Kanha National Park: Tiger Reserve, Barasingha Conservation & India Post Stamp Legacy


1983 India Post stamp featuring Barasingha to mark Kanha National Park’s 50th anniversary
 
Kanha National Park – India’s Conservation Crown Jewel

Located in the lush Makal Hills of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park is one of India’s most iconic wildlife sanctuaries. Spanning over 940 sq km, it is celebrated for its thriving tiger population, rich biodiversity, and the miraculous revival of the hardground Barasingha, a species once on the brink of extinction.
 
 A Legacy of Protection
Originally declared a sanctuary in 1933, Kanha was elevated to national park status in 1955 after a controversial tiger hunting episode sparked public outrage. It became a Project Tiger reserve in 1973, marking a turning point in India’s wildlife conservation efforts.
 
Barasingha: A Conservation Triumph
Kanha is the only place in the world where the hardground Barasingha (Cervus duvauceli branderi) survives. In 1970, only 66 individuals remained. Thanks to habitat restoration and strict protection, the population has rebounded to over 450, making Kanha a global model for species recovery.
 
 India Post Stamp Tribute
To commemorate 50 years of Kanha National Park, India Post issued a ₹1 stamp on May 30, 1983, featuring the Barasingha. Printed by the Security Printing Press, Nashik, the stamp highlighted Kanha’s role in preserving endangered wildlife. 
 
Biodiversity & Tribal Heritage
Kanha is home to over 300 bird species, 43 mammal species, and countless reptiles and insects. The park’s buffer zone of 1,005 sq km ensures minimal human interference. Historically, the region was inhabited by Baiga and Gond tribes, whose deep ecological knowledge shaped early conservation practices.
 
Widely Searched Trivia Points
  • Declared a sanctuary in 1933, national park in 1955.
  • Became a Project Tiger reserve in 1973.
  • Barasingha population revived from 66 to 450+.
  • Stamp issued in 1983 for Kanha’s 50th anniversary.
  • Stamp featured Barasingha, printed in multicolor.
  • Kanha inspired Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book.
  • Home to Baiga and Gond tribes.
  • Spread across Mandla and Balaghat districts.
  • Known as the Ngorongoro of India for its meadows.
  • Buffer zone covers 1,005 sq km.
  • Hosts over 300 bird species.
  • Capt. Forsyth wrote “Highlands of Central India” based on Kanha.
  • Dunbar Brander’s “Wild Animals in Central India” is Kanha-centric.
  • Tiger population increased from 43 to 83 in a decade.
  • 24 villages were relocated for habitat restoration2.
Planning a trip to Kanha or fascinated by India’s wildlife heritage? Share your thoughts, memories, or stamp collections in the comments below! Don’t forget to subscribe for more stories from India’s natural wonders

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