Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve UPSC

Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve is a wildlife reserve located in the state of Rajasthan, India. It encompasses the Mukundra Hills, which are part of the Aravalli Range.

The reserve is being considered as an extension of the nearby Ranthambore Tiger Reserve to provide more space and protection for the tiger population.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
Tiger Corridors
Hills
River
Flora
Fauna

Mammals
Birds
Reptile

UPSC Questions

Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve Location

Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve is located in Kota district of Rajasthan in India. It is situated in a valley formed by two parallel mountains viz. Mukundra and Gargola.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Mukandara Hills Tiger Reserve is Kota Airport, also known as Kota Airport Terminal. It is approximately 35 kilometers away from the tiger reserve. Kota Airport is a domestic airport and operates flights to and from major cities in India. However, it's worth noting that Kota Airport has limited flight connectivity, and the availability of flights may vary.

For international travelers, the closest major international airport is Jaipur International Airport, which is approximately 240 kilometers away from Mukandara Hills Tiger Reserve.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Mukandara Hills Tiger Reserve is Kota Junction. Kota Junction is approximately 50 kilometers away from the tiger reserve. It is well-connected to various cities in India through regular train services.

Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve History

Here is a summary of the historical milestones of Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve:

1. Hunting Preserve: Mukundra Hills was originally a hunting preserve belonging to the Maharaja of Kota.

2. Declared a Wildlife Sanctuary: In 1955, the area was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary, indicating its recognition as a protected area for the conservation of wildlife.

3. National Park Status: In 2004, Mukundra Hills was declared a national park known as Mukundra Hills (Darrah) National Park. This designation signifies its elevated level of protection and conservation efforts.

4. Tiger Reserve Status: In 2013, Mukundra Hills was notified as a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger. This recognition highlights the importance of the area for the conservation of the critically endangered tiger species. The Tiger Reserve encompasses Mukandra National Park, Dara Sanctuary, Jawahar Sagar Sanctuary, and a part of Chambal Sanctuary (from Garadia Mahadev to Jawahar Sagar Dam).

Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve Area

The Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve covers a total area of 759.99462 square kilometers. The core area, which includes the Mukandra National Park, Dara Sanctuary, Jawahar Sagar Sanctuary, and part of Chambal Sanctuary (from Garadia Mahadev to Jawahar Sagar Dam), spans approximately 417.17188 square kilometers. This core area is considered the critical tiger habitat, providing essential resources and suitable conditions for the survival of tigers and other wildlife species.

In addition to the core area, the tiger reserve also has a buffer zone that covers around 342.82274 square kilometers. The buffer zone includes the forests of Kota, Chittorgarh, and Jhalawar districts.

Core : 417.17188 sq. km.
Buffer : 342.82274 sq. km.
Total : 759.99462 sq. km.

Tiger Corridors

The connectivity and establishment of tiger corridors are vital for maintaining genetic diversity and facilitating the movement of tigers between different protected areas. In the case of Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve, efforts have been made to establish linkages with several other protected areas in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

One of the significant tiger corridors connected to Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve is the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, located in southeastern Rajasthan. Ranthambhore is one of the most renowned tiger reserves in India and is known for its tiger population. The establishment of a corridor between Mukundra Hills and Ranthambhore allows for the movement of tigers between these two important habitats, thereby enhancing the genetic diversity and population viability of tigers in the region.

Another protected area linked to Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve is the Ramgarh Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary. Located in Rajasthan, this sanctuary serves as an important corridor for wildlife movement, including tigers, between Mukundra Hills and Ramgarh Vishdhari. This connectivity ensures the exchange of genetic material and helps maintain a healthy population of tigers.

Additionally, Bhainsrodgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, also situated in Rajasthan, forms part of the tiger corridors associated with Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve. The connectivity between these two protected areas enables the movement of tigers and other wildlife species, contributing to the overall conservation efforts and maintaining ecological balance.

Furthermore, the Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh is linked to Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve through corridors. This sanctuary is located in the Mandsaur and Neemuch districts of Madhya Pradesh and serves as an important habitat for wildlife, including tigers. The establishment of corridors between Mukundra Hills and Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary promotes genetic exchange and facilitates the dispersal of tigers in the region.

Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve Hills

Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve is named after the prominent Mukundra Hills that surround the region. These hills form a picturesque backdrop to the reserve and add to its natural beauty.

The Mukundra Hills are a range of hills located in the southeastern part of Rajasthan, India. They span across four districts: Kota, Bundi, Chittorgarh, and Jhalawar. The hills are characterized by rugged terrain, with rocky outcrops, deep valleys, and undulating slopes. The elevation of the hills varies, with some peaks reaching up to 1,100 meters above sea level. The highest peak in the Mukundra Hills National Park is Darrah Peak.

The rocky and hilly landscape of Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve provides a diverse habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna. The hills are covered with dry deciduous forests, scrublands, and grasslands, which support a variety of plant species. Acacia, bamboo, and various grasses are among the vegetation found in the region.

Apart from their ecological significance, the Mukundra Hills also hold historical and cultural importance. The region was once a hunting ground for the Maharajas (kings) of Kota and Bundi, who ruled the area during the medieval period. The hills and surrounding forests have witnessed centuries of history and have been an integral part of the local culture.

Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve River

The Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve is traversed by the Ramzan River, which flows through the reserve. The Ramzan River originates in the Mukundra Hills region and passes through the reserve, contributing to the ecological diversity and providing a water source for wildlife.

The Ramzan River is a tributary of the Chambal River, which is located in close proximity to the Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve. While the Chambal River itself does not flow through the reserve, its tributary, the Ramzan River, adds to the overall significance of the reserve's ecosystem.

Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve Flora

The Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve is primarily characterized by dry deciduous forests. The predominant species in these forests is Anogeissus pendula, commonly known as Kala Dhok or Kaladhi. Alongside Anogeissus pendula, several other tree species can be found in the reserve, including:

Khair (Acacia catechu)
Ber (Zizyphus mauratiana)
Kakan (Flacourtia indica)
Raunj (Acacia lecofolia)
Tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon)
Gurjan (Lannea coromandelica)
Karaya (Sterculia urens)
Jhinjha (Bauhinia racemosa)
Kalam (Mitragyna parviflora)
Gutha bor (Zizyphus glaberrima)

On higher slopes within the reserve, Anogeissus pendula is replaced by Anogeissus latifolia. Alongside this species, other trees that can be found include:

Bel (Aegle marmelos)
Salar (Boswellia sarata)
Uum (Meliusa tomentosa)
Shisham (Dalbergia latifolia)

Additionally, small patches of only Anogeissus pendula occur in various areas within the reserve, often accompanied by Chhola (Butea monosperma) and Ber (Zizyphus mauritiana).

Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve Fauna (Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve Animals)

The Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve is home to a diverse range of fauna, including various mammal species, birds, reptiles, and other wildlife. Here are some of the notable fauna found in the reserve:

Mammals:

Tiger
Leopards
Sloth Bear
Nilgai
Chinkara
Spotted Deer
Small Indian Civet
Toddy Cat
Jackal
Hyena
Jungle Cat
Common Langur
Common Mongoose
Ruddy Mongoose
Pale Hedgehog Hare
Five Striped Palm Squirrel
Indian Pangolin
Porcupine
Bush Rat

Birds:

Painted Partridge
Grey Hornbill
Blackbird
Alexandrine Parakeet
Spotted Dove
Yellow legged Green Pigeon
White-browed Fantail Flycatcher
White–throated Fantail Flycatcher
Crested Tree Swift
Little Egret
Cattle Egret
Little Cormorant
Small Kingfisher
Lesser Pied Kingfisher
Peafowl

Reptiles:

Python
Rat Snake
Buff-striped Keelback
Green Keelback
Red Sandboa
Russell’s Sandboa
Trinket Snake
Blind Snake
Crocodile
Gharial
Turtles