Animal Diversity of Anuppur District, Madhya Pradesh: A Critical Review of Fauna, Ecological Functions, Threats, & Conservation Priorities

Abstract

Introduction: Anuppur District, located in eastern Madhya Pradesh within the Maikal hill system, encompasses much of the Amarkantak Plateau and the Madhya Pradesh sector of the Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve. Its diverse habitats, including sal-dominated forests, mixed deciduous woodland, riparian zones, wetlands, grasslands, agricultural landscapes, and settlements, support a rich assemblage of wildlife.

Aim & Objective: To synthesize available information on the faunal diversity of Anuppur District and the wider Amarkantak landscape, evaluate documented records against published literature, distinguish directly recorded species from landscape-level or locally reported occurrences, and identify major conservation priorities and knowledge gaps.

Material & Method: Information was compiled from two source documents describing Anuppur District and the broader biosphere landscape and was critically compared with relevant published literature. Faunal records were categorized according to habitat, taxonomic group, evidence source, and conservation significance. Major threats and potential monitoring approaches were also assessed.

Result: The available material records diverse mammals, including tiger, leopard, sloth bear, gaur, sambar, chital, wild boar, primates, and smaller carnivores. Birds include raptors, peafowl, rollers, kingfishers, woodpeckers, vultures, and aquatic and terrestrial species. A plateau-wide herpetofaunal survey documented 61 species, comprising 17 amphibians and 44 reptiles, including the Critically Endangered Sacred Grove Bush Frog (Raorchestes sanctisilvaticus). Fish, turtles, otters, and diverse invertebrates further contribute to biodiversity. Habitat fragmentation, mining, infrastructure, fire, resource extraction, road mortality, pollution, water alteration, climate variability, and human-wildlife conflict represent major threats.

Conclusion: An integrated, repeatable biodiversity-monitoring framework using field surveys, camera traps, acoustic monitoring, environmental DNA, remote sensing, and community knowledge is recommended. Conservation should prioritize riparian corridors, sacred groves, wetlands, forest connectivity, prey recovery, road-mortality mitigation, and transparent biodiversity databases.

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