Ranthambore Tiger Reserve UPSC

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is one of the most renowned national parks located in the state of Rajasthan, India. It comprises of the Ranthambore National Park as well as Sawai Mansingh and Keladevi Sanctuaries.

Ranthambore is famous for its tiger population, and it has been a successful conservation site for this endangered species.

Situated within the reserve, the Ranthambore Fort adds historical and architectural significance to the area. The fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
Hills
River
Lake
Flora
Fauna

Mammals
Birds
Reptile

UPSC Questions

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve Location

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is located in Karauli and Sawai Madhopur districts of Rajasthan, India. It is situated at the junction (great boundary fault) of the Aravali and Vindhya hill ranges.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is the Jaipur International Airport. It is located approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles) away from the reserve. Jaipur International Airport is well-connected to major cities in India and also offers international flights to a few destinations. From Jaipur, you can reach Ranthambore Tiger Reserve by road.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is the Sawai Madhopur Railway Station. It is located just 11 kilometers (7 miles) away from the reserve. Sawai Madhopur is well-connected to major cities in India through regular train services.

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve History

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve has a fascinating history. Here's an overview of the historical significance of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve:

1. Game Sanctuary: In 1955, Ranthambore Tiger Reserve was established as Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary by the Government of India.

2. Establishment of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve: In 1973, Ranthambore was designated as a tiger reserve under Project Tiger, an initiative aimed at conserving the endangered Bengal tiger.

3. National Park Status: In 1980, Ranthambore was declared a national park.

4. Expansion: In 1991, the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve was expanded to include the adjacent Keladevi Sanctuary in the north and Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary in the south, as well as other forests.

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve Area

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is spread across a significant area of land. The reserve comprises both the core/critical tiger habitat and the buffer/peripheral area. Here is the approximate area breakdown of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve:

Core/Critical Tiger Habitat: The core area of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, which is the main zone dedicated to the conservation of tigers and their prey, covers approximately 1,113.36 square kilometers.

Buffer/Peripheral Area: The buffer or peripheral area surrounds the core zone and acts as a transition zone between the reserve and the surrounding human settlements. The buffer area of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve spans approximately 297.92 square kilometers.

When we combine the core and buffer areas, the total area of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is approximately 1,411.28 square kilometers.

Core/critical tiger habitat : 1113.36 sq.km.
Buffer/peripheral area : 297.92 sq.km.
Total : 1411.28 sq. km

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve Hills

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is located at the junction of the Aravalli and Vindhya hill ranges. This geographical position adds to the unique landscape and ecological diversity of the reserve.

The Aravalli Range, one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, runs through Rajasthan and forms the eastern boundary of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. These hills are characterized by rugged terrain, rocky outcrops, and dry deciduous forests, providing an ideal habitat for a variety of wildlife.

The Vindhya Range, on the other hand, lies to the south of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. It is a relatively lower and younger range compared to the Aravalli Range. The Vindhya hills bring a different topographical element to the reserve, with their gently rolling slopes and scattered vegetation.

The convergence of these two hill ranges at Ranthambore Tiger Reserve creates a unique and diverse ecosystem, offering a blend of hilly terrain, grasslands, forests, and water bodies. This varied landscape supports a wide range of flora and fauna, including the majestic Bengal tigers, as well as other wildlife species found in the region.

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve River

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is bounded by rivers on its northern and southern sides.

To the north of the reserve, the Banas River flows, acting as a natural boundary. The Banas River is a tributary of the Chambal River and is an important water source for the wildlife in the reserve.

To the south of the reserve, the Chambal River forms the southern boundary of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. The Chambal River is a major river in central India, known for its rich biodiversity and as a sanctuary for various aquatic species, including the critically endangered Gharial (a type of crocodile), dolphins, and several species of turtles.

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve Lake

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is known for its picturesque lakes that dot the landscape, providing water sources and adding to the scenic beauty of the reserve. Some notable lakes within or near Ranthambore Tiger Reserve include:

(1) Padam Talao:

Padam Talao is one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. It is located in the heart of the reserve and is known for its stunning views, especially during sunrise and sunset. The lake is home to a variety of bird species and often attracts wildlife, including tigers.

(2) Malik Talao:

Malik Talao is another significant lake within the reserve. It is smaller than Padam Talao but equally enchanting. The lake is surrounded by dense foliage and provides a serene atmosphere. It is a popular spot for birdwatching and offers opportunities for wildlife sightings.

(3) Raj Bagh Talao:

Raj Bagh Talao is a picturesque lake located near the Ranthambore Fort. It is known for its tranquil ambiance and scenic surroundings. The lake attracts a variety of birdlife, making it a favorite spot for birdwatchers.

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve Flora

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is known for its diverse flora, encompassing various types of vegetation that thrive in the region's dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and rocky terrain.

Here are some of the notable flora found in Ranthambore Tiger Reserve:

(1) Northern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests:

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve falls within the northern tropical dry deciduous forest biome. These forests are characterized by trees that shed their leaves during the dry season to conserve water. The dominant tree species, such as dhok (Anogeissus pendula), khair (Acacia catechu), and kulu (Sterculia urens), are well adapted to the dry and arid conditions of the region.

(2) Dry Deciduous Scrub:

In addition to the dry deciduous forests, Ranthambore Tiger Reserve also has areas with dry deciduous scrub vegetation. This type of vegetation consists of low-lying shrubs, thorny bushes, and scattered trees adapted to the arid climate. The scrub vegetation provides cover and forage for various species of wildlife.

(3) Dry Grasslands:

The reserve encompasses extensive dry grasslands, especially in the peripheral areas. These grasslands are characterized by the dominance of different grass species, which provide grazing grounds for herbivores such as deer, antelope, and other ungulates. The grasslands also serve as important foraging areas for herbivorous species and attract predators such as tigers and leopards.

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve Fauna (Ranthambore Tiger Reserve Animals)

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is renowned for its diverse fauna, including numerous mammal, bird, reptile, and amphibian species. The reserve provides a thriving habitat for various wildlife, and the star attraction is the critically endangered Bengal tiger.

Here are some of the notable fauna species found in Ranthambore Tiger Reserve:

Mammals:

Bengal Tiger
Leopard
Caracal
Jungle Cat
Sambar
Chital
Chinkara
Wild Boar
Sloth Bear
Indian Fox
Jackal
Wolves
Small Indian Civet
Small Indian Mongoose
Striped Hyena
Blacknaped Hare
Common or Hanuman Langurs
Rhesus Macaques

Note- Ranthambore tigers are world famous with their local pet names, including Machali (T-16), Dollar (T-25), Sitara (T-28), Bina One, Bina Two, Sundari, Dollor.

Birds:

Crested Serpent Eagle
Indian Grey Hornbill
Indian Peafowl
Painted Stork
White-Breasted Kingfisher
Indian Pitta
Oriental Honey Buzzard

Reptiles:

Python
Banded Krait
Desert Monitor Lizard
Cobra
Gangetic Soft Shelled Turtle
Fresh Water Crocodile
North Indian flap-shelled Turtle