Amangarh Tiger Reserve UPSC

Amangarh Tiger Reserve is located in Uttar Pradesh, India. It is an extension and a buffer to Jim Corbett National Park.

Amangarh Tiger Reserve is one among the four Tiger Reserves in Uttar Pradesh and is well-known for its rich biodiversity and being a habitat for the Bengal tiger.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
Hills
River
Flora
Fauna

Mammals
Birds
Reptiles

UPSC Questions

Amangarh Tiger Reserve Location

Amangarh Tiger Reserve is located in Amangarh in Bijnor district of Uttar Pradesh, India.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airports to Amangarh Tiger Reserve is Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport (DED) and Lucknow's Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (LKO).

Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the closest airport and is approximately 140 kilometers away from Bijnor district. It is well-connected to major cities in India and serves as a gateway to the nearby hill stations of Mussoorie and Rishikesh.

Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow is also a feasible option, though it is farther away at a distance of approximately 400 kilometers from Bijnor district. Lucknow airport is a major international airport and offers better connectivity to domestic and international destinations.

Nearest Railway Station:

Bijnor railway station is the closest railhead serving the Bijnor district.

Amangarh Tiger Reserve History

1. Early History: Amangarh Tiger Reserve was originally a part of the renowned Jim Corbett National Park. When the state of Uttarakhand was formed out of Uttar Pradesh, Jim Corbett National Park became part of Uttarakhand, while Amangarh remained in Uttar Pradesh. Amangarh Tiger Reserve serves as an extension and buffer to Jim Corbett National Park.

2. Tiger Reserve Status: Amangarh Tiger Reserve was officially notified as a Tiger Reserve in 2012.

3. Renaming as 'New Jim Corbett': In 2022, the Uttar Pradesh government plans to upgrade Amangarh Tiger Reserve and rename it as 'New Jim Corbett'.The government is actively working on this proposal and expects to seek approval from the cabinet, followed by the development of a blueprint.

It's worth noting that the proposed renaming and upgrade might have progressed since the information was last provided.

Amangarh Tiger Reserve Area

Amangarh Tiger Reserve has an area of 95 square kilometers (36.79 square miles). This indicates the size and extent of the protected area within the reserve boundaries.

Amangarh Tiger Reserve Hills

Amangarh Tiger Reserve is situated at the foothills of the Himalayas.

Amangarh Tiger Reserve River

The Ramganga River flows near the Amangarh Tiger Reserve, enriching the region with its majestic presence and contributing to the diverse ecosystem of the area. With a length of approximately 596 kilometers, the Ramganga River originates from the Doodhatoli ranges of the lower Himalayas in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand and meanders through the picturesque landscape of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.

As the lifeline of the region, the Ramganga River sustains the flora and fauna of the Amangarh Tiger Reserve. The river acts as a crucial corridor for animals, facilitating their movements across the landscape and connecting different habitats within the reserve.

Amangarh Tiger Reserve Flora

Amangarh Tiger Reserve boasts a diverse range of flora, encompassing various trees, shrubs, herbs, and grasses. Here's a more detailed elaboration on the flora found in the reserve:

(1) Trees:

The reserve is home to a variety of tree species, including Sal (Shorea robusta), Teak (Tectona grandis), Sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo), Semal (Bombax ceiba), Dhak (Butea monosperma), and Jamun (Syzygium cumini). These trees contribute to the forest canopy and provide habitat and food for numerous wildlife species.

(2) Shrubs:

Among the shrubs present in Amangarh Tiger Reserve are Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana), Jatropha (Jatropha curcas), Carissa (Carissa carandas), and Adhatoda (Adhatoda vasica). Shrubs play an important role in providing cover and food sources for smaller mammals and birds.

(3) Herbs:

The reserve hosts various herbaceous plants such as Aloe vera, Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Mint (Mentha spp.), and Coriander (Coriandrum sativum). These herbs not only contribute to the biodiversity but also possess medicinal and culinary properties.

(4) Grasses:

Amangarh Tiger Reserve also features different grass species, including Spear Grass (Imperata cylindrica), Elephant Grass (Pennisetum purpureum), Cynodon (Cynodon dactylon), and Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides). Grasses form the undergrowth of the forest ecosystem and provide grazing areas for herbivores.

Amangarh Tiger Reserve Fauna (Amangarh Tiger Reserve Animals)

Amangarh Tiger Reserve is known for its diverse and captivating wildlife. Here are some of the prominent animal species found in the reserve:

Mammals:

Royal Bengal Tiger
Asiatic Elephant
Leopard
Cheetal (Spotted Deer)
Sambhar
Sloth Bear
Himalayan Black Bear
Porcupine
Wild Boar
Jackal
Jungle Cat

Birds:

Spangled Drongo
Golden-backed Woodpecker
Jungle Owlet
Red Jungle Fowl
Grey Hornbill

Reptiles:

Indian Rock Python
Indian Cobra
Common Krait
Russell's Viper
Indian Monitor Lizard
Common Indian Skink
Indian Chameleon