Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve UPSC
Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve is a wildlife reserve located in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is situated on the eastern bank of the Chambal River and encompasses the Mukundra Hills, which are part of the Aravalli Range.
The Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve is home to various species of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, hyenas, crocodiles, and numerous species of birds. The reserve is being considered as an extension of the nearby Ranthambore Tiger Reserve to provide more space and protection for the tiger population.
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Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve Location
Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve is located in Kota district of Rajasthan in India. It is situated in a valley formed by two parallel mountains viz. Mukundra and Gargola.
Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Mukandara Hills Tiger Reserve is Kota Airport, also known as Kota Airport Terminal. It is approximately 35 kilometers away from the tiger reserve. Kota Airport is a domestic airport and operates flights to and from major cities in India. However, it's worth noting that Kota Airport has limited flight connectivity, and the availability of flights may vary.
For international travelers, the closest major international airport is Jaipur International Airport, which is approximately 240 kilometers away from Mukandara Hills Tiger Reserve. From both Kota Airport and Jaipur International Airport, you can avail taxi or bus services to reach Mukandara Hills Tiger Reserve .
Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Mukandara Hills Tiger Reserve is Kota Junction. Kota Junction is approximately 50 kilometers away from the tiger reserve. It is well-connected to various cities in India through regular train services. From Kota Junction, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Mukandara Hills Tiger Reserve
Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve History
Here is a summary of the historical milestones of Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve:
Hunting Preserve: Mukundra Hills was originally a hunting preserve belonging to the Maharaja of Kota.
Declared a Wildlife Sanctuary: In 1955, the area was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary, indicating its recognition as a protected area for the conservation of wildlife.
National Park Status: In 2004, Mukundra Hills was declared a national park known as Mukundra Hills (Darrah) National Park. This designation signifies its elevated level of protection and conservation efforts.
Tiger Reserve Status: In 2013, Mukundra Hills was notified as a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger. This recognition highlights the importance of the area for the conservation of the critically endangered tiger species. The Tiger Reserve encompasses Mukandra National Park, Dara Sanctuary, Jawahar Sagar Sanctuary, and a part of Chambal Sanctuary (from Garadia Mahadev to Jawahar Sagar Dam).
Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve Area
The Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve covers a total area of 759.99462 square kilometers. The core area, which includes the Mukandra National Park, Dara Sanctuary, Jawahar Sagar Sanctuary, and part of Chambal Sanctuary (from Garadia Mahadev to Jawahar Sagar Dam), spans approximately 417.17188 square kilometers. This core area is considered the critical tiger habitat, providing essential resources and suitable conditions for the survival of tigers and other wildlife species.
In addition to the core area, the tiger reserve also has a buffer zone that covers around 342.82274 square kilometers. The buffer zone includes the forests of Kota, Chittorgarh, and Jhalawar districts. The buffer zone plays a crucial role in providing additional support for the conservation efforts and acts as a transitional area between the core area and the surrounding human settlements.
The inclusion of multiple wildlife sanctuaries and districts within the Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve reflects the importance of this region in terms of its biodiversity and ecological significance. It provides a diverse range of habitats, including hills, forests, and riverine landscapes, which support a variety of flora and fauna.
- Core : 417.17188 sq. km.
- Buffer : 342.82274 sq. km.
- Total : 759.99462 sq. km.
Tiger Corridors
The connectivity and establishment of tiger corridors are vital for maintaining genetic diversity and facilitating the movement of tigers between different protected areas. In the case of Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve, efforts have been made to establish linkages with several other protected areas in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
One of the significant tiger corridors connected to Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve is the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, located in southeastern Rajasthan. Ranthambhore is one of the most renowned tiger reserves in India and is known for its tiger population. The establishment of a corridor between Mukundra Hills and Ranthambhore allows for the movement of tigers between these two important habitats, thereby enhancing the genetic diversity and population viability of tigers in the region.
Another protected area linked to Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve is the Ramgarh Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary. Located in Rajasthan, this sanctuary serves as an important corridor for wildlife movement, including tigers, between Mukundra Hills and Ramgarh Vishdhari. This connectivity ensures the exchange of genetic material and helps maintain a healthy population of tigers.
Additionally, Bhainsarogarh Wildlife Sanctuary, also situated in Rajasthan, forms part of the tiger corridors associated with Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve. The connectivity between these two protected areas enables the movement of tigers and other wildlife species, contributing to the overall conservation efforts and maintaining ecological balance.
Furthermore, the Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh is linked to Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve through corridors. This sanctuary is located in the Mandsaur and Neemuch districts of Madhya Pradesh and serves as an important habitat for wildlife, including tigers. The establishment of corridors between Mukundra Hills and Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary promotes genetic exchange and facilitates the dispersal of tigers in the region.
These tiger corridors play a crucial role in ensuring the long-term survival and conservation of tigers by allowing them to move across different protected areas, access new territories, and establish new populations. The connectivity between Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve and the mentioned protected areas enhances the overall effectiveness of conservation efforts and contributes to the preservation of the region's biodiversity.
Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve Hills
Mukundra Hills:
Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve is named after the prominent Mukundra Hills that surround the region. These hills form a picturesque backdrop to the reserve and add to its natural beauty.
The Mukundra Hills are a range of hills located in the southeastern part of Rajasthan, India. They span across four districts: Kota, Bundi, Chittorgarh, and Jhalawar. The hills are characterized by rugged terrain, with rocky outcrops, deep valleys, and undulating slopes. The elevation of the hills varies, with some peaks reaching up to 1,100 meters above sea level. The highest peak in the Mukundra Hills National Park is Darrah Peak.
The rocky and hilly landscape of Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve provides a diverse habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna. The hills are covered with dry deciduous forests, scrublands, and grasslands, which support a variety of plant species. Acacia, bamboo, and various grasses are among the vegetation found in the region.
The rugged terrain and dense vegetation of the hills offer ideal conditions for wildlife, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, wild boars, hyenas, and numerous bird species. The presence of water bodies like the Ramzan River further enhances the habitat diversity and attracts a variety of wildlife to the area.
Apart from their ecological significance, the Mukundra Hills also hold historical and cultural importance. The region was once a hunting ground for the Maharajas (kings) of Kota and Bundi, who ruled the area during the medieval period. The hills and surrounding forests have witnessed centuries of history and have been an integral part of the local culture.
Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve River
Ramzan River:
The Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve is traversed by the Ramzan River, which flows through the reserve. The Ramzan River originates in the Mukundra Hills region and passes through the reserve, contributing to the ecological diversity and providing a water source for wildlife.
The Ramzan River is a tributary of the Chambal River, which is located in close proximity to the Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve. While the Chambal River itself does not flow through the reserve, its tributary, the Ramzan River, adds to the overall significance of the reserve's ecosystem.
The presence of the Ramzan River within the Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve creates a diverse habitat that supports a variety of flora and fauna. The river and its associated riparian vegetation offer important resources for wildlife, including water, food, and shelter. It attracts a range of bird species and other aquatic and terrestrial animals, contributing to the biodiversity of the reserve.
Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve Flora
The Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve is primarily characterized by dry deciduous forests. The predominant species in these forests is Anogeissus pendula, commonly known as Kala Dhok or Kaladhi. Alongside Anogeissus pendula, several other tree species can be found in the reserve, including:
- Khair (Acacia catechu)
- Ber (Zizyphus mauratiana)
- Kakan (Flacourtia indica)
- Raunj (Acacia lecofolia)
- Tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon)
- Gurjan (Lannea coromandelica)
- Karaya (Sterculia urens)
- Jhinjha (Bauhinia racemosa)
- Kalam (Mitragyna parviflora)
- Gutha bor (Zizyphus glaberrima)
On higher slopes within the reserve, Anogeissus pendula is replaced by Anogeissus latifolia. Alongside this species, other trees that can be found include:
- Bel (Aegle marmelos)
- Salar (Boswellia sarata)
- Uum (Meliusa tomentosa)
- Shisham (Dalbergia latifolia)
Additionally, small patches of only Anogeissus pendula occur in various areas within the reserve, often accompanied by Chhola (Butea monosperma) and Ber (Zizyphus mauritiana).
Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve Fauna (Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve Animals)
The Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve is home to a diverse range of fauna, including various mammal species, birds, reptiles, and other wildlife. Here are some of the notable fauna found in the reserve:
Mammals:
- Tiger
- Leopards
- Sloth Bear
- Nilgai
- Chinkara
- Spotted Deer
- Small Indian Civet
- Toddy Cat
- Jackal
- Hyena
- Jungle Cat
- Common Langur
- Common Mongoose
- Ruddy Mongoose
- Pale Hedgehog Hare
- Five Striped Palm Squirrel
- Indian Pangolin
- Porcupine
- Bush Rat
Birds:
- Painted Partridge
- Grey Hornbill
- Blackbird
- Alexandrine Parakeet
- Spotted Dove
- Yellow legged Green Pigeon
- White-browed Fantail Flycatcher
- White–throated Fantail Flycatcher
- Crested Tree Swift
- Little Egret
- Cattle Egret
- Little Cormorant
- Small Kingfisher
- Lesser Pied Kingfisher
- Peafowl
Reptiles:
- Python
- Rat Snake
- Buff-striped Keelback
- Green Keelback
- Red Sandboa
- Russell’s Sandboa
- Trinket Snake
- Blind Snake
- Crocodile
- Gharial
- Turtles
Top Things to do in Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve
- Wildlife Safari
- Birdwatching
- Nature Walks and Hiking
- Photography
- Wildlife Conservation Activities
- Visit Historical Sites
- Enjoy Local Cuisine and Culture
- Nature Photography Workshops
Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve UPSC Questions
Q. Where is Mukundra Tiger Reserve?/In which state is Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve?/Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve district?
A. Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve is located in Kota district of Rajasthan in India.
Q. Which river flows through Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve?
A. Ramzan river flows through Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve.
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