Kanha Tiger Reserve: Location, Total Area, Flora and Fauna

Tiger reserves are protected areas that are established for the protection of the species. They are an important part of India’s heritage and their declining population became a concern. That is why the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 was modified in the year 2006 so as to establish the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
As of 2026 there are 58 tiger reserves in India. These reserves not only protect the tigers but entire ecosystems. That is why knowing about these establishments can help be aware of the current situation of the environment. Here is everything you need to know about Kanha Tiger Reserve that has 105 tigers. 

How Many Tigers Are There in Kanha Tiger Reserve?

As per 2010 data, there were 60 tigers as per estimation in Kanha Tiger Reserve and this number rose continuously. The last recorded data 2024 mentions that there are 115 adult tigers and 30 cubs, resulting in a total population of 145 tigers in Kanha.

Kanha Tiger Reserve: Location

The Kanha Tiger Reserve is located in Maikal Ranges of Satpuras and also falls in the districts of Mandla and Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh. The location is between latitude 22°03'06.8" to 22° 27' 51.2" North and longitude 80°25'43.6" to 81° 07' 15.7" East. 

Kanha Tiger Reserve: Area

The total are of Kanha Tiger Reserve is 2074.31 square kilometers. This total area is divided into core and buffer zone. The core zone of the total reserve is 917.43 square kilometers and the buffer zone is 1134.31 square kilometers. 

Apart from this, the reserve has a Phen Wildlife Sanctuary that is spread across an area of 110 square kilometers. 

Kanha Tiger Reserve: Flora

The main vegetation in Kanha Tiger Reserve is of sal and other mixed forests. There are over 850 species of flowers in the reserve along with 50 species of aquatic plants and 18 species of rare plants.

Kanha Tiger Reserve: Fauna

This tiger reserve is best known for its role in saving the hard ground Barasingha which is also known as the swamp deer. This reserve holds the last surviving population of Barasingha and it is considered as a major wildlife conservation story. 

The central meadows of Kanha Tiger Reserve which are also known as Maidaans have a high density of prey animals. 

The reserve holds 43 species of mammals and 26 of reptiles, many of which are part of IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Some of the animals in the Kanha Tiger Reserve are Wild Dog, Sloth Bear, Otters, Leopard, and Indian Bison.