Fauna in Panna National Park
Panna National Park extends over the Panna and Chhatarpur districts in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Although it is comparatively a lesser-explored wildlife destination, the national park shelters a wide variety of fauna and avifauna species. This thriving national park is home to a range of mammals, reptiles, birds, and amphibians, making it a vital conservation area. Visitors can spot majestic predators like tigers and leopards, along with herbivores such as sambar, chital, and nilgai. Panna National Park is also home to rare species like the Indian wolf and sloth bear, alongside a fascinating array of reptiles and birdlife, contributing to its reputation as a wildlife haven in the region.
Mammals
- Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris): The Bengal tiger, a majestic and powerful predator, is one of the most iconic big cats of India.
- Leopard (Panthera pardus): Known for its adaptability and stealth, the leopard is a skilled climber and a versatile predator.
- Wild Dog (Cuon alpinus): Also called the dhole, this pack-hunting carnivore is known for its teamwork and agility in chasing down prey.
- Wolf (Canis lupus): The Indian wolf is a highly intelligent and social carnivore, often found in grasslands and scrub forests.
- Hyaena (Hyaena hyaena): The striped hyena is a scavenger that plays an essential role in the ecosystem by cleaning up carrion.
- Caracal (Felus caracal): This elusive medium-sized wild cat is known for its remarkable agility and striking tufted ears.
- Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus): A nocturnal and insectivorous species, the sloth bear is known for its shaggy coat and distinctive eating habits.
- Sambar (Cervus unicolor): The sambar deer is the largest deer species in India, commonly found in forests and grasslands.
- Chital (Axis axis): Also known as the spotted deer, the chital is a graceful and gregarious species frequently found in Indian forests.
- Chowsingha (Tetracevos quadricornis): The four-horned antelope, or chowsingha, is the only wild mammal with four horns, found in dry forests and open areas.
- Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus): The largest Asian antelope, the nilgai is known for its horse-like appearance and bluish-grey coat in males.
- Chinkara (Gazella gazella): Also called the Indian gazelle, the chinkara is a small and swift antelope adapted to arid environments.
Birds
Panna National Park is also a significant abode of the iconic density of the bird population. The national park boasts a wide variety of both resident and migratory birds. Some of the popular bird species found in Panna National Park are -
- Indian scimitar Babbler
- Paradise Flycatcher
- Myna
- Blossom-headed Parakeet
- Quail
- White-necked stork
- Honey-buzzard
- Bulbul
- King Vulture
- Bareheaded goose
- Indian pond heron
- Cuckoo
- Blossom-headed Parakeet
- White-necked stork
- Paradise Flycatcher
- Honey-buzzard