Sariska Tiger Reserve, Location, Vegetation Flora & Fauna

Sariska Tiger Reserve, located in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, is a significant Project Tiger reserve known for its ecological and cultural heritage. Once a royal hunting ground, it was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955, a tiger reserve in 1978, and a national park in 1990. Despite challenges like poaching, Sariska Tiger Reserve has emerged as a case study in wildlife conservation through successful tiger reintroduction programs. Sariska is the first reserve in the world to relocate tigers successfully.

Sariska Tiger Reserve 

Sariska Tiger Reserve spreads across an area of around 881 sq. km, comprising dry deciduous forests, rocky hills, grasslands, and scrub thorn arid zones. It is part of the Aravalli hill range, and is famous not only for its tigers but also for several historical sites, including Kankwari Fort and Pandupol Hanuman Temple. With focused efforts, tigers were relocated from Ranthambore, and today, the park hosts a stable population of big cats and herbivores.

Also Read: Satpura National Park

Geographical Features of Sariska Tiger Reserve

Geographical Features of Sariska Tiger Reserve includes the semi-arid Aravalli hill range, offering a combination of tropical dry deciduous forests and grassland ecosystems. The terrain includes plateaus, narrow valleys, and seasonal streams, contributing to diverse habitats.

• Location: Alwar district, Rajasthan
• Total Area: 881 sq. km (core area: 273.8 sq. km)
• Altitude: 300–722 meters above sea level
• Rivers: Seasonal rivers like Saraswati and Ruparel
• Climate: Semi-arid; hot summers and mild winters
• Terrain: Dry forests, hills, grasslands, and scrublands

Sariska Tiger Reserve Flora

Sariska Tiger Reserve Flora is characterized by tropical dry deciduous and thorn forests, adapted to low rainfall and high temperatures. The flora is mainly drought-resistant and forms a critical part of the food chain that supports herbivores and, subsequently, carnivores. The forest’s composition plays a vital role in soil conservation and provides both shelter and sustenance for wildlife.

Sariska Tiger Reserve Fauna

Sariska Tiger Reserve Fauna is home to a wide range of mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects, with the Royal Bengal Tiger being the flagship species. The successful reintroduction of tigers from Ranthambore has helped restore ecological balance in the reserve. The ecological recovery of tigers at Sariska Tiger Reserve makes it an excellent case study for species reintroduction and habitat restoration.