This atlas is in beta. I am still checking facts, ranges, and species lists, so some of it may be wrong or incomplete. It is here early so these places get seen. If you spot an error, write to me.
Satpura National Park
BetaA rugged, walk-and-boat tiger reserve of sandstone hills and ravines in the Satpura highlands.
Why this place matters
Large, topographically diverse central Indian tiger reserve spanning lowland reservoirs to sandstone plateaux, important for tiger, wild dog and sloth bear conservation and for maintaining habitat connectivity in the Satpura, Pench and Melghat landscape.
The wildlife
TigerENEndangeredWell-distributed in a rugged central Indian highland landscape of forested hills and ravines.
LeopardNTNear ThreatenedCommon large carnivore in rocky and forested terrain.
Sloth BearVUVulnerableFrequently recorded in hilly forest and along fruiting trees.
DholeENEndangeredWild dog packs hunt ungulates across plateau meadows and forests.
GaurVUVulnerableLarge herds use meadows and reservoir edges.
The wider field list, with current IUCN Red List status.
Mammals
- Bengal tigerPanthera tigris tigrisENEndangered
- DholeCuon alpinusENEndangered
Four-horned antelopeTetracerus quadricornisVUVulnerable- Gaur (Indian bison)Bos gaurusVUVulnerable
Sambar deerRusa unicolorVUVulnerable- Sloth bearMelursus ursinusVUVulnerable
Chital (spotted deer)Axis axisLCLeast Concern
Indian giant squirrelRatufa indicaLCLeast Concern- Indian leopardPanthera pardus fuscaNTNear Threatened
Indian muntjacMuntiacus muntjakLCLeast Concern
Birds
Indian skimmerRynchops albicollisENEndangered
Crested serpent eagleSpilornis cheelaLCLeast Concern
Grey junglefowlGallus sonneratiiLCLeast Concern
Indian paradise-flycatcherTerpsiphone paradisiLCLeast Concern
Malabar pied hornbillAnthracoceros coronatusNTNear Threatened
Reptiles
Mugger crocodileCrocodylus palustrisVUVulnerable
Bengal monitorVaranus bengalensisNTNear Threatened
Indian rock pythonPython molurusNTNear Threatened
300+ bird species recorded. Notable birds include Malabar Pied Hornbill, Crested Serpent Eagle, Grey Junglefowl and Indian Skimmer. Reptiles include Indian Rock Python, Monitor Lizard and Marsh Crocodile.
Plan your visit
Winters offer cool, clear conditions and mixed flocks in plateau forests; the late dry season concentrates animals at reservoir edges and streams, while monsoon transforms ravines and waterfalls with restricted safari access.
- Zones
- Madhai and Pachmarhi plateau and associated tourism ranges
- Safari
- jeep, boat and guided walking safaris in designated areas
- Typical sightings
- Tigers and leopards in ravines and along streams, sloth bears on rocky slopes, gaur and deer at meadows and reservoir shores, rich woodland birdlife.
- Light and terrain
- Steep ridges, ravines and plateau edges give layered landscapes and dramatic backdrops; forest interiors can be shaded with strong contrast in bright sun.
- Hides
- Limited watch towers and viewpoints; no general public hides.
- Good to know
- Boat and walking safaris only with authorised guides and in designated zones; some tourism activities restricted or modified during monsoon.