one of the best ways to appreciate our natural heritage and wildlife. When at Kanha you can take wildlife safari in the core forest as well as walks in the buffer area to do photography. Here I would certainly request that always keep photography ethics in mind and do not ever force your guide or driver in any way to break any rule just to take one unusual photograph. 

    MPCA visit: Medicinal Plantation Conservation Area (MPCA) located near village Boda Chhapri, in buffer of Kanha Tiger Reserve is one place you should visit to see the diverse plant species found in Kanha landscape. Here you will be able to observe some of those rare herbs which are used in traditional medicines and are even raw material for modern medicine. Ask your accommodation provider in Kanha to arrange a local Vaidya or Ojha who will be able to describe in detail about all trees and herbs you see and tell about its medicinal properties. This costs around Indian Rupees 750/- to 1000/- per group of 6 people.  

    Tribal village visit: Plan to visit one of those Baiga villages around Kanha to see how the actual guardians of central Indian forests used to live. Baiga tribal are one of the oldest inhabitants of our forests and understand the local biodiversity as the back of their palm. One of the most famous of them was Late Manglu Baiga about whom we hear stories that how he has helped officers earn their Doctorate degrees but he himself always remained what he was from the first day, a true nature warrior and lover of Kanha’s vast natural heritage. Although modern world and influx of tourists has certainly changed their life style to certain extent but visiting a Baiga village has its own appeal.

    Yoga and Meditation: Today’s demanding life sucks out all life juice from our mind and body. Just sit back and relax under any tree enjoying the beautiful natural heritage around, listening to the music of nature, reading a book, making a painting or sketch. Believe me even though resorts in Kanha do not offer it but this is one of the best activity and least harmful for our forests. If a group of people are planning they can take a Yoga or spiritual guru along and take full advantage of calm atmosphere of Kanha.

    Rejuvenation and wellness: Peaceful and relaxing atmosphere around Kanha is one of the best places to rejuvenate and re-energize your mind and body. Hotels in Kanha can arrange massage for guests which along with jungle walks, swimming and simple food can help a lot. Although we do not have specialized spa and wellness resorts at Kanha but facility for same can be arranged by many.

    Star gazing: ‘Twinkle Twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are’ – we all have heard of this beautiful poem sometimes or other. In cities we do not see those twinkles due to lighting all around, pollution and Television. At Kanha you can sit out with all lights shut off and see the stars and constellations, remembering those good old times when you were young and so fascinated by those diamonds in the sky and lady on the moon.

    Kanha national park is in Mandla district with its head quarters just 45 Kms from Khatia. Interested people can see Fort and Palace of Gond kings, some old temples or take a dip in holy river Narmada. There are a few souvenir shops in Kanha where you can purchase items made by local tribal and villagers for your loved and dear ones.  

    Before I forget, one activity which I like the most when at Kanha, forget all your work, just give time to your other half and try to understand him / her better. Take a stroll with her / him while birds singing in the background provide perfect musical romantic mood and trees ideal ambience.

    Come Celebrate Nature Celebrate Life

    Monday, June 17, 2013

    Barking Deer - Kakad


    Barking Deer – India Muntjac

    So known for its bark like alarm call, Barking Deer or Indian Muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak), is short brownish deer species with tusk like upper canine teeth’s. Its alarm calls are a very reliable indicator of presence of any predator. Indian Muntjac is most wide spread of total 11 species of Muntjacs found in Asia.

    
    Barking Deer or Indian Muntjac
    (taken from walkthewilderness.net)

    Characteristics

    Barking Deer are very distinctive with their tusk like canine teeth which is used to defend itself. It has wide coloration range with Dark brown to yellowish or grey brown on dorsal, white on ventral side and slightly darker brown face. They have very short antlers of around 2 to 3 inches. They are around 20 – 25 inches tall and 40 – 55 inches long with male of the species bit taller than the females. Their weight ranges between 20 – 30 Kgs. Male Barking Deer have their separate territory and can be very aggressive against intrusion. They have a life span of 25 to 30 years.

    Distribution and habitat

    The Barking Deer can be seen in tropical and subtropical deciduous forests, grasslands, savannas, and scrub forests from sea level up to an altitude of 9600 feet in Himalayas. It is found in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, China, Nepal, Pakistan, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, etc. It is most densely located in Southeast Asia with Indian population estimated to be more than 1,30,000. Scrub forests and hilly tracts around forests and national park like Kanha, Corbett and Bandhavgarh are  good places to observe them where they can be spotted feeding at the edge of the forest or in abandoned clearings.


     

    Ecology, Behavior and Food

    Indian Muntjac prefers hilly areas with water in the vicinity. Omnivores in food habits they eat  grasses, prickly bushes, leaves, bark, twigs, fruit, seeds, tender shoots, eggs and small warm-blooded animals. They have also been seen eating on dead animals at times. Normally seen alone they have also been seen in groups of 3 – 5. A very cautious and shy animal which can be seen by the way it moves, one step at a time, ready to run away with slight hint of danger. Author has seen one Barking deer approaching almost 10 – 12 feet of where he was sitting motionless until his presence was given away by cloth movement due to sudden wind.

    They prefer dense forest area to open grass land and can often be spotted on the fringe forests. Males mark their territory and defend it from other male which often leads to fighting.  They leave scent markers by rubbing their pre-orbital glands (located just below the eyes) on the ground and on trees and scraping the bark of trees with their lower incisors. I have often seen them visiting water holes in the evening for a quich sip.

    Reproduction

    Indian Muntjac does not have any specific breeding period. Female gives birth to a single fawn after a gestation period of 6 – 7 months. They chose a dense patch of forest for safety from predators. Young leaves the mother in 5 to 6 months to make its own territory.




    Threats

    Habitat destruction and poaching for its meat and hide are major problem behind its decline in population. Barking deer is killed by farmers when it raids the agriculture fields adjoining dense forest.

    Conservation

    Although barking deer is not in the endangered species list but in India its hunting is barred by law.

     

     

    Monday, June 10, 2013

    Checklist - Birds of Kanha

    Check list of Birds - Kanha National Park


    Here is a checklist of birds found in Kanha National Park and around. Bird watchers may be able to use and tick birds they see when visiting Kanha. If you want a copy you may get one from our resort in Kanha. I have not given scientific or local names here but common names only.




    Gold mantled chloropsis
    Jerdons Leaf Bird
    Pied Starling
    Jungle Myna
    Spangled Drongo
    White Bellied Drongo
    Ashy Drongo
    Black Drongo
    Racket Tailed Drongo
    Oriental Turtel Dove
    White Rumped Shama
    Yellow fronted Woodpecker
    Brown Capped Pigmy Woodpecker
    White Naped Woodpecker
    Black rumped flameback
    White Throated Flycatcher
    Asian Borwn flycatcher
    White Browed Flycatcher
    Asian Paradise Flycatcher
    Verditor Flycatcher
    Black Naped Monarch
    Black Hooded Oriole
    Blyth's Reed Warbler
    Clamarous Reed Warbler
    Hume's Warbler
    Golden Oriole
    Booted Warbler
    Sulphur Bellied Warbler
    Common Iora
    Greenish Warbler
    Common Chiff Chaff
    White Eyed Buzzard
    Ultramarine Flycatcher
    Indian Pitta
    White Eye
    Brown Headed Barbet
    Crimson Breasted Barbet
    Bronze Winged Dove
    Painted Snipe
    Common Snipe
    Indian Silver Bill
    Red  Avadavat
    White Rumped Munia
    Zitting Cisticola
    Red Rumped Swallows
    Wire Tailed Swallows
    Eurasian Cuckoo
    Black Headed Munia
    Crested Tree Swift
    Common Baya
    Plain martin
    Grey Francolin
    Painted Francolin
    Tickell's Flycatcher
    Thick Billed Flycatcher
    Red Breasted Flycatcher
    Magpie Robin
    Brown Cheeked Fulvetta
    Painted Spurfowl
    Red Spurfowl
    Red Jungle Fowl
    Oriental Honey Buzzard
    Pallas Fish Eagle
    Crested Serpent Eagle
    Eurasian Marsh Harrier
    Crested Hawk Eagle
    Osprey
    Long Billed Vulture
    White Rumped Vulture
    Egyptian Vulture
    King Vulture
    Shikra
    Eurasian Sparrow Hawk
    Common Kestrel
    Spotted Dove
    Ring Dove
    Laughing Dove
    Mottled Wood Owl
    Barred Jungle Owlet
    Brown Fish Owl
    Spotted Owlet
    Tawny Eagle Owl
    Indian Eagle Owl
    Indian Scops Owl
    Yellow Fronted Green Pigeon
    Orange Breasted Green Pigeon
    Indian Scimitar Babbler
    Tawny Babbler
    Jungle Babbler
    Purple Sunbird
    Scarlet Minivet
    Long Tailed Minivet
    Small minivet
    Rufous Treepie
    Eurasian Wigeon
    Northern Pintail
    Lesser Adjutant Stork
    Wooly Necked Stork
    Chestnut Shouldered Petronia
    Rose Ringed Parakeet
    Common Kingfisher
    Plum Headed Parakeet
    Alexandrine Parakeet
    Pied Kingfisher
    Stork Billed Kingfisher
    White Throated Kingfisher
    Common Stonechat
    Common Tailor Bird
    Pied Stonechat
    White Ibis
    Plain prinia
    Brown Rock Chat
    Jungle Prinia
    Ashy Prinia
    Yellow Eyed Babbler
    Little Cormorant
    Glossy Ibis
    Indian Cormorant
    Brahminy Starling
    Rosy starling
    Yellow Wattled Lapwing
    Red Wattled Lapwing
    Eurasian Thicknee
    Rufous Tailed Lark
    Tree Pipit
    Olive Backed Pippit
    Chestnut Bellied Nuthatch
    Malabar Pied Hornbill
    Common Grey Hornbill
    Barn Swallows
    Chestnut Tailed Starling
    Brown Shrike
    Bay Backed Shrike
    Long Tailed Shrike
    Indian Robin
    Large Cuckoo Shrike
    Common Hawk Cuckoo
    Grey Headed Canary Flycatcher
    Shirkeer Malkoha
    Lesser Whistling teals



    There is a possibility that some names have been mis-spelled or serial number has gone wrong please do not mind the same. Hotels at Kanha may be able to provide a check list if available or else you can get a copy from shop at Khatia entrance of Kanha Tiger Reserve or one at the museum / canteen in Kanha zone.  

     

    Tuesday, May 28, 2013

    Checklist of trees - Kanha National Park

    Checklist of major trees found in kanha landscape

    Kanha national park is famous for Tigers and other wild animals. Most tourists visit this beautiful forest only to see the animals and tend to forget that it is due to flora here that we are being able to see them here.


    Saal Trees on both sides of the road, Kanha national Park
     

    S. no.
    Scientific name
    Family
    Common Name
    1
    Acasia arabica
    Leguminosae
    Babul
    2
    Acasia catechu
    Leguminosae
    Khair
    3
    Acasia leucophloea
    Leguminosae
    Reunja
    4
    Acasia lenticularis
    Leguminosae
    Bara Khair
    5
    Adina cordofolia
    Rubiaceae
    Haldu
    6
    Aegle marmelos
    Rutaceae
    Bel
    7
    Ailantus excelsa
    Simarubaceae
    Maharukh
    8
    Albizzia libbeck
    Leguminosae
    Kala Siris
    9
    Albizzia chinensis
    Leguminosae
    Karung
    10
    Albizzia odoratissima
    Leguminosae
    Chichwa
    11
    Albizzia procera
    Leguminosae
    Safed
    12
    Anona squamosa
    Anonaceac
    Sitaphal
    13
    Anogeissus latifolia
    Combretaceae
    Dhaora
    14
    Azadiracta indica
    Meliaceae
    Neem
    15
    Anacardium occidentale
    Anacardiaceae
    Kaju
    16
    Bauhinia malabarica
    Leguminosae
    Amta
    17
    Bauhinia racemosa
    Caesalpiniaceae
    Asta
    18
    Bauhinia variegata
    Leguminosae
    Kachnar
    19
    Bauhinia retusa
    Leguminosae
    Sehra
    20
    Bauhinia purpurens
    Leguminosae
    Keolar
    21
    Boswellia serrata
    Burseraceae
    Salai
    22
    Bridelea retusa
    Euphorbiaceae
    Kasai
    23
    Buchnania lanzan
    Anacardiaceae
    Achar
    24
    Butea monosperma
    Leguminosae
    Palas
    25
    Careya arborea
    Myrtaceae
    Kumbhi
    26
    Casearia graveolens
    Samydaceae
    Gilehi
    27
    Casearia elliptica
    Samydaceae
    Tondri
    28
    Cassia fistula
    Leguminosae
    Amaltas
    29
    Chloroxylon swietenia
    Caesalpiniaceae
    Bhirra
    30
    Cleistanthus collinus
    Euphorbiaceae
    Garari
    31
    Cochlospermum religiosum
    Euphorbiaceae
    Galgal
    32
    Cordia dichotoma
    Bixaceae
    Lasora
    33
    Cordia Latifolia
    Boraginaceae
    Bara Lesora
    34
    Cordia maeleodli
    Boraginaceae
    Dahipalas
    35
    Dalbergia latifolla
    Leguminosae
    Shisham
    36
    Dalbergia paniculata
    Leguminosae
    Dhobin
    37
    Dalbergia sissoo
    Leguminosae
    Sissoo
    38
    Dellenia aurea
    Dilleniaceae
    Karmata
    39
    Delonix regia
    Leguminosae
    Gulmohar
    40
    Dillenia pentagyna
    Dilleniaceae
    Kalla
    41
    Diospyros melanoxylon
    Ebenaceae
    Tendu
    42
    Diospyros montana
    Ebenaceae
    Bistendu
    43
    Boraginaceae
    Datranga
    44
    Elaeodendron glaucum
    Celastraceae
    Jamrasi
    45
    Embilica officinalis
    Euphorbiaceae
    Anola
    46
    Eriolaena hookeriana
    Sterculiaceae
    Bothi
    47
    Eryhrina suberosa
    Leguminosae
    Panjra
    48
    Eucalyptus spp.
    Myrtaceae
    Nilgiri
    49
    Euphoribia nivulia
    Euphorbiaceae
    Thuar
    50
    Euphoribia tiruculli
    Euphorbiaceae
    Niwarang
    51
    Ficus bengaiensis
    Moraceae
    Bar
    52
    Ficus semicardata
    Moraceae
    Bhuidumar
    53
    Ficus hispida
    Moraceae
    Katgular
    54
    Ficus lacor
    Moraceae
    Pakar
    55
    Ficus giomerata
    Moraceae
    Gular
    56
    Ficus religiosa
    Moraceae
    Pipal
    57
    Ficus tomentosa
    Moraceae
    Sonpakar
    58
    Flacourtia Indica
    Bixaceae
    Kakai
    59
    Gardenia latifolia
    Rubiaceae
    Papra
    60
    Gardenia turgida
    Rubiaceae
    Phetra
    61
    Gauruga pinnata
    Burseraceae
    Kekad
    62
    Gmelina arbrea
    Verbenaceae
    Gamari
    63
    Grewia disperma
    Tiliaceae
    Chaturli
    64
    Grewia tiliaefolia
    Tiliaceae
    Dhaman
    65
    Holopetalia integfolia
    Ulmaceae
    Chirol
    66
    Hymenodictyon excelsum
    Rubiaceae
    Bhonrsal
    67
    Ixora arborea
    Rubiaceae
    Lokhandi
    68
    Kydia calycina
    Malvaceae
    Pula
    69
    Lagerstroemia parviflora
    Lythraceae
    Landia
    70
    Lannea cormandarica
    Anacardiaceae
    Moyan
    71
    Liteea sebifera
    Lauraceae
    Maida Lakri
    72
    Madhuca indica
    Sapotaceae
    Mahua
    73
    Mallotus philippinensis
    Euphorbiaceae
    Roli
    74
    Mangifera indica
    Anacardiaceae
    Aam
    75
    Miliusa tomentosa
    Anonaceac
    Kari
    76
    Mitragyna parvifolia
    Rubiaceae
    Mundi
    77
    Moringa tinctorea
    Rubiaceae
    Aal
    78
    Ougeinia oojeinensis
    Leguminosae
    Tinsa
    79
    Pongamia pinnata veni
    Leguminosae
    Karanj
    80
    Pterocarpus marsupium
    Leguminosae
    Bija
    81
    Psidium guava
    Myrtaceae
    Amrud
    82
    Randia dumetorum
    Rubiaceae
    Mainphal
    83
    Randia uligirosa
    Rubiaceae
    Kalaphetra
    84
    Salmalia malabarica
    Malvaceae
    Semal
    85
    Schleichera oleosa
    Sapindaceae
    Kusum
    86
    Shorea Robusta
    Dipterocarpaceae
    Saal
    87
    Schrebra switenioides
    Oleaceae
    Mokha
    88
    Semecarpus anacardium
    Ancardiaceae
    Bhilwa
    89
    Soymida febrifuga
    Meliaceae
    Rohan
    90
    Santlum album
    Santalaceae
    Chandan
    91
    Spendias pinnata
    Anacardiaceae
    Amra
    92
    Sterculia Urens
    Sterculiaceae
    Kullu
    93
    Sterculia villosa
    Anacardiaceae
    Udal
    94
    Stereospermum personatum
    Bignoniaceae
    Padri
    95
    Stereospermum suaveolens
    Bignoniaceae
    Padar
    96
    Stereospermum xylocarpum
    Bignoniaceae
    Kateri
    97
    Strychnos petaterum
    Leguminosae
    Nirmali
    98
    Syzygium cumini
    Myrtaceae
    Jamun
    99
    Syzygium ------------
    Myrtaceae
    Kim Jamun
    100
    Tactona grandis
    Verbenaceae
    Sagon
    101
    Tamarindus indica
    Leguminosae
    Imli
    102
    Terminalia arjuna
    Combretaceae
    Kahua
    103
    Terminalia belerica
    Combretaceae
    Bahera
    104
    Terminalia chebula
    Combretaceae
    Harra
    105
    Terminalia tomentosa
    Combretaceae
    Saja
    106
    Wendlandia exserta
    Rubiaceae
    Tilai
    107
    Wrightia tinetoria
    Apocynaceae
    Dudhi
    108
    Wrightia tomentosa
    Apocynaceae
    Kali Dudhi
    109
    Xylia xylocarpa
    Mimosaceae
    Suria
    110
    Zizyphus manuratiana
    Rhamnaceae
    Ber
    111
    Zizyphus xylopyra
    Rhamnaceae
    Ghont