Denwa River in Satpura Tiger Reserve

• 25 Nov 2025

Why in News?

A rare sighting of a tigress swimming across the Denwa River inside the Satpura Tiger Reserve (STR), Madhya Pradesh, was recorded by forest officials, highlighting rising tiger activity and healthy riverine habitats in the reserve.

• Tigress leisurely swimming in the Denwa River is a behaviour seldom captured on camera due to the elusive nature of tigers.

Key Points

• About Denwa River:
  • The Denwa River is the lifeline of Satpura Tiger Reserve and originates from the southern slopes of the Mahadeo Hills in the Satpura range.
  • It flows northward and joins the Tawa River, forming extensive wetlands inside the reserve, which support rich aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity.
  • The river creates natural barriers, riverine islands, and grasslands that act as wildlife corridors for tigers, sloth bears, deer species, and birds.
• About Satpura Tiger Reserve:
  • Satpura Tiger Reserve, located in Hoshangabad (Narmadapuram) district, is part of the Satpura–Maikal landscape in Madhya Pradesh.
    • Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve (which includes STR) was the first Biosphere Reserve of Madhya Pradesh (declared in 1999) and was later recognized by UNESCO.
  • It comprises Satpura National Park, Pachmarhi Wildlife Sanctuary, and Bori Wildlife Sanctuary, making it one of India’s oldest forest reserves.
  • The terrain includes sandstone peaks, deep gorges, ravines, rivers, and dense sal-teak forests, offering ideal tiger habitat.
  • It is known for high densities of tigers, leopards, sloth bears, Indian bison (gaur), wild dogs (dhole), and rich bird diversity.