Nagarhole Tiger Reserve UPSC

Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, is a popular wildlife sanctuary located in the state of Karnataka, India. It is one of the premier tiger reserves in the country and is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

The Nagarhole Tiger Reserve is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The reserve is particularly famous for its population of tigers. It is estimated to have one of the highest tiger densities in India.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
RiverLake
Flora
Fauna

Mammals
Birds
Reptile

UPSC Questions

Nagarhole Tiger Reserve Location

Nagarhole Tiger Reserve is located in Kodagu and Mysore district of Karnataka in India. It is situated near the border with Kerala.

The reserve is approximately 94 kilometers (58 miles) away from the city of Mysore and around 236 kilometers (147 miles) from the state capital, Bangalore. The reserve can be accessed by road from both Mysore and Bangalore, with well-connected routes leading to the park.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Nagarhole Tiger Reserve is the Mysore Airport, also known as the Mandakalli Airport. It is located in Mysore, which is approximately 94 kilometers (58 miles) away from the reserve. The airport has domestic flights connecting Mysore to various cities in India.

Nearest Railway Station:

As for the nearest railway station, the Mysore Junction Railway Station is the closest one to Nagarhole Tiger Reserve. It is a major railway station in Mysore and is well-connected to various cities across the country. From the Mysore Junction, one can take a taxi or hire a private vehicle to reach the tiger reserve, which is approximately 94 kilometers (58 miles) away.

Nagarhole Tiger Reserve History

Nagarhole Tiger Reserve has a rich history that dates back several centuries. Here is a brief overview of its historical significance:

1. Ancient and Colonial Era: The region that encompasses Nagarhole Tiger Reserve has a long history of human habitation. It was once part of the kingdom of the Wodeyar dynasty of Mysore. The forests of Nagarhole served as hunting grounds for the royal family during the ancient and colonial eras.

2. Declaring a Wildlife Sanctuary: In 1955, Nagarhole was declared a wildlife sanctuary covering an area of about 258 square kilometers (100 square miles). This move aimed to protect the diverse flora and fauna found in the region.

3. Upgrading to a National Park: In 1988, the Karnataka government extended the boundaries of the sanctuary to create Nagarhole National Park, which encompassed an area of approximately 643 square kilometers (248 square miles). The national park was named after the Nagarahole River that flows through the reserve.

4. Tiger Reserve Designation: In 1999, Nagarhole National Park was declared a tiger reserve as part of the Project Tiger initiative, which aimed to conserve the dwindling tiger population in India. This designation was crucial in providing protection to the tigers and their habitat within the reserve. It is the 37th Tiger reserve in India.

5. Recognition as a Biosphere Reserve: Nagarhole Tiger Reserve is also a part of the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which is recognized by UNESCO as a World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2000. This recognition highlights the ecological significance and conservation value of the reserve.

Nagarhole Tiger Reserve Area

Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, spans an area of approximately 643 square kilometers (248 square miles). This extensive area makes it one of the largest and most significant tiger reserves in India.

Core/Critical Tiger Habitat: 643.35 square kilometers (sq. km)
Buffer/Peripheral Area - Forest: 200.57 sq. km
Buffer/Peripheral Area - Non-Forest: 361.84 sq. km
Total : 1205.76 Sq.km.

Therefore, the total area of Nagarhole Tiger Reserve is 1205.76 sq. km, encompassing both the core tiger habitat and the buffer/peripheral areas.

Nagarhole Tiger Reserve River

The Nagarahole River flows through the Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, and it eventually joins the Kabini River. The Kabini River forms a natural boundary between Nagarhole Tiger Reserve and the Bandipur National Park.

The river also adds to the scenic beauty of the reserve, with boat rides along the Kabini River being a popular activity for visitors to observe wildlife and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Nagarhole Tiger Reserve Lake

Nagarhole Tiger Reserve is home to several lakes and reservoirs, including the Kabini and Taraka reservoirs. Here's some more information about these water bodies:

(1) Kabini Reservoir:

The Kabini Reservoir is a large waterbody located in the western part of Nagarhole Tiger Reserve. It is formed by the damming of the Kabini River. The reservoir is not only an important water source but also a major tourist attraction. It offers picturesque views, especially during the monsoon season when the water levels are high. The Kabini Reservoir is known for its scenic boat safaris, which provide visitors with an opportunity to spot wildlife along the banks.

(2) Taraka Reservoir:

The Taraka Reservoir is situated in the southeastern part of Nagarhole Tiger Reserve. It is also created by damming a river and serves as a water storage facility. The reservoir enhances the biodiversity of the region by providing water and supporting aquatic life.

Nagarhole Tiger Reserve Flora

In Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, the flora varies across different regions due to variations in rainfall and soil types. Here is an overview of the predominant vegetation types found in the reserve:

(1) Dry Deciduous Forests:

The eastern part of the reserve is characterized by dry deciduous forests. These forests are adapted to drier conditions and have trees that shed their leaves during the dry season. Common tree species include teak, rosewood, sandalwood, Indian kino tree, Indian gooseberry, and Indian laurel.

(2) Tropical Moist Forests:

As you move towards the west of Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, where rainfall is higher, the vegetation transitions into tropical moist forests. These forests have a greater abundance of evergreen and semi-evergreen trees, which retain their leaves throughout the year. Prominent tree species in this zone include bamboo, silver oak, Indian Kino tree, black dammar, and ficus.

(3) Semi-Evergreen Forests:

In some areas of the reserve, especially the moister regions, there are patches of semi-evergreen forests. These forests have a mix of both deciduous and evergreen species. Trees like Honne, Karanj, Nandi, and Eucalyptus can be found in these forests.

(4) Grasslands and Swamps:

Within Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, there are also grassy swamps called "hadlu." These fallow areas are characterized by the dominance of grasses and sedges, which are favored by wild herbivores. These grasslands provide valuable grazing habitats for herbivorous animals like deer, bison, and elephants.

Nagarhole Tiger Reserve Fauna (Nagarhole Tiger Reserve Animals)

Nagarhole Tiger Reserve is renowned for its diverse and rich fauna. The reserve provides a habitat for numerous species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Here are some of the prominent wildlife species found in the reserve:

Mammals:

Tiger
Asian Elephants
Chital (Spotted Deer)
Indian Mouse Deer
Gaur
Stripe-necked and Ruddy Mongooses
Grey Langur
Bonnet Macaque
Asian Wild Dog
Leopard
Sloth Bear

Birds:

White-rumped Vulture
Lesser Adjutant
Greater Spotted Eagle
Malabar Whistling Thrush
Blue-bearded Bee-eater
Common Osprey
Red-headed Vulture
Blue-winged Parakeet
Malabar Grey Hornbill
Nilgiri Wood Pigeon

Reptiles:

Indian Rock Python
Common Indian Monitor
Common Rat Snake
Russell's Viper
Indian Cobra
Asian Vine Snake
Indian Wolf Snake
Mugger Crocodile