Difference between Biodiversity(national) park and Biodiversity Reserves

Wildlife Sanctuary National Park Biosphere Reserve

Establishment For the protection of only Wildlife (Wild For Plants, Animals, Historical objects and a For the Entire Biodiversity (Variety of Plants and
Animals). Entire Ecosystem (Flora and Fauna and Non Animals living in area).
Living Things). Also for the Economic development of Tribals living
in that area.

Boundaries Not Fixed Fixed as per Law of Government. Fixed.

Human Activities Allowed with some restrictions. Not Allowed Not Allowed (in Core Zone )
(Grazing, Collecting Medicinal Plants and (Cutting Trees is Prohibited) (It May be allowed in Outermost Zone and Buffer
Firewood is Allowed but Hunting and Capturing Zone.)
Animals is Prohibited.)

Ownership Government or Private Only Government Only Government

Area Small Area Small Area Large Area

Examples Sanjay Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, Corbett National Park, Panchmarhi Biosphere Reserve,
Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary Sunderban National Park Sunderbans National Reserve

Graphics

Poaching and Capturing is not Allowed. Flora, Fauna, Landscape and Historical Objects. Activities may be allowed in the Buffer area and
Transition area.
 PACHMARHI BIOSPHERE RESERVE

The Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is a non-use conservation

area and biosphere reserve in the Satpura Range of Madhya
Pradesh state in central India, created in 1999 by the Indian
government.The Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is located within
areas of Hoshangabad, Betul, and Chhindwara Districts in
Madhya Pradesh state in India.
The reserve covers the districts of Hoshangabad, Betul, and
Chhindwara.

The conservation area was It also contains animals from the

himalayan peaks and from the lower western ghats. UNESCO
designated it a biosphere reserve in 2002.

The biosphere reserve's total area is 4,926.28 square kilometres

(1,217,310 acres). It includes three wildlife conservation units:
● Bori Sanctuary (518.00 km2)
● Pachmarhi Sanctuary (461.37 km2).
● Satpura National Park (524.37 km2)
Satpura National Park is designated as the core zone and the
remaining area of 4401.91 km2, including the Bori and Pachmarhi
sanctuaries, serves as the buffer zone.
The Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve consists of a National park
called Satpura and two wildlife sanctuaries called Bori and
Pachmarhi.
LOCATION MAP & TOPOGRAPHY
SITE MAP
THE GEOGRAPHICAL SETTING OF PACHMARHI BIOSPHERE RESERVE

● The Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is located in the biogeographical region of the Deccan Peninsula and the Biotic
Province of Central India.
● The range runs from the east to the west of the reserve.
● The entire area is home to a large variety of geological rocks as well as soil formations. The total area covered by
the reserve is 4926 sq km.
● Designation Date: 2009
● A biosphere reserve usually comprises of three zones. -
● Core area(s): 155,523 ha
● Buffer area(s): 178,558 ha
● Transition area(s): 164,091 ha
● At the core of Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is the Satpura National Park which covers approximately 524 sq km.
● The buffer and transition area is comprised of Bori Sanctuary which covers 500 sq km of area and the Pachmarhi
Sanctuary which covers 461 sq km.
ECOLOGY
The reserve is composed primarily of forest habitats, and is an important transition zone between the forest species of
western and eastern India.

ETHNOBOTANY

It is the study of a region's plants and their practical uses through the traditional knowledge of a local culture and
people. ie documentation of the local customs involving the practical uses of local flora for many aspects of life, such as
plants as medicines, foods, intoxicants and clothing.
14 ethno-botanical plant species occur in PBR have been studied, which are traded from the selected villages of the
buffer zone area of PBR. Different plant parts of these important species are collected by the local people for their own
consumption and trade. A part of the reserve vegetation has been studied, especially with respect to the indigenous
uses of the plants.
The presence of deep chasms/cracks on the plateau of Pachmarhi is responsible for the creation of several waterfalls
where perennial streams pour in. The deep, bottomless gorges are home to many species of orchids, ferns, algae and
other medicinal herbs that thrive on moisture. The landscape of Pachmarhi abounds with a rich wealth of exotic flora.
 ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
● The Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is rich in flora and fauna. It houses numerous species of plants and animals.
● The Pachmarhi Plateau is also known as the ‘Queen of Satpura’, because it contains valleys, marshes, streams and
waterfalls, all of which have led to the development of a unique and varied biodiversity.
● Forests represent approximately 63% of the biosphere reserve’s area, while agricultural lands (30%), waste lands
(2.18%), water bodies (5%) and human settlement areas (0.54%) account for the remainder.

FLORA

1. The entire forest coverage of the reserve can be classified into the
following types:
2. Moist deciduous.
a. Moist teak forest
b. Slightly moist teak forest
c. Moist mixed deciduous forest
3. Dry Deciduous.
a. southern tropical dry teak forest
b. southern tropical dry mixed deciduous forest
4. Central Indian subtropical Hill Forest..
● There exist more than 150 species of flora used for medicinal purposes.
● The vegetation in the region is mostly xerophytic which resembles
tropical dry deciduous forests.
● The soil quality is not very good as the site of the Pachmarhi
Biosphere Reserve is exposed.
● The forests are dominated by Teak(Tectona grandis). They include the
westernmost groves of sal. which is the dominant tree of eastern India's
forests.
● Other endemic vegetation includes wild mango, silver fern, jamun and arjun.
● Tectona grandis (Teak) and Shorea robusta (Sal) are the most common and unique flora species found in the
forests, with the latter found nowhere else in India.
● The climate differs at all mountain levels and is characterized by strong monsoons.
● 60 species of pteridophytes have been recorded,
● 48 of which are types of fern. Important species include Psilotum triquetra (whisk fern) and Ophioglossum nudicaule
(Adder’s-tongue ferns).

FAUNA

● It is home to some of India’s major wildlife species. In the earlier days this reserve had Lions, Elephants, Wild
Buffaloes and Barasinghas but over time they have disappeared.
● Large mammal species tigers, leopard, wild bear, gaur, chital deer, sambar deer, muntjac deer and and rhesus
macaque.
● The endemic fauna includes chinkara, nilgai, wild dogs, the Indian wolf, bison, Indian giant squirrels and
flying squirrel.
● The largest wild herbivores found in the reserve are Gaura, which together with bears, tigers and leopards,
Ratufa indica (Giant Squirrel) and Spilornis cheela (Crested serpent eagle) are rare and endangered.
● Lastly, over 50 mammal species, 254 bird species, 30 reptile species and 50 butterfly species live in the Pachmarhi
Biosphere Reserve.
 ● Four vegetational types at Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve :

○ The Sal forest: It is characterized by dominance of Shorea robusta (Sal) trees

present at elevated regions such as plateau and hill tops. Meagre stratification
with poor ground flora was observed. Some common associates with Sal were
Mallotus philippensis, Mangifera indica, Terminalia bellirica and climbers like
Bauhinia vahlii and Celastrus paniculatus etc.

○ The mixed evergreen forests: These forests are encountered at the

middle zones of the hills and around the plateau areas, the important
tree species were those of Terminalia tomentosa, Terminalia bellirica
and Anogeissus latifolia. While, bryophytes were Hyophila nymaniana,
Fissidens involutus,

○ Mixed deciduous forests: These forests are located at lower elevations

but in drier conditions. The dominant tree species is Tectona grandis and
other associates are Albizia lebbeck, Pterocarpus marsupium and
Terminalia tomentosa. Some associated bryophyte species were Hyophila
involuta, Campylopus ericoides, Didymodon recurvus, Leucoloma
amoene-virens, Fissidens pulchellus.

○ The grassland and meadow vegetation: These are witnessed at low lying
plateau regions with less moist conditions. The dominant grasses are
Andropogoss pumatus, Heteropogon contortus, Themeda triandra and
Cymbopogon martini. Associated bryophyte species were Oxystegus tenuirostris,
Hyophila involuta, Campylopus flexuosus.
Socio-Economic Characteristics

● The Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is characterized by high population growth, with Gond tribes accounting for 50% to
90% of the tribal population.
● They live in the forests and therefore have a special connection to the reserve.
● Korkus tribes introduced the cultivation of potatoes and made use of honeycombs to produce honey in significant
quantities for commercial use. The area used to be notorious for hosting evil spirits, diseases and dangerous
beasts.There are numerous caves here that have been inhabited by local tribes and settlers time and again, increasing
the historical value of the place.
● Large sites also exist for grazing purposes, but with advent of severe overgrazing, particular grazing areas were created
that permit only limited grazing activities.
● The highest peak is the Dhoopgarh, which reaches 1,352 metres above sea level, while the Pachmarhi hills are
characterized by steep slopes in the northern regions.
● The eastern boundary of the biosphere reserve lies along a road with cultivation farms, close to the Dudhi River, while
the southern boundary borders the Tawa plateau.
 CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

● The study sites were selected in accordance to the altitudinal

gradient present at the study area.
● The study area was divided into three major stands along an
altitudinal gradient.
● These were Lower altitude (400m-800m), Middle altitude
(801m-1000m) and Higher altitude (1001 m and above).
● The sites were chosen giving consideration to the presence of
substantial bryophyte populations and various habitats that
could be studied uniformly for all the sites undertaken for the
study.
● Summers are moderately warm and temperatures reach up
to a maximum of 35 degrees Celsius
● The mean annual rainfall is 1200 mm. Maximum rainfall
(1100.10 mm) occurred in the rainy season (July to September).
The months of March-April remained dry however during winters
(December and January), a little rainfall was observed (5.00
mm). The relative humidity ranged from 25.0% (October –
February) to 94.0% (July to September)..
● Winters start in November and go on till February, these months
are usually cold and temperatures dip below 5 degrees Celsius.
GEOLOGY

● Biogeographically, the area falls under the Deccan Peninsula and the
Central Highlands.
● Rocks are thick bedded massive sandstones and shale beds
containing ferruginous matter (iron oxides) are also seen .
● At some places the sedimentary rocks composed of red and yellow clay
mixed gravel are also observed forming the plateau and hills.
● The major portion of Satpura range is represented by Mahadeo hills which
are wholly composed of unfossiliferous red sandstone.
● The major elevated quarters lie in the Satpura hill ranges that run east to
west. The Pachmarhi plateau lies at an elevation of 1050 m (approx.) in the
Mahadeo hills
Satpura range.
● The highest point of these hills (and Madhya Pradesh) is Dhoopgarh
(approx. 1352 meters a.s.l.).The river Denwa flowing in the Satpura
ranges is a prominent river. A small river Dudhi flows down the Patalkot
valley towards the eastern periphery of the Biosphere Reserve.
● Tawa River flows towards the western part of PBR area.

Denwa river

Tawa River
 GENERAL VEGETATION

● The study area exhibited rich vegetational attributes comprising two

important timber species Teak (Tectona grandis) and Sal (Shorea
robusta).

● Approx. 1381 Plants Species including 8 species of Algae, 22 species

of Fungi, 83 Bryophytes, 71 Pteridophytes, 7 Gymnosperms and 1190
Angiosperms.
Moist deciduous
● Some of the important angiosperms of the study area are Bambusa
polymorpha (rare and endemic species of Bamboo), Melastoma
melabaricum, Murraya paniculata, Holmskioldia sanguinea,
Blumea lanceolaria, Sophora interrupta, Mangifera indica and
Drosera indica, an insectivore is also found in this region.
● Ferns like Psilotum triquetra, Isoetes panchanii, Selaginella
exigua.
● Tree ferns like Cyathea gigantea, Psilotum nudum, Lygodium
flexuosum are also present.
● At Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve: Dry deciduous
65.2% land is Under forest cover,
27.7% under Agriculture,
4.2% Underwater bodies,
2.5% and 0.5% as Wasteland and Built –up Land, respectively.

● The vegetation of the entire area can be divided into three categories
viz.
○ Moist deciduous,
○ Dry deciduous and
○ Central Indian hill forest.
Central Indian hill forest
 Satpura Tiger Reserve (STR)
● Set up in 1981.
● Also known as Satpura National Park is located in the Hoshangabad
district of Madhya Pradesh in India.
● Its name is derived from the Satpura range. It covers an area of 524 km2
(202 sq mi).
● Satpura National Park, along with the adjoining Bori and Pachmarhi wildlife
sanctuaries, provides 2,200 km2 (850 sq mi) of unique central Indian
highland ecosystem.

NILGAI
Satpura National Park Species
● Animals found here include Leopard, Sambar, Chital, Indian muntjac, Nilgai,
Four-Horned Antelope, Chinkara, Wild Bear, Black Buck, Fox, Porcupine,
BLACK BUCK Flying squirrel, mouse deer, and Indian giant squirrel.
● Variety of birds. Hornbills and peafowl are common birds found here.
● Flora consists of mainly sal, teak, tendu, Phyllanthus emblica, mahua, bel,
bamboo, and grasses and medicinal plants.
HORNBILL ● Satpura Tiger Reserve has over 1300 species of plants which comprises teak,
Sal, tendu, mahua (Indian butter-tree), bel (stone-apple), bamboos, grasses
etc.
● Satpura Tiger Reserve has more than 62 trees species, 30 small tree species, 58
shrubs species,32 climber species and almost 64 grass species with important
medicinal plants and endemic rare herbs.
CHEVROTAIN ● Many rare and endemic plant especially Bryophytes and Pteridophytes includes
Psilotum, Cyathea, Osmunda, Lycopodium, Lygodium etc.
Soil Classification

Habitats Color Texture Nature Moisture PH

Soil Light Brown, Dull Fine To Granular Soft (Granular ) Dry To Wet 4.5- 6.8
Brown, Dark Brown,
Reddish Brown
Dry Rocks Dull To Dark Brown, Rough Hard Dry -
Greyish- Brown,
Blackish Brown
Wet Rocks Deep Brown, Blackish Smooth Hard Wet/ Moist -
Brown, Grey, Dull Mud
Brown.
On Soil Covered Muddy Brown, Granular To Rough Moderately Hard Moist -
Rocks Reddish Brown, Dark
Brown, Coal Colour
,Mixed Brown
Epiphytic (On Bark Light Brown, Pale Rough Moderately Hard Damp 3.4 - 5.6
Tree Bark) Brown, Dark Brown
On Stony Wall/ Dark Grey, Reddish Smooth To Rough Hard Dry To Wet -
Brick Wall Brown

Soil Dry Rocks Wet Rocks Epiphytic

Dry Rocks
Pandav Caves, Vanashree Vihar, Dhoopgarh, near Jambudweep,
Rajat Prapat, Bee Dam, Pachmarhi Lake and Rajakhoh were some
sites that exhibited dry rocks habitats. Among the other cryptogams
mainly pteridophytes eg. Nephrodium odoratum, Aleuritopteris
farinosa, Actiniopteris dichotoma, Cheilanthes tenuifolia and Drynaria
quercifolia were present on dry rocks.

Wet rocks: The other cryptogams found along

with bryoflora on wet rocks were Ophioglossum
fibrosum, Polystichum
auriculatum and Adiantum philippense etc.

Jambudweep, Bee Dam, Apsara Vihar and Panchali Kund

were some sites that exhibited soil as habitat. Other
cryptogams such as Selaginella eagna, Selaginella involvens,
Ophioglossum reticulatum, Davallia bullata, Nephrolepis
cordifolia, Leucosteriga pulehera (pteridophytes) were also
present in association to the bryophytes.
4. Soil covered rocks: There were several sites that harboured
bryoflora on this habitat, Jambudweep, Bee Dam, Jalgali,
Rajakhoh and Chota Mahadev (Tamia) to name a few.
Pteridophytes (eg.) Athyrium macrocarpum, Adiantum caudatum,
Pteris pellucid and Microtepsis speluncae etc.) were the other
cryptogamic species encountered on this habitat.

5. Epiphytic habitat: The barks of dominant and co-dominant trees of

the study sites formed this habitat.
Bryophytes, especially mosses and leafy liverworts were collected
from the barks of Shorea robusta Gaertn, Mallotus philippensis Muell,
Mangifera indica Linn., Terminalia bellerica Roxb., Tectona grandis
Linn., Terminalia chebula Retz., Tecoma stans and Rhus parviflora
Roxb.
The major sites with epiphytic habitats were Down Fall, Apsara Vihar,
Panchali Kund and Patharchatta. Among other cryptogams,
pteridophytes (Pleopeltis membranacea, Pleopeltis punetata, pyrrosia
adnascens) and lichens.

6. Stony walls and bricks walls: The stony walls were present near
cave shelters and manmade retreats. The stony walls were greyish in
colour with rough to smooth surfaces. The brick wall was fissured.
Twynam Pool and Duchess Fall showed these habitats
 Bibliography

● https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pachmarhi_Biosphere_Reserve

● http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/ecological-sciences/biosphere-reserves/asia-and-
the-pacific/india/pachmarhi

● https://wildtrails.in/pachmarhi-wildlife-sanctuary/

● http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in:8080/jspui/simple-search?location=%2F&query=panchmarhi&rpp=10&sort_by
=score&order=desc

● https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Location-map-of-the-Pachmarhi-Biosphere-Reserve-in-India_fig1_23660489
2

● https://windmapper.com/forecast/madhya_pradesh