Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve

Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve

The Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is a conservation area in the Satpura Range of Madhya Pradesh state, India. It was created on March 3, 1999 by the Indian government and covers parts of Hoshangabad, Betul, and Chhindwara districts. The biosphere reserve's total area is 4926.28 km. It includes three wildlife conservation units: the Bori Sanctuary (518.00 km), Satpura National Park (524.37 km), and Pachmarhi Sanctuary (461.37 km). Satpura National Park is designated as the core zone and the remaining area of 4401.91 km, including the Bori and Pachmarhi sanctuaries, serves as the buffer zone. The reserve is mostly covered in forest. It is an important transition zone between the forests of western and eastern India; the forests are dominated by teak (Tectona grandis) but include the westernmost groves of sal (Shorea robusta), which is the dominant tree of eastern India's forests. Large mammal species include tiger, leopard, wild boar, muntjac deer, gaur (Bos gaurus), chital deer (Axis axis), sambar (Cervus unicolor), and rhesus macaques. Bison, Indian giant squirrel and flying squirrel are endemic fauna of this reserve.

Biodiversity
Flora
This reserve is best known for its rich forests. A part of the reserve vegetation has been studied by Prof. C.P. Kala, especially with respect to their indigenous uses and conservation perspectives. The reserve has several sacred groves, which are rich in plant genetic diversity and are composed of many ethnobotanically useful species, including wild edible fruits and medicinal plants.[1] Ferns are found in plenty in this region. Other species of plants include tendu, mahua, wild mango, bamboo, etc.

Fauna
Indian giant squirels are endemic to this region. There reserve is home to a great variety of deer, tiger, leopard, black buck, four-horned antelopes, crocodiles, monkeys, etc.

References
[1] "Kala, Chandra Prakash 2011. Journal of Environmental Protection" (http:/ / www. scirp. org/ journal/ PaperInformation. aspx?paperID=7427). Scirp.org. 2011-09-28. . Retrieved 2012-06-29.

External links
"Pachmarhi - New Biosphere Reserve" (http://envfor.nic.in/news/may99/pachmar.html) Enviro News, May 1999 (http://picasaweb.google.co.in/dineshnema/Anhoni#5342994372020799474) Biosphere Reserves of India (http://cpreec.org/04_phamplets/21_biosphere reserves/biosphere reserve.htm)

Article Sources and Contributors

Article Sources and Contributors

Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=529700822 Contributors: Aelfthrytha, Alren, BeverlyCrusher, Bobblewik, Chandan Guha, Dineshnema, Discospinster, IndianGeneralist, Jim1138, Jmlk17, Joey80, Marcus334, Naniwako, Niceguyedc, Pradiptaray, Reeshabhhome, Rholton, Rockstararham, Sluzzelin, Tom Radulovich, Vegaswikian, West.andrew.g, WikHead, 22 anonymous edits

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