Panna is situated in the Vindhyan hill range and spreads over Panna and Chhtarpur districts in the northern part of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh (M.P.).One of the most significant ecological aspects of the Reserve is that the district Panna makes the northern most boundary of natural distribution of teak and the eastern limits of teak-kardhai (Anogeissus pendula) mixed forests.The Ken river, which flows through the Reserve form south to north, is the home for Long Snouted crocodile (gharial) and Marsh Crocodile (mugger) and other aquatic fauna. Ken is one of the sixteen perennial rivers of M.P. and is truly the life-line of the Reserve. It offers some of the most spectacular scenery while it meanders for about 55 km. through the Reserve.

Conservation History

Panna National Reserve was created in 1981. It was declared a Project Tiger Reserve in 1994, 22nd in the country and fifth in the state. The National Reserve consists of areas from the former Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary created in 1975. This sanctuary comprised territorial forests of the present North Panna Forest Division to which a portion of the adjoining Chhatarpur Forest Division was added later. The reserved forests of the Reserve in Panna district and some protected forests on Chhatarpur district were the hunting preserves of the erstwhile rulers of Panna, Chhatarpur and Bijawar princely states.


Archaeological Richness

The Reserve is dotted with ancient rock paintings, which are believed to be around two thousand years old. Old relics of the Gondwana period (rule of the tribal people of Central India) are scattered all over the Reserve.

Forest Types

Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Dry Teak Forest
Northern Tropical Dry Deciduous Mixed Forest
Dry Deciduous Scrub Forest
1Boswellia Forest
Dry Bamboo Brakes
Anogeissus pendula Forest

General Information :

Location : Encompassing the forest divided by the Ken river flowing north to join the Yamuna.
Size : 209 sq miles ( 543 sq km ).
Best time to Visit : January to May.

Panna Wildlife Conservation

Panna National Reserve was created in 1981. It was declared a Project Tiger Reserve in 1994,the 22nd in the country and 5th in the State. The National Reserve consists of areas form the former Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary created in 1975. This sanctuary comprised of territorial forests of the present North Panna Forest Division to which a portion of the adjoining Chhatarpur Forest Division was added later. The reserved forests of the Reserve in Panna district and some protected forests on Chhatarpur district were the hunting preserves of the erstwhile rulers of Panna, Chhatarpur and Bijawar princely states.

Flora of Panna

Tectona grandis
Diospyros melanoxylon
Madhuca indica
Buchanania tanzan
Anogeissus latifolia
Anogeissus pendula
Lannea coromandalica
Boswellia serrata
Acacia catechu
Zizyphus spp.
Aegle marmelos
Butea monosperma
Gardenia spp.

Fauna of Panna

Mammals : Tiger, Jungle Cat, Leopard, Hyena, Wild Dog, Wolf, Sloth Bear, Sambar, Spotted Deer or Chital, Blue Bull or Nilgai, Chinkara, Fourhorned Antelope or Chausinga, Porcupine, Jungle Cat, Rusty Spotted Cat, Hare, Ratel and Tree shrew.

Avifauna : Over 200 species have been identified, which include a host of winter migratory birds.

Reptiles : Long Snouted Crocodile (gharial) and Marsh Crocodile (mugger) are found in the Ken river.

Panna National Reserve was created in 1981. It was declared a Project Tiger Reserve in 1994, the 22nd in the country and 5th in the State. The National Reserve consists of areas form the former Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary created in 1975. This sanctuary comprised of territorial forests of the present North Panna Forest Division to which a portion of the adjoining Chhatarpur Forest Division was added later. The reserved forests of the Reserve in Panna district and some protected forests on Chhatarpur district were the hunting preserves of the erstwhile rulers of Panna, Chhatarpur and Bijawar princely states.