LEAD NEWS : MADHYA PRADESH REAFFIRMS ITS PRIDE AS THE ‘WILDLIFE CAPITAL OF INDIA’ ON WORLD WILDLIFE DAY

*Home to 11 National Parks, 24 Wildlife Sanctuaries and 9 Tiger Reserves, the State Leads India in Wildlife Conservation

*Madhya Pradesh Celebrates World Wildlife Day as India’s Premier Wildlife Tourism Destination

TTT NEWS NETWORK

BHOPAL | 4 MARCH 2026

On the occasion of World Wildlife Day, Madhya Pradesh reaffirms its identity as India’s Wildlife Capital and a global beacon for wildlife conservation and eco-tourism. With an unrivalled network of 11 National Parks, 24 Wildlife Sanctuaries and 9 Tiger Reserves, the state continues to protect and showcase India’s rich natural heritage.

Madhya Pradesh proudly embraces its distinctive wildlife identity — as the Tiger State, Leopard State, Vulture State, Ghariyal State and Wolf State — underscoring its pivotal role in conserving iconic and endangered species across diverse ecosystems.

Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, the state has integrated conservation successes with tourism development, thereby positioning Madhya Pradesh as a premier destination for nature lovers and eco-travelers alike.

Highlighting this approach, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav recently personally participated in a significant wildlife conservation initiative at Kuno National Park, in Sheopur district, where he released 53 gharials and 25 endangered three‑striped roofed turtles into the Kuno River — a notable step in restoring riverine biodiversity and reinforcing Madhya Pradesh’s commitment to protecting rare aquatic species. This event also aligns with broader efforts to strengthen conservation alongside tourism appeal at Kuno and other protected landscapes.

In a strategic directive at the State Wildlife Board meeting, the Chief Minister emphasised enhancing wildlife tourism and conservation collaboration between the Forest and Tourism Departments.

Dr. Ilayaraja T., Secretary, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Tourism Department and Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, said:  “World Wildlife Day is a celebration of life in all its forms. Madhya Pradesh invites the world to witness its living heritage — from tigers and leopards to gharials and vultures. Responsible wildlife tourism not only connects visitors with nature, it supports local communities and empowers conservation efforts for future generations.”

Madhya Pradesh’s wildlife reserves offer unparalleled tourism experiences. Iconic destinations like Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Pench, Panna and Satpura provide opportunities to witness Bengal tigers and leopards in their natural habitats, while sanctuaries across the state showcase diverse flora and fauna that enrich visitor experiences.

Through focused policies and investments, the state is also improving infrastructure, connectivity, and education to sustain wildlife populations and attract both domestic and international tourism. Initiatives range from improving access to major parks to promoting community‑integrated tourism models that provide livelihoods and enhance ecological stewardship.

On this World Wildlife Day, Madhya Pradesh invites travellers to explore its wild frontiers — where nature thrives, species flourish, and memorable wildlife experiences await around every forest trail and riverbank. Madhya Pradesh — Where the Wild Roams Free.