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VOL. 11, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Quantification of biotic pressure in Kanha Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors
Dr. Sarla Patel
Abstract
We quantify and analyze the anthropogenic biotic
pressure on Kanha Tiger Reserve (KTR) by surveying local communities and field
sampling of forest use. Kanha TR (~940 km²) in Mandla and Balaghat (MP)
protects diverse Sal–Mahua forests and tigers [1]. Using household
interviews (N≈200 across buffer villages) and systematic transects, we
estimated fuelwood/fodder extraction rates, timber felling, livestock grazing,
and tourism use. Annual fuelwood consumption per household averaged
~1–2 tonnes, with forests supplying >50% (consistent with state-level data
[2]). We recorded thousands of tree stumps (mainly Sal and Mahua) and
~100 cattle heads grazing the reserve. Results (Fig. 2) show that Sal (Shorea
robusta) and Mahua (Madhuca longifolia) dominate extraction: e.g. ~1500 Sal and
800 Mahua trees felled per year (estimated), with smaller amounts of Adina, teak,
etc. Relocated villages reported dramatically reduced wood-cutting [3].
Discussion highlights that this continued biomass use sustains rural
livelihoods [4] but stresses regeneration. Our findings indicate
moderate biotic pressure: urgent measures (e.g. fuelwood alternatives) could
further alleviate impact, as seen where LPG adoption “greened” Jharkhand
forests [5]. This study documents KTR-specific pressures with
methods detailed for reproducibility, providing a baseline for management and
conservation in similar tiger reserves.
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Pages:141-143
How to cite this article:
Dr. Sarla Patel "Quantification of biotic pressure in Kanha Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, India". International Journal of Botany Studies, Vol 11, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 141-143
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