Madhav National Park Declared as India’s 58th Tiger Reserve

In a significant step towards wildlife conservation, the Madhav National Park in Madhya Pradesh has been officially declared as India’s 58th Tiger Reserve on March 9, 2025. The announcement was made by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, marking another milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to protect and conserve its rich biodiversity. With this recognition, Madhya Pradesh now boasts nine tiger reserves, further solidifying its reputation as the ‘Tiger State’ of India.

Madhav National Park- Location and Geographic Significance

The newly designated Madhav Tiger Reserve is located in the Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh, within the Gwalior-Chambal region. This area is known for its diverse ecosystem, consisting of dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and water bodies, which provide an ideal habitat for tigers and other wildlife species.

The total area of the Madhav Tiger Reserve spans 1,751 square kilometers, which includes:

• Core Area: 375 square kilometers
• Buffer Zone: 1,276 square kilometers

The inclusion of this reserve is expected to strengthen wildlife corridors and improve ecological balance in the region.

Current Tiger Population and Reintroduction Efforts

At present, the Madhav Tiger Reserve is home to five tigers, including two recently born cubs. The reserve’s tiger population was boosted through a tiger reintroduction project initiated in 2023, where three tigers (including two females) were relocated to the park.

With the official designation as a tiger reserve, efforts are being made to introduce two more tigers soon, which will further contribute to the genetic diversity and sustainability of the species in the region.

Conservation Significance and Ecological Impact

The establishment of Madhav Tiger Reserve holds immense significance for wildlife conservation in India. It contributes to:

• Tiger Protection: Strengthening the conservation of the Bengal Tiger population by providing a safe habitat.
• Biodiversity Conservation: The park is home to several faunal and floral species, including leopards, sloth bears, deer, and various bird species.
• Environmental Sustainability: Helps maintain ecological balance and forest restoration in the Chambal region.
• Wildlife Tourism and Economy: Expected to boost eco-tourism in Madhya Pradesh, generating revenue and employment for local communities.

India’s Leadership in Tiger Conservation

India has been at the forefront of global tiger conservation efforts through initiatives like Project Tiger, which was launched in 1973. With the addition of Madhav Tiger Reserve, India now has 58 tiger reserves under the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country has witnessed significant progress in wildlife protection, with India currently holding over 75% of the world’s tiger population. The latest milestone reinforces the government’s commitment to protecting endangered species and preserving natural habitats.

Madhav National Park Declared India’s 58th Tiger Reserve – Key Highlights