Tiger Reserves in India

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve

Introduction

Conservation

Census

Archeology

Forests

Management

» Introduction

Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve in the Rajasthan state of India, comprises distinct areas with varied conservation history and virtually separated geographically with mere narrow corridors linking them to the core, Ranthambhore National Park. These are mainly, the Ranthambhore National Park, Keladevi Sanctuary and Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary.

Ranthambhore National Park
The Ranthambhore National Park at the junction of the Aravalis and the Vindhyas, is a unique juxtaposition of natural and historical richness, standing out conspicuously in the vast, arid and denuded tract of eastern Rajasthan,barely 14 kilometer from the town, Sawai Madhopur. It spreads over a highly undulating topography varying from gentle to steep slopes; from flat topped hills (Indala, Doodh-Bhat and Chiroli) of the Vindhyas to the conical hillocks and sharp ridges of the Aravalis; from wide and flat valleys (Lahpur, Nalghati, Khachida, Anantpur etc.) to narrow rocky gorges. An important geological feature, the "Great Boundary fault' where the Vindhyas were brought against the much ancient Aravalis, passes from here.

Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary
The terrain is flat and rocky and some hills with gentle slopes. Devpura irrigation dam, in the Sanctuary is a useful source of water for wildlife and good habitat for aquatic flora and fauna.

Keladevi Sanctuary
The Keladevi Sanctuary is northern extension of the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve in Karauli and Sawai Madhopur districts. There are hills in the south, north and eastern parts. At many places, it has a curious feature of two separate ridges running parallel to each other. The forest between such ridges dense. The Sanctuary is bounded in the west by the river Banas and in the south by the river Chambal. The Banas finally flows into the Chambal.

Some gorges due to high moisture retention and cooler temperature are nature's treasure houses. They are locally known as "Khoh". The slopes of the Khohs are covered with dense forest. These Khohs are the most suitable habitat for wildlife. The main Khohs in Keladevi are Nibhera, Kudka, Chiarmul, Ghanteshwar, Jail and Chidi. The forest cover is fairly sparse and spread out in the other parts.


» Conservation History

Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve was among the first nine Tiger Reserve declared in 1973 at the launch of Project Tiger in India. It comprised the former Sawai Madhopur Wildlife Sanctuary of 392.5 sq. km. Reserved Forest (constituted in 1955).

Ranthambhore National Park with an area of 274.5 sq. km. was constituted within the Tiger Reserve in 1980. In the then Tiger Reserve, the National Park area was being managed as the core and the rest as buffer until in 1992, Keladevi Sanctuary having area of 674 sq. km. of Protected Forest (constituted in 1983), Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary with an area of 127 sq. km. (constituted in 1984). Kualji Close Area of 7.58 sq. km. and some other forest areas were added to the Reserve.


» Census

CENSUS
Animal	1990	1991	1993	1995	1997
Tiger	44	45	36	38	32
Panther	41	50	65	63	79
Sloth Bear	69	67	146	134	192
Spotted Deer	3833	3881	4964	4849	4496
Sambhar	2243	2166	2947	3419	2939
Blue Bull	688	1007	1839	2648	1946
Chinkara	307	291	497	873	780
Wild Boar	410	632	1088	1825	1936
Jackal	179	158	367	707	988
Hyena	46	-	142	330	409

» Archeology

Ranthambhore fort and temples of medieval period.


» Forest Types

Northern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests

Major Flora

Main Species : Dhok mixed with Khair, Raunj, Goya, Chhela, Pipal, Vad, Amaltas, Gurjan, Siris Saintha, Gular, Tendu

Major Fauna

Main Species : Tiger, Leopard, Caracal, Ratel, Jungle Cat, Chital, Sambar, Blue Bull, Chinkara, Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Jackal, Hyena, Common Langur, Common fox


» Management

Practices, Achievements and Shortfalls

The Protection of the flora and fauna is the main concern of the management of the Reserve.
When the tiger reserve was created, there were 12 villages inside and the whole area was allowed for grazing, and rights and concessions of the local people existed. After creation of tiger reserve the villages were shifted, grazing was restricted and rights and concessions of fuel wood and timber are allowed in a limited area (i.e. buffer zone) only.

For availability of water in summer 15 anicuts, 14 talai (ponds) were constructed.




Ranthambore Tiger Reserve Reservation Form

* Compulsory Fields * Name: Address: * Country: * Tel No. : (with city & country code) * E-mail: Details of Journey: Duration of Travel in India (Approx.): * Intended Month & Year of Visit: No. of People Travelling: 00 01 02 03 04 05 > 05 Adult      00 01 02 03 04 05 > 05 Children * Preferences / Details of Services Required: