Madhav National Park, Shivpuri

Madhav National Park is situated in the northern part of Madhya Pradesh in the Shivpuri district, very close to the Shivpuri township. It was notified as a National Park in the year 1958. 

In this article, we shall discuss at length the physical and geographical aspects of the Madhav National Park. Also, the famous animals found in the region and the species of flora and fauna around the area of this national park. It comprises an integral part of the environment and ecology section of the IAS exam for prelims and mains paper. 

Apart from Shivpuri’s Madhav National Park, there are other important conservation areas across the country. All aspirants for competitive exams can check the detailed List of National Parks in India in the linked article. 

Madhav National Park [UPSC Notes]:-Download PDF Here

Geographical & Historical Facts on Madhav National Park

• Location – 
  • Madhav National Park is situated on the northern fringe of the Central Highlands of India forming a part of the Upper Vindhyan Hills intermixed with plateaus, and valley sections
  • It is situated in the northern part of Madhya Pradesh in Shivpuri District, very close to the Shivpuri township
  • The National Park spreads over an area of 355 sq km
• History – 
  • The Park was the hunting ground of Mughal emperors and Maharaja of Gwalior
  • It was a Royal shooting reserve and a very well protected area, with elephant and tiger wanderers
  • It is believed that Mughal Emperor Akbar captured herds of elephants from this region of Shivpuri
  • Before the commencement of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, a viewing lodge, named ‘Shooting Box’, was constructed by the Maharaja of Gwalior where one could shoot wildlife
  • Deep inside the Madhav National Park stands the exquisite George Castle, which was built by Jivaji Rao Scindia of the Gwalior Royal family. It was specially built for British King George V
• Ecosystem – 
  • The Park is gifted with a diverse ecosystem comprising of lakes, forests and grasslands
  • Sakhya Sagar and Madhav Sagar are the two lakes in the southern part of the park. These provide aquatic biodiversity and a lifeline for the terrestrial species
  • Madikheda dam is situated in the North-Western part of the Park
  • The Park falls within one of the major Tiger Corridors of the country, which are operationalised through the Tiger Conservation Plan

Aspirants preparing for government or other competitive exams, and looking for answers to questions about national parks in India can refer to the links given below:

Flora and Fauna at Madhav National Park

Flora Features 

• The Park represents the Northern Tropical dry deciduous mixed forest as well as dry thorn forest
• The dominant tree species present in the area is Kardhai
• The lakes are surrounded by dry, mixed deciduous forests, and flat grasslands

Fauna Features

• Antelopes like Nilgai, Chinkara and Chowsinga
• Deer including Chital, Sambar and Barking Deer
• Leopard, Wolf, Jackal, Fox, Wild Dog, Wild Pig, Porcupine. Marsh Crocodile, Turtles and Snakes represent the reptilian fauna
• Marsh Crocodiles are in abundance in Sakhya Sagar lake
• No wild tigers were spotted in the area after around late 1970. But after dedicated efforts, the habitat had bounced back and tigers have been spotted in the region since 2007

More About Madhav Shivpuri National Park

The Park at present is dealing with displacement and rehabilitation issues. This has become a cause of concern as the Park is home to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). These people were made to relocate from the region under the plan to allot agricultural land to 100 tribal families as a part of the rehabilitation policy endorsed by the authorities in the year 1999. Legalities regarding the same are still underway. 

Apart from this, candidates must also know about the other National Parks in Madhya Pradesh. The list for the same is given below:

1. Bandhavgarh National Park
2. Pench National Park
3. Kanha National Park
4. Kuno National Park
5. Panna National Park
6. Sanjay National Park
7. Satpura National Park 
8. Van Vihar National Park

Also, read ⇒ Biodiversity – Species, Genetics & Ecosystem [UPSC Notes]

Madhav National Park [UPSC Notes]:-Download PDF Here

Candidates must go through the information discussed above for the upcoming UPSC 2022 exam as questions based on the same can be asked in the prelims examination.

For any further questions, latest exam updates and study material, turn to BYJU’S Free IAS Prep for assistance.