Recently, An 11-member expert committee has recommended urgent conservation and management for habitat improvement and prey base development before designating Rajasthan’s Kumbhalgarh-Todgarh Raoli sanctuaries as a tiger reserve.
Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: It is located in the Rajsamand district of Rajasthan and is spread over 578 square kilometers. It is situated in the Aravalli range and covers parts of Udaipur, Rajsamand, and Pali districts.
- History: The area was once a hunting ground for the royals and was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1971. The sanctuary surrounds the historic Kumbhalgarh Fort and is named after it.
Rivers
- The Banas River is the main water source here.
- Rainwater on the western slopes flows into small rivers like Sukdi, Mithri, Sumer, and Kot, which eventually join the Luni River and flow into the Arabian Sea.
- Flora: Herbal vegetation like Dhok, Salar, and Khair are found here.
- Fauna: The sanctuary provides suitable habitat for several endangered and rare wild animals, including four-horned antelope, sambar, wild boar, nilgai, sloth bear, leopard, and caracal.
Todgarh Raoli Sanctuary
- Location: It is spread across Ajmer, Pali, and Rajsamand districts and has a total area of about 495 square kilometers.
- History: The sanctuary is named after Colonel James Tod, a British officer who chronicled the history of Rajasthan. It was established in 1983.
- Flora: The sanctuary is characterized by dry deciduous forests, with dominant tree species such as teak, bamboo, and dhok. Additionally, flowering plants such as kachnar (Bauhinia variegata) and palash (Butea monosperma) are also found in the forest.
- Fauna: The sanctuary is an important habitat for a wide range of fauna, including the elusive leopard, sloth bear, and sambar deer. Bird lovers also have a lot to offer, as there are over 200 bird species, including the grey junglefowl, Indian pitta, and crested serpent eagle.
Proposal as a tiger reserve
- The central government and the National Tiger Conservation Authority gave in-principle approval to designate the Kumbhalgarh-Todgarh Ravali sanctuary as a tiger reserve in 2023. The proposed area covers Rajsamand, Udaipur, Pali, Ajmer, and Sirohi districts, and will have a total area of about 1,397 square kilometres.
- Importance: Both these sanctuaries are important habitats for Indian wildlife and can play a vital role in the conservation of the tiger, especially the tiger. These sanctuaries require conservation efforts, especially to create suitable habitats for tigers, improve prey conditions, and protect biodiversity.