The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has given in-principle approval to designate Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan’s Rajsamand district as a tiger reserve. Spanning 578 sq km across the Aravalli ranges, the sanctuary was once a royal hunting ground and was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1971. It is home to the historic Kumbhalgarh Fort and serves as a boundary between Mewar and Marwar regions. The sanctuary houses diverse flora including Dhok, Salar, and Khair, while its fauna comprises endangered species such as sloth bears, leopards, and the grey jungle fowl.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA): NTCA is a statutory body under the MoEFCC responsible for tiger conservation and promoting eco-friendly tourism in tiger reserves.
- Aravalli Ranges: A prominent mountain range in western India, stretching across several states and home to various ecosystems, including forests, wildlife, and minerals.
- Kumbhalgarh Fort: A historic Mewar fortress within the sanctuary, recognized for its massive walls and significant role in Rajasthan’s history.
- River Banas: A vital river flowing through Rajasthan, providing water to Kumbhalgarh and other regions, ultimately joining the River Luni on its way to the Arabian Sea.
- Grey Jungle Fowl: A common bird species found in the sanctuary, known for its distinctive appearance and vocalizations, often considered the ancestor of domesticated chickens.
