Central India once presented an almost contiguous realm for tigers, and even now, despite extensive deforestation and human settlement, seven of India's 27 tiger reserves are located here. Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh share the Pench Tiger Reserve in the southern, lower reaches of the Satpura Hills, less than 90 km north of Nagpur city. In Madhya Pradesh, the reserve is nearly 758 sq km, while the Maharashtra area is 257 sq km. Although a contiguous tiger habitat, and together declared as the country's 19th tiger reserve in 1992, the two areas are administered separately.

The reserve gets its name from the Pench River. Characterized by a low, hilly landscape covered with mixed-deciduous forest, the region has sonic old teak plantations and roughly marks the northern limit of this tree. Bamboo stands add to the charm of the setting. Although there are several perennial pools, many rivulets dry up in summer. Together with the many smaller streams, they form a perfect environment for tigers.

Towards the southern margins of Madhya Pradesh's Pench Tiger Reserve, the reservoir created by the Totladoh hydroelectric project covers, at maximum capacity, well over 65 sq km of rich natural habitat. However, over time the water-body has become a major draw for wildlife, including the waterbirds, seen in profusion during winter. The region has more than 200 species of birds, and the months from December to March are ideal for a visit.

An excellent network of jungle trails and roads ensure easy access to the tourist zones. Herds of Spotted Deer and the majestic Sambar are common in clearings, by the roadside and near the reservoir or the river. The small- built Barking Deer (Muntjac) enjoy the thick forests. From a distance their call could be mistaken for the barking of a dog. Other animals such as gaur, jackal and wild boar can also be seen. Pench Tiger ' Reserve is easily accessible by road, Nagpur-Jabalpur highway (NH-7) passing so close to the reserve that it has been suspected of disturbing the wildlife in the area. The Gonds are Pench's most prominent tribe. Their mostly agricultural, tribal lifestyles are intimately associated with the forest and it is imperative that conservation does not harm their interests. The India Eco-development Project, started here in 1996-97, helps villagers develop their own resources, reduce dependency on the forest and understand, accept and participate in the objectives of Project Tiger.

KEY SPECIES
MAMMALS Tiger, Leopard, Wild Dog (Dhole), Jungle Cat, Common Indian Civet, jackal, Striped Hyena, Sloth Bear, Gaur (Indian Bison), Sambar, Spotted Deer. (Chital), Barking Deer, Nilgai (Blue Bull), Chowsingha (Four-horned Antelope), Indian Pangolin, Common Langur (below)

BIRDS RAPTORS Crested Serpent Eagle (above), Bonelli's Eagle, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Oriental Honey-buzzard, White-eyed Buzzard, Mottled Wood Owl, jungle Owlet

WOODLAND/SCRUB Grey Junglefowl, Painted Spurfowl, Painted Francolin, Indian Peafowl, Emerald Dove, Brown-headed Barber, Streak-throated Woodpecker, White naped Woodpecker, Spotted Creeper, Grey bellied Cuckoo, Indian Cuckoo, Greater Packet-tailed Drongo, Black-hooded Oriole, Eurasian Golden Oriole, Scarlet Minivet, Asian Paradise-flycatcher

WATERSIDE Painted Stork, Black-headed Ibis, Grey Heron, Great Thick-knee, Stork-billed Kingfisher