Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve : Most Famous Tiger Dead
‘Chhota Bheem’, one of the most famous tigers of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, died while undergoing treatment for multiple fractures at Bhopal’s Van Vihar recently.
- Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is nestled in the Satpura and Vindhya mountain ranges in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh.
- The name “Bandhavgarh” is derived from the ancient Bandhavgarh Fort, which sits atop a hill in the park.
- According to legend, the fort was gifted by Lord Rama to his brother Lakshmana, hence the name “Bandhavgarh” (Brother’s Fort).
- It is spread over 1536 sq. km., which includes the 716 sq. km. core zone and 820 sq. km. of the buffer zone.
- It is known to have one of the highest densities of tigers in the world.
- The habitat is characterized by valleys, hills, and plains with the Bandhavgarh fort prominently seen as a major landmark.
- The flora of the region comprises majorly Sal forests, mixed forests and grasslands.
- Apart from tigers, the park is home to other significant species such as leopards, sloth bears, Indian bison (gaur), Asiatic elephants, and a variety of deer species, including sambar and chital.