Pench Tiger Reserve is the only park that is spread over two states namely Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. The reserve derives its name from the Pench River that flows through the reserve.

Historically, the area has been described as being rich in biodiversity according to records of the Deogarh Kingdom of the 16th century. During the subsequent times, Gonds, Marathas and the British cleared vast tracts of forestland. Efforts were made to preserve the forest from 1862 onwards.

The topography of the reserve is mostly undulating and dotted by ridges and hills. Seasonal streams have carved many furrows on the landscape. The vegetation ranges from moist sheltered valleys to open deciduous forests. The landscape supports a variety of flora and fauna. Teak is the predominant species of the region. Bamboo forests occur along stream and hill slopes. The open patches are occupied by tall grasses. Pench Tiger Reserve has the highest density of herbivores. Mammals found here are tiger, leopards, dhole, jungle cat, striped hyena, sloth bear, jackal and common palm civet.