Outnumbered - Noradehi Wildlife

Nauradehi Wilderness

In spite of being one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in India, the preserve has no respite. Naurdehi is spread over an area of 1197 sq km. The forest types are Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous  Mix with an average rainfall of 1200mm. This unique ecoregion in India is home to less-seen species (now endangered)  like Indian Wolf, Nilgai, and Chinkara, or Indian Gazelle. Indian mugger or marsh crocodile inhabits Bamner and Byarma River systems. A smooth Indian Otter is reported and so is the Spotted Creeper (bird). Other animals that inhabit this sanctuary are spotted deer, sambar, sloth bear, barking deer, jackal, fox, wild boar, langur, rhesus macaque, and perhaps hyena and wild dog. Night safaris can confirm the existence of other small mammals and reptiles. Unfortunately, the human populace far outnumbers the wildlife here.

The bird life is interesting and one gets a chance to spot interesting birds of forest and wetland ecosystems at one destination. The Chivla Lake is an interesting spot for wetland birds and is surrounded by forests all around. This could be the main birding spot here. I have visited a few more lakes or water bodies in the park which I am sure would be harboring many migrants in winter. The water retention capacity of the ecosystem is high with large water bodies and rivers filled up during extreme heat in summer.  The rivers and water bodies are not the only lifelines of the preserve and its inhabitant the villages depend upon them too. The Mohali Lake is completely surrounded by the village and does not support wildlife.  

"The sanctuary sets an ideal  example of how intact ecosystems benefit all life forms."              

What could have been one of the best tiger heavens in India, Noradehi lies neglected and exploited... entirely at the mercy of humans. The tiger is not seen anymore and the status of the leopard is unknown. Noradehi encompasses three districts of Madhya Pradesh - Sagar, Damoh, and Narsinghpur. It can be best approached from Jabalpur at a distance of eighty-six km. The topography is more or less even with minor variations in flora and fauna at places. No systemic survey has been carried out in the case of avian species. The statistics of mammalian numbers and species present are not available. 

Visiting lesser-known wildlife heavens offers greater insight into the state of forested habitats in Central India and the problems that they face.

Like all ecosystems, Noradehi faces a similar problem -  unchecked Human Habitation. There are more than sixty villages in the sanctuary with varying populations. The bigger villages like Mohli are fast expanding and getting urbanized.  This village with a population of more than two thousand is located right next to Chevla Lake which is inhabited by major mammals and birds. 

Of the sixty or more villages none have been relocated outside the sanctuary though the proposal is on paper for a number of years. Some of the villages are notorious for smuggling precious wood and poaching wild animals of the preserve. The staff is helplessly outnumbered, under stress and fear, and exasperated. The matter is made worse by the ineffectiveness of the legal system. 

As per reports most of the wood smugglers and poachers operate with impunity. The fear of punitive measures is not there. For some villages, a wildlife crime has become a regular activity. Due to fear of violence and at times political interference, the lower staff prefers to avoid any cudgels rather than face the repercussions. Nevertheless, I have found them to be sincere in their task.     

The villages depend upon the wood from the forest and grazing ground for their livestock The movement in the sanctuary is unchecked though efforts are made to prevent intrusion in the core areas. Most of the movement is as a right of the way from one village to another. Jabalpur - Sagar highway is frequented throughout the day and night by vehicles.       

Nauradehi at best can be defined as a fragmented habitat under serious ecological stress and human intrusion. The wildlife survives because of some inviolate areas - out of reach perhaps.  The big cats are rare of extinct while the keystone specie is Indian Wolf. The exact population of wolves in Nauradehi is not known, though the sightings are said to be frequent..

The management is active in creating a support base. Wildlife monitoring camps have been set up with regular patrolling. The water retention capacity of water bodies is being increased. Fire control measures are in place. The management is understaffed and resources are limited as the sanctuary does not enjoy the same privilege as the tiger reserves of Madhya Pradesh.

The biggest problem that the sanctuary faces is the large human population and livestock. Poaching and wood smuggling is there but the extent is not known. Intrusion for minor forest produce and firewood is also a problem albeit the latter is more serious. The canopy is reduced in many places which adds to habitat degradation. There appears to be no re-plantation program.    

Tourism at Noradehi     

Nuaradehi has great potential for bird-watching tourism, especially for species like a spotted creeper, endangered vultures, sarus cranes,  storks, and raptors - many more to be checked listed  It is a good place for wildlife watching in order to see Indian  Wolf, Nilgai, Fox, and Chinkara. Tourism is limited to Chevala Lake and surrounding forest trails in the Mohli Range. The preserve could be a good trekking country as well.  For naturalists and birders, this is a journey of discovery.

Due to poor infrastructure, tourism is limited to a few picnickers every year. Most of the tourists are locally from Jabalpur town and Sagar nearby. There is no wildlife interpretation center and the foresters guide the tourists around. The accommodation is basic in two rest houses which require prior reservation.