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Mayurjharna Elephant Reserve

Mayurjharna Elephant Reserve is an elephant conservation landscape in West Bengal, managed under Project Elephant. It brings together elephant habitat, forest corridors and adjoining land uses so that conservation can be planned at a landscape scale.

Location

The reserve lies in Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia districts of south-western West Bengal.

Brief History

Mayurjharna Elephant Reserve was notified/recognised on 24 October 2002 under the Project Elephant framework. Its management focus is the protection of elephant habitat, movement routes and coexistence with neighbouring communities.

Description

  • State: West Bengal
  • Notification Year: 2002
  • Total Area: 414 sq km
  • Conservation Programme: Project Elephant

Protected Areas & Forest Divisions

The reserve includes or is associated with West Midnapore, Bankura (South) and Kangsabati Soil Conservation–II forest divisions.

Landscape & Forest Types

Key habitats include dry plains Sal forest, northern dry mixed deciduous forest, dry deciduous scrub and Butea forest. These habitats provide forage, cover, water and seasonal movement routes for elephants and other wildlife.

Flora

Vegetation varies with altitude, rainfall and soils, and includes native trees, grasses, bamboo and riparian plant communities typical of the landscape.

Fauna

  • Asian Elephant
  • Leopard
  • Gaur and deer species where suitable habitat occurs
  • Wild boar, small carnivores and diverse birdlife

Elephant Conservation

The reserve supports landscape-level elephant conservation by protecting habitat mosaics and reducing fragmentation. It is ecologically connected with Singhbhum Elephant Reserve in Jharkhand, making corridor protection and conflict mitigation central management priorities.

Weather

Weather varies by season and elevation. Visitors should check local forest department advisories, road conditions and access rules before planning a visit.

Best Time to Visit

The cooler, drier months are generally more comfortable for nature travel, subject to protected-area opening periods and permits.

How to Reach

Kolkata is the principal air and rail gateway; the landscape is approached by road via Jhargram, Bankura and Purulia.

Where to Stay

Use authorised accommodation in nearby towns or forest department facilities where available and book any forest stay or safari only through official channels.

Nearby Attractions

Jhargram, Belpahari and the forests of south-western Bengal.

Did You Know?

Elephant Reserves are landscape-scale conservation units: they can include protected areas, reserve forests, corridors and other habitats used by elephants.

Image Placeholders

[Featured Image]

[Map showing Mayurjharna Elephant Reserve in India]

Last Updated: August 2026