Rajaji Tiger Reserve UPSC

Rajaji Tiger Reserve is a wildlife sanctuary and tiger reserve located in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is named after C. Rajagopalachari, a prominent Indian freedom fighter and the first Governor-General of India.

The reserve is situated in the Shivalik range of the Himalayas. It serves as an important ecological corridor connecting the Himalayan foothills with the Indo-Gangetic plains.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
Hills
River
Flora
Fauna

Mammals
Birds
Reptiles

UPSC Questions

Rajaji Tiger Reserve Location

Rajaji Tiger Reserve is spread over three districts: Haridwar, Dehradun and Pauri Garhwal of Uttarakhand. India. It is situated between the Shivalik ranges and the Indo-Gangetic plains.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Rajaji Tiger Reserve is the Jolly Grant Airport, also known as Dehradun Airport. It is located in Dehradun, which is the capital city of Uttarakhand. The airport is approximately 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) away from the Rajaji Tiger Reserve.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Rajaji Tiger Reserve is the Haridwar Junction Railway Station. Haridwar is a major city in Uttarakhand and is well-connected by trains to various parts of India. The railway station is approximately 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) away from the Rajaji Tiger Reserve.

Rajaji Tiger Reserve History

Rajaji National Park has a rich history that spans several decades. The park's origins can be traced back to the 1960s when it was initially established as the Rajaji Wildlife Sanctuary. Here is a brief overview of its history:

1. Rajaji Wildlife Sanctuary- In 1948, the Rajaji Sanctuary was established in the region to protect the Bengal tigers. It was the first step towards wildlife conservation in the area.

2. Rajaji National Park - In 1983, the Rajaji Wildlife Sanctuary was upgraded to the status of a national park and renamed as Rajaji National Park. The park covered an area of about 820 square kilometers (317 square miles) and was a significant step in wildlife conservation. It was named after C. Rajagopalachari, popularly known as Rajaji, who was a prominent freedom fighter and the first Governor-General of independent India.

3. Rajaji Tiger Reserve - In 2015, the Rajaji National Park was declared as the Rajaji Tiger Reserve, encompassing the Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary, Motichur Wildlife Sanctuary and Rajaji National Park. This move aimed to provide enhanced protection for the critically endangered Bengal tigers in the region. It is the 48th tiger reserve of India and 2nd Tiger Reserve (1st is Jim Corbett) of Uttarakhand State.

Rajaji Tiger Reserve Area

The Rajaji Tiger Reserve is spread over an area of 1,075 square kilometers (415 square miles), which includes both the core zone and the buffer zone.

Core Zone (Rajaji National Park): The core zone of the Rajaji Tiger Reserve, which includes the Rajaji National Park, spans an area of approximately 819.54 square kilometers (316.14 square miles). This core zone is the primary area of focus for tiger conservation and other wildlife.

Buffer Zone: The buffer zone of the Rajaji Tiger Reserve covers an area of about 255.63 square kilometers (98.69 square miles). This zone acts as a transitional area between the core zone and the surrounding human settlements, allowing for sustainable development while maintaining a buffer for wildlife.

Rajaji Tiger Reserve Hills

The Rajaji Tiger Reserve is located at the foothills of the Shivalik range of the Himalayas. These hills form a significant part of the landscape within the reserve. The Shivalik Hills are a subrange of the Himalayas and extend from the state of Himachal Pradesh in the northwest to the Indian state of Uttarakhand, where the Rajaji Tiger Reserve is situated.

The Shivalik Hills in the Rajaji Tiger Reserve provide a scenic backdrop and contribute to the diverse ecosystem found in the region. The elevation of the hills in the reserve can range from a few hundred meters to around 1,500 meters (4,900 feet), offering a range of habitats for wildlife.

The hilly terrain of the Rajaji Tiger Reserve adds to its beauty and creates a unique environment that supports a variety of flora and fauna. It also attracts nature enthusiasts and trekkers who can explore the trails and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding hills.

Rajaji Tiger Reserve River

The Rajaji Tiger Reserve is blessed with several rivers that flow through its expansive area. These rivers play a vital role in shaping the landscape and providing water sources to the diverse flora and fauna within the reserve. Here are some prominent rivers that flow through or form the boundaries of the reserve:

(1) Ganga River:

The Ganga River, one of the most sacred rivers in India, forms the eastern boundary of the Rajaji Tiger Reserve. It is a major river that originates in the Himalayas and flows through multiple states before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The Ganga River provides water to various parts of the reserve and supports a rich ecosystem.

(2) Song River:

The Song River is a significant tributary of the Ganga River. It flows through the Rajaji Tiger Reserve, adding to the water resources of the area. The Song River provides a habitat for aquatic species and contributes to the biodiversity of the reserve.

(3) Suswa River:

Suswa River, also known as the Sooswa River, is a significant river that flows through Rajaji Tiger Reserve. It originates from the Shivalik range and passes through the Motichur Range within the reserve. The river eventually merges with the Song River before joining the Ganga (Ganges) River.

Rajaji Tiger Reserve Flora

The Rajaji Tiger Reserve is renowned for its rich and diverse flora, encompassing a variety of vegetation types due to its geographical location at the foothills of the Shivalik range in Uttarakhand, India. The reserve supports a mix of forests, grasslands, and wetland ecosystems. Here are some of the key flora species found in the Rajaji Tiger Reserve:

(1) Sal Forests:

Sal (Shorea robusta) dominates large parts of the reserve and forms extensive deciduous forests. Sal forests are known for their valuable timber and provide habitat for a wide range of wildlife.

(2) Mixed Broadleaf Forests:

Apart from sal, the reserve also contains mixed broadleaf forests, featuring a variety of tree species such as Sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo), Amaltas (Cassia fistula), Semal (Bombax ceiba), and many others.

(3) Riverine Vegetation:

The riverbanks and wetland areas within the reserve host lush riverine vegetation. Species like Khair (Acacia catechu), Kachnar (Bauhinia variegata), and Banyan (Ficus benghalensis) can be found in these areas.

(4) Grasslands:

The Rajaji Tiger Reserve also supports open grasslands and meadows, providing essential grazing habitats for herbivores. Grass species such as Imperata cylindrica, Saccharum spontaneum, and Cymbopogon spp. are common in these grasslands.

(5) Medicinal Plants:

The reserve is home to various medicinal plants that have been traditionally used by local communities for their therapeutic properties. Species like Aloe vera, Adhatoda vasica, Rauwolfia serpentina, and Tinospora cordifolia can be found in the reserve.

Rajaji Tiger Reserve Fauna (Rajaji Tiger Reserve Animals)

The Rajaji Tiger Reserve is renowned for its rich and diverse fauna, with a wide range of animal species inhabiting its forests, grasslands, and riverine ecosystems. Here are some of the key fauna species found in the Rajaji Tiger Reserve:

Mammals:

Bengal Tiger
Asian Elephant
Leopard
Himalayan Black bear
Sloth Bear
Civet
Marten
Jackal
Hyena
Goral (Mountain Goat)
Sambhar
Spotted Deer (Cheetal)
Barking Deer (Kakar)
Wild Boar
Neel Gai
Langur
Black Napped Hare
Jungle Cat

Birds:

Great Hornbill
Indian Peafowl
Jungle Fowl
Crested Serpent Eagle

Reptiles:

Gharial
Indian Python
Monitor Lizard