Wild herbivores in the reserve have been observed to have liking with regard to plant species they prefer as food or even shelter. Heteropogon ritchie, a grass species seems to enjoy positive correlation with distribution of gaurs due to the shelter owing to its height and thick growth that it offers to the shy animals similarly, amongst shrubs Securinego virosa (Pithondi), which provides green forage in pinch period towards the end of summer also seems to have positive association with the distribution of Gaur and Sambar. Helecteres isora (Muradsheng) another well distributed shrub seem to have positive correlation with distribution of Sambar.
Occurrence of certain animals in different altitudinal zones with unequal densities indicates that there exists a gradient of habitat preference. Though most of the wild animals are specialized to exploit different altitudinal zones, some of them exhibit occupational preference in the middle hills. It is observed that Sambar,Gaur, Barking deer, Wild pigs and Chausinga normally confined to middle hills, which offer secluded shelter to these animals. This topographic zone is away from the habitations and is least disturbed. Domestic cattle rarely share the water and forage. This zone is rich in floral diversity, which assumes adequate palatable forage to the wild animals.
The upper hills provide a bleak habitat for the wildlife. High altitude faunal habitats are comprised of grassy balds (Baldas) with sparse tree growth, flanked by steep slopes and as such have limited potential to hold on the wildlife. Also the scanty water supply lessens the congeniality of this type of habitat.
The lower hill zone is under constant pressure for firewood, fodder, grazing etc by the local populace and as such has low habitat preference index. The Gaur, Sam bar and wild pigs are at the minimum diversity whereas this habitat is favoured most by Nilgai and Cheetal. Nilgai ranges in the open glades amidst woodlands. Cheetal avoid hilly terrain and thicker forests and these obscure fleeing at the maximum speed. Therefore in Melghat, Cheetal are found normally in lower hill zone with gentle slopes.