GS III-Conservation
Location:
The Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve is located at the confluence of the Aravalli and Vindhyan mountain ranges, along the Great Boundary Fault in Rajasthan.
Historical Significance:
The area once served as the royal hunting grounds for the Maharajas of Jaipur.
Size and Importance:
It stands as one of the largest tiger reserves in northern India and is among the best places in the country to observe tigers in the wild, thanks to its favorable climate and vegetation.
Rivers:
The reserve is bordered by the Chambal River to the south and the Banas River to the north.
Structures:
Notably, Ranthambhore Fort—recognized as a World Heritage Site—lies within the reserve’s boundaries.
Vegetation:
The reserve features Northern Tropical Dry Deciduous forests and dry deciduous scrub.
Flora:
The landscape is dominated by Dhok trees (Anogeissus pendula), interspersed with grasslands on the plateaus. Other tree species include Acacia, Capparis, Zizyphus, and Prosopis.
Fauna:
Apart from tigers, the reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including leopards, caracals, jungle cats, sambar deer, chital, chinkara, and wild boar.