The Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve boasts dense forest vegetation, making it an excellent habitat for wildlife. The area is home to over 50 species of mammals, 254 species of birds, 30 species of reptiles, 56 species of butterflies, and many other types of animals.
Among this diverse gene pool, don’t be surprised if you spot a giant squirrel clinging to a tree. Giant squirrels have prominent incisors that help them feed on large fruits and rough surfaces like tree barks. They prefer forest areas with well-branched trees, which they use for building nests. The Indian giant squirrel resides in evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, a prominent species in Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve. The Indian giant squirrel, also known as “Nanhi” locally, is easily recognizable by its red-brown hue and exceptional skill of quickly jumping from one tree to another. The Indian giant squirrel is often spotted in the Madai zone of the Satpura National Park in Pachmarhi. While it can also be seen in the Parsapani and Jamanidev buffer zones as well, more sightings are recorded in Madai.
Apart from the Indian giant squirrel, the big 5 of Satpura—sloth, leopard, tiger, bison and dhol—are also found in the Reserve.
Sloth Bear
The Satpura national park in Madhya Pradesh is home to a significant population of sloth bears, classified as “Vulnerable” regarding conservation status. These bears belong to the mammalian class and Ursidae family, with the scientific name Melursus ursinus. While sloth bears can be found in several other popular national parks in Central India, such as Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench, and Panna, the likelihood of sighting them varies. For the best chance of spotting these bears in Pachmarhi BR, consider taking a safari in the Madai zone or a night safari in the Parsapani buffer zone.
Indian Leopard
The Indian Leopard is distinct from other subspecies due to its larger rosettes and varying coat colours depending on its habitat. The coat is paler in desert areas, while in colder climates, it appears greyer, and in rainforests such as Pachmarhi, it has a more ochre hue. Unique to each individual, the pattern of rosettes can be used to differentiate them from one another. Similar to other subspecies, Indian Leopards are solitary hunters and stay well-hidden at night, only to emerge from the trees during the day to hunt. They are likelier to carry their prey into the trees, sharing territory with competing predators, such as Bengal tigers, striped hyenas, and dholes. Night safaris around Churna are perfect for spotting these nocturnal predators.
Bengal Tiger
Madhya Pradesh has the highest population (roughly estimated to be 785) of Bengal tigers in India. Accordingly, it is also known as the “tiger state” of India. There are seven tiger reserves in the state: Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench, Satpura, Panna, Sanjay Dubri, and a brand new reserve called the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve, spread across the districts of Sagar, Damoh and Narsinghpur. Among these, the Satpura Tiger Reserve is an essential habitat for tigers, serving as a major potential source of population. Its connectivity with other tiger reserves makes it truly unique, creating a landscape perfect for a large tiger population.
Indian Bison (Gaur)
The Gaur, also known as the Indian Bison, is the largest and tallest member of the wild cattle family, even surpassing the size of water buffalo and bison. Unfortunately, the population of this impressive animal has been declining, leading the IUCN to list it as vulnerable since 1986. However, the Indian Bison is now protected in several national parks throughout India, including Nagarhole, Bandipur, Kabini, Masinagudi, and Pachmarhi BR.
If you want to learn more about the Indian Bison, the Bison Lodge Museum in Pachmarhi is an excellent resource for discovering the flora and fauna of the Satpura region. In addition to exhibits, the museum also features an open-air theatre where you can watch films, documentaries, and presentations on wildlife.
Dhole (Asiatic Wild Dogs)
The dhole, also known as the Asian wild dog, is a carnivorous animal from the canine family. They are found in Central, South, East Asia, and Southeast Asia, where they play a crucial role as apex predators in forest ecosystems. Not to be confused with foxes, dhole is another prominent species found roaming the jungles of Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve. Unfortunately, the dhole is currently classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation. To protect this species, it is safeguarded under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.