The Panna National Park is deeply forested with dry deciduous varieties such as teak, acacia and sal. The dense cover provides excellent habitat for nilgai, chinkara, sambar and chitel as well as more elusive species such as the sloth bear, wolf, tiger, leopard and lesser cats. The river is home to both of India's crocodiles the marsh mugger and the fish eating Gharial, for which there is a separate breeding sanctuary. Unlike ‘nearby’ Bandhavgarh, this park attracts an excellent variety of resident and migratory bird species, from storks and cranes to eagles and vultures. Amongst the 300 or so species, Panna is particularly noted for the high density of Paradise Fly Catchers and a good number of water birds. |