7 July 2021.
Introduction:
Rajasthan government has planned to develop a tiger corridor connecting Ranthambore tiger reserve, Ramgarh Vishdhari tiger reserve and Mukundra tiger reserve.
About new Ramgarh Vishdhari sanctuary
- Centre government has given its nod for creation of Ramgarh Vishdhari sanctuary, recently.
- This sanctuary will link Ranthambore Tiger Reserve in Northeast side and Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve on southern side.
- Proposed site for the sanctuary is in Bundi District of Rajasthan.
- It will connect Ranthambore Tiger Reserve in Sawai Madhopur district and Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve in Kota district.
Proposed Tiger Corridor
- A tiger corridor will be developed by relocating eight villages.
- It will be a functional corridor to deal with issue of overpopulation of tigers which Ranthambore tiger reserve is facing currently. Ranthambore Tiger Reserve has a population of above 65 tigers currently.
- On the other hand, Mukundra reserve is left with just one Tiger.
- Thus, this tiger corridor was proposed to balance the population distribution.
About Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
- This reserve is located at the junction of Aravali and Vindhya hill ranges.
- It comprises of Ranthambore National Park, Sawai Mansingh sanctuary and Keladevi Sanctuaries.
- Vegetation of the reserve includes grasslands on plateaus while dense forests along seasonal streams.
- Typically, tropical dry deciduous forest is found here.
- Common tree species is ‘dhak’ (Butea monsoperma), that is capable of withstanding long periods of drought.
- This tree is also called as ‘Flame of forest’.
- It is one of many flowering plants adding colours to dry summer in the reserve.
- It is rich in wildlife with tigers at apex of food chain. It is also a home to leopards.
About Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve
- This reserve was established in 2013.
- It is located between two parallel mountains, Mukundra and Gagrola. It runs for a length of about 80 km.