Madhya Pradesh Adds Another Jewel to Its Tiger Legacy
Madhav National Park Named India’s 58th Tiger Reserve: In a major step towards wildlife conservation, Madhav National Park, located in Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh, was officially designated as India’s 58th Tiger Reserve on March 9, 2025. The announcement was made by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, strengthening the country’s commitment to tiger protection and ecological sustainability. With this addition, Madhya Pradesh now hosts nine tiger reserves, reinforcing its title as the ‘Tiger State of India’.
Geographical Spread and Habitat Features
The new Madhav Tiger Reserve is situated in the Gwalior-Chambal region and stretches across an area of 1,751 square kilometres. This includes a core zone of 375 sq km and a buffer area of 1,276 sq km. The terrain is a mix of dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and water bodies, offering suitable habitat for tigers and a wide range of other wildlife species. The declaration is expected to strengthen regional wildlife corridors and support landscape restoration efforts across central India.
Tiger Presence and Expansion Efforts
As of early 2025, the park is home to five tigers, including two recently born cubs. These numbers were bolstered by a reintroduction programme launched in 2023, during which three tigers, including two females, were relocated to the park. Now that official tiger reserve status has been granted, plans are underway to introduce two additional tigers to enhance the genetic diversity and future sustainability of the population. These efforts are being closely guided by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) under its broader national mandate.
Conservation Goals and Wider Benefits
Granting tiger reserve status to Madhav marks a key moment in India’s conservation journey, further contributing to the protection of biodiversity and endangered species. The park already supports populations of leopards, sloth bears, spotted deer, and numerous bird species, making it a biodiversity hotspot. With its new identity, the reserve is expected to attract eco-tourism, support local livelihoods, and deepen public engagement in conservation. This aligns with Project Tiger, India’s flagship programme launched in 1973, under which India now conserves over 75% of the global tiger population.
STATIC GK SNAPSHOT
Madhav National Park Named India’s 58th Tiger Reserve:
| Feature | Details |
| Declared On | March 9, 2025 |
| Designation | India’s 58th Tiger Reserve |
| Location | Shivpuri District, Madhya Pradesh |
| Total Area | 1,751 sq km (Core: 375 sq km, Buffer: 1,276 sq km) |
| Current Tiger Count | 5 tigers (including 2 cubs) |
| Reintroduction Project Launched | 2023 |
| New Tigers Planned for Introduction | 2 |
| Total Tiger Reserves in MP | 9 (highest among all Indian states) |
| Major Conservation Bodies | Project Tiger, National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) |
| India’s Share of Global Tigers | Over 75% |
