Wildlife of Panna National Park

Fauna in Panna

Panna National Park is known for its rugged cliffs, river valleys, teak forests, and the presence of both land and river wildlife. The Ken River flows through the park, which adds a unique mix of animals not commonly seen together in other central Indian reserves.

Tigers, leopards, sloth bears, hyenas, and jackals roam the forest, while gharials, crocodiles, and turtles stay active around the river. Vultures circle over the cliffs, and many birds use the riverbanks and plateaus as resting points. This combination of habitats makes Panna one of the most varied parks in Madhya Pradesh.

Wildlife of Panna National Park
Tiger Wildlife

30+

Royal Bengal Tiger

Bird

250+

Bird Species

Butterfly

40+

Butterfly Species

Reptile

25+

Reptiles & Amphibians

Mammals

Panna is home to more than 35 species of mammals.

Bengal Tiger

Bengal Tigers

Indian Leopard

Indian Leopard

Striped Hyena
 Striped Hyena
Indian Spotted Deer

 Spotted Deer

Indian Wild Bison
Bison
Golden Jackal
Golden Jackal
Sambar Deer

Sambhar Deer

Indian Langur
Langur
Rusty Spotted Cat
Rusty Spotted Cat
Little Indian Civet
Little Indian Civet
Leopard Cat
Leopard Cat
Jungle Cat
Jungle Cat

Birds

Bird lovers enjoy Panna because the Ken River attracts both resident and migratory birds. The cliffs around the river also support several vulture species.

Indian Pitta
Indian Pitta
Indian Roller
Indian Roller
Peafowl
Peafowl
Drongo Cuckoo
Racket-tailed Drongo
Indian Black Ibis
Indian Black Ibis
Asian Openbill
Asian Openbill
Indian Scops Owl
Indian Scops Owl
Rufous Treepie
Rufous Treepie
Red Spurfowl
Red Spurfowl
Oriental Turtle Dove
Oriental Turtle Dove
Indian Grey Hornbill
Indian Grey Hornbill
Common Hoopoe
Common Hoopoe

Reptiles

The Ken River makes Panna one of the best places in central India to see river reptiles. The cliffs and grasslands also support many terrestrial species.

Sand Boa
Sand Boa
Checkered Keelback
Checkered Keelback
Russells Viper
Russell’s Viper
Spectacled Cobra
Spectacled Cobra
Indian Rock Python
Indian Rock Python
Common Krait
Common Krait
Common Vine Snake
Common Vine Snake
Common Wolf Snake
Common Wolf Snake
Indian Garden Lizard
Indian Garden Lizard
Indian Monitor Lizard
Indian Monitor Lizard
Common Skink
Common Skink
Banded Kukri Snake
Banded Kukri Snake

FAQs  – Wildlife in Panna

What animal is Panna most famous for

Panna is known for its tigers, leopards, vultures, and gharials near the Ken River.

How many species of mammals are found in Panna

 The park has more than 35 species of mammals along with over 250 species of birds.

Can leopards be seen in Panna

 Yes, Panna is one of the better places to see leopards because of its rocky terrain.

Which zones are best for spotting wildlife in Panna

Madla and Kishangarh offer good tiger and leopard activity. Hinouta is excellent for herbivores and birds. Jhinna is known for its river sightings.

Are reptiles commonly seen during safaris

 Yes, crocodiles, gharials, pythons, and monitor lizards are often seen around the Ken River and rocky areas.