Mukundra Hills National Park, Location, Flora, Fauna, Geography

Mukundra Hills National Park, located in southeastern Rajasthan, is one of India’s important tiger conservation landscapes. Situated in the Vindhyan hill system and traversed by the Chambal River, it plays a crucial role in strengthening landscape-level connectivity for tiger conservation across Rajasthan.

About Mukundra Hills National Park

Mukundra Hills National Park is located across the districts of Kota, Bundi, Chittorgarh and Jhalawar in Rajasthan, with its headquarters at Kota.

• It forms the core area of the Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve, which covers about 759.99 sq. km, comprising 417.17 sq. km of core area and 342.82 sq. km of buffer area.
• The Tiger Reserve integrates Mukundra  Hills National Park, Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary, Jawahar Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary and part of the National Chambal Sanctuary.
• It was notified as a National Park in 2012 and declared Rajasthan’s third Tiger Reserve in 2013, after Ranthambore and Sariska.
• The reserve was originally the royal hunting ground of the Maharaja of Kota, while the name Darrah refers to a mountain pass or gorge.

Mukundra Hills National Park Geography

Mukundra Hills lies within the Vindhyan mountain range, forming a rugged landscape of parallel hill ranges, valleys and plateaus.

• The reserve is situated along the eastern bank of the Chambal River, which serves as its principal drainage system.
• The landscape is further influenced by rivers such as the Kali Sindh, Ahu and Ramzan, providing perennial water sources for wildlife.
• Rocky escarpments, dense forests, grasslands and riverine habitats create diverse ecological niches.
• The reliable river system supports both terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity throughout the year.

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Mukundra Hills National Park Flora

The reserve supports Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests, characteristic of southeastern Rajasthan. These forests provide food, shelter and breeding habitats for a wide range of wildlife.

• Dhok (Anogeissus pendula) is the dominant tree species across the landscape.
• Other important species include Khair, Salai, Palash, Arjun, Jamun, Bamboo, Custard Apple and Date Palm.
• River valleys support comparatively denser vegetation, while open plateaus sustain extensive grasslands.

Mukundra Hills National Park Faunal Diversity

Mukundra  Hills supports rich biodiversity owing to its varied habitats and river systems.

• Mammals: The reserve is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat, Chital, Sambar, Nilgai, Chinkara, Jackal, Fox, Honey Badger, Small Indian Civet, Porcupine, Mongoose and Common Langur.
• Birds: Around 140 species of resident and migratory birds have been recorded, reflecting the ecological diversity of the reserve.
• Reptiles and Aquatic Fauna: The Chambal river system supports Gharial, Mugger Crocodile and several freshwater reptiles. Approximately 70 species of fish have also been recorded in the reserve.

Mukundra Hills National Park Ecological Significance

Mukundra  Hills occupies a strategic position in Rajasthan’s tiger conservation landscape.

• It serves as an important tiger dispersal landscape between Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve and the Gandhi Sagar landscape in Madhya Pradesh.
• It strengthens ecological connectivity across the Hadoti region, facilitating the long-term movement and genetic exchange of tigers.
• The Chambal river system supports aquatic biodiversity while maintaining the ecological health of the surrounding forests.
• The reserve contributes significantly to the conservation of both terrestrial and riverine ecosystems.

Mukundra Hills National Park Conservation and Management Initiatives

Several measures have been undertaken to improve wildlife conservation and habitat management.

• M-STrIPES is used for scientific monitoring, patrolling and protection of wildlife.
• Village relocation from the core area is being implemented to reduce human pressure on critical habitats.
• Wildlife-friendly infrastructure has been introduced, including underpasses and tunnels along major transport corridors to minimise habitat fragmentation.
• Habitat improvement, prey management and anti-poaching measures are being strengthened under the guidance of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Rajasthan Forest Department.

Mukundra Hills National Park Major Challenges

Despite significant conservation efforts, the reserve faces several ecological and management challenges.

• Its long and narrow shape increases the interface between wildlife habitats and surrounding human settlements.
• Invasive species such as Lantana camara and Prosopis juliflora reduce the availability of quality forage for herbivores.
• Linear infrastructure, including highways and railway lines, continues to fragment wildlife habitats despite ongoing mitigation measures.
• Vacancies among frontline forest staff constrain effective protection and monitoring.
• Delays in village relocation and dependence on forest resources continue to exert pressure on core habitats.
• Human–wildlife conflict remains a challenge due to expanding tiger movement across connected landscapes.