As an interesting development in the world of wildlife conservation, six tigers have been reported missing from the Ranthambore Tiger Sanctuary in Rajasthan. This news points to a potential issue within one of India’s most revered efforts towards preserving the population of the Bengal tiger species.
Overview of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
Situated in the eastern parts of Rajasthan, the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is positioned strategically across two districts – Karauli and Sawai Madhopur. It finds its roots at the intersection of two hill ranges, Aravali and Vindhya. The reserve not only includes the Ranthambore National Park but also extends to encompass the Sawai Mansingh and Kailadevi Sanctuaries.
Ranthambore is famous for its historical significance. An over 1000 years old fort that stands at a height of 700 feet within the park premises is from where the surrounding forests get their name. This fort was reportedly built in 944 AD by a Chauhan ruler.
Moreover, Ranthambore holds a crucial role in wildlife conservation efforts. It signifies the north-west limit of the Bengal tiger’s distribution range. The presence of an isolated area within the reserve that houses tigers stands as a testament to the success of Project Tiger, a conservation initiative in India.
State of Tigers in India and Ranthambore
The latest census conducted in July 2020 revealed a significant rise in India’s tiger population. From numbers recorded in 2014, there has been a third more tigers, taking the count to 2,967. The same census reported that out of this total, 55 tigers reside in Ranthambore.
Landscape and Features of the Reserve
Ranthambore Tiger Reserve exhibits a diverse landscape. It boasts a mix of fragmented patches of forests, agricultural land, river streams, and ravines. Its connectivity extends to Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno-Palpur Landscape via parts of the Kailadevi Wildlife Sanctuary, Chambal’s ravine habitats, and Sheopur forest patches. This connection enables tigers an easy passage between River Chambal tributaries to reach Kuno National Park.
Flora and Fauna at Ranthambore
Ranthambore is home to a rich variety of vegetation and wildlife. The forest type is predominantly tropical dry deciduous, with characteristic ‘dhak’, a tree species capable of enduring prolonged drought, being the most common. Known as ‘Flame of Forest’, this tree adds a splash of colour to dry summers in the region, and is one of several flowering plants within the reserve.
With respect to wildlife, tigers are at the top of the food chain among mammals in the park. The reserve hosts leopards, striped hyenas, langurs, macaques, jackals, jungle cats, caracals, blackbucks, Blacknaped hares, chinkaras, and more. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting around 272 recorded bird species.
Other Protected Areas in Rajasthan
Rajasthan is a state known for its abundance of protected areas. These include Sariska National Park, Alwar Desert National Park, Jaisalmer Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Udaipur National Chambal Sanctuary (at the tri-junction linking Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh) among others.
The disappearance of the six tigers from Ranthambore raises questions about the effectiveness of measures in place to safeguard these magnificent creatures. Investigations are ongoing to locate these majestic predators and bring them back into the secure premises of the reserve.
