{"id":111837,"date":"2026-07-07T15:48:27","date_gmt":"2026-07-07T10:18:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/?p=111837"},"modified":"2026-07-07T15:48:27","modified_gmt":"2026-07-07T10:18:27","slug":"mukundra-hills-national-park","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/mukundra-hills-national-park\/","title":{"rendered":"Mukundra Hills National Park, Location, Flora, Fauna, Geography"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mukundra Hills National Park, located in southeastern Rajasthan, is one of India\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>About Mukundra Hills National Park<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><b>Mukundra Hills National Park<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is <\/span><b>located across<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> the districts of <\/span><b>Kota, Bundi, Chittorgarh and Jhalawa<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">r in <\/span><b>Rajasthan, with its headquarters at Kota.<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It forms the core area of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/mukundra-hills-tiger-reserve\/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which covers about 759.99 sq. km, comprising 417.17 sq. km of core area and 342.82 sq. km of buffer area.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Tiger Reserve integrates <\/span><b>Mukundra\u00a0 Hills National Park<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>Jawahar Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and part of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/national-chambal-sanctuary\/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>National Chambal Sanctuary<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It was <\/span><b>notified as a National Park in 2012<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>declared Rajasthan\u2019s third Tiger Reserve in 2013, after Ranthambore and Sariska.<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The reserve was <\/span><b>originally the royal hunting ground of the Maharaja of Kota<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, while the name Darrah refers to a mountain pass or gorge.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Mukundra Hills National Park Geography<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mukundra Hills lies within the <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/vindhya-range\/\" target=\"_blank\">Vindhyan mountain range<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, forming a rugged landscape of parallel hill ranges, valleys and plateaus.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The reserve is situated along the eastern bank of the <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/chambal-river\/\" target=\"_blank\">Chambal River<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which serves as its principal drainage system.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The landscape is further influenced by <\/span><b>rivers<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as the <\/span><b>Kali Sindh, Ahu and Ramzan<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, providing perennial water sources for wildlife.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rocky escarpments, dense forests, grasslands and riverine habitats create diverse ecological niches.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The reliable river system supports both terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity throughout the year.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Mukundra Hills National Park Flora<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The reserve supports <\/span><b>Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, characteristic of southeastern Rajasthan. These forests provide food, shelter and breeding habitats for a wide range of wildlife.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dhok (Anogeissus pendula) is the dominant tree species across the landscape.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other important species include <\/span><b>Khair, Salai, Palash, Arjun, Jamun, Bamboo, Custard Apple and Date Palm.<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">River valleys support comparatively denser vegetation, while open plateaus sustain extensive grasslands.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Mukundra Hills National Park Faunal Diversity<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mukundra\u00a0 Hills <\/span><b>supports rich biodiversity<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> owing to its varied habitats and river systems.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Mammals<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Birds<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Around 140 species of resident and migratory birds have been recorded, reflecting the ecological diversity of the reserve.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Reptiles and Aquatic Fauna<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The Chambal river system supports Gharial, Mugger Crocodile and several freshwater reptiles. Approximately 70 species of fish have also been recorded in the reserve.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Mukundra Hills National Park Ecological Significance<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mukundra\u00a0 Hills occupies a strategic position in Rajasthan\u2019s tiger conservation landscape.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It serves as an <\/span><b>important tiger dispersal landscape <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">between <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/ranthambore-tiger-reserve\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ranthambore Tiger Reserve<\/strong><\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/about-ramgarh-vishdhari-tiger-reserve\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve<\/strong><\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and the <\/span><b>Gandhi Sagar landscape<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Madhya Pradesh.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It strengthens ecological connectivity across the Hadoti region, facilitating the long-term movement and genetic exchange of tigers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Chambal river system supports aquatic biodiversity while maintaining the ecological health of the surrounding forests.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The reserve contributes significantly to the conservation of both terrestrial and riverine ecosystems.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Mukundra Hills National Park Conservation and Management Initiatives<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Several measures have been undertaken to improve wildlife conservation and habitat management.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/m-stripes\/\" target=\"_blank\">M-STrIPES<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is used for scientific monitoring, patrolling and protection of wildlife.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Village relocation from the core area is being implemented to reduce human pressure on critical habitats.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wildlife-friendly infrastructure has been introduced, including underpasses and tunnels along major transport corridors to minimise habitat fragmentation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Habitat improvement, prey management and anti-poaching measures are being strengthened under the guidance of the <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/national-tiger-conservation-authority-ntca\/\" target=\"_blank\">National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and the Rajasthan Forest Department.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Mukundra Hills National Park Major Challenges<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite significant conservation efforts, the reserve faces several ecological and management challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Its long and narrow shape increases the interface between wildlife habitats and surrounding human settlements.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Invasive species such as <\/span><b>Lantana<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> camara and <\/span><b>Prosopis juliflora <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">reduce the availability of quality forage for herbivores.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Linear infrastructure, including highways and railway lines, continues to fragment wildlife habitats despite ongoing mitigation measures.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vacancies among frontline forest staff constrain effective protection and monitoring.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Delays in village relocation and dependence on forest resources continue to exert pressure on core habitats.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Human\u2013wildlife conflict remains a challenge due to expanding tiger movement across connected landscapes.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Mukundra Hills National Park is a key tiger habitat in Rajasthan. Know its location, flora, fauna, geography, conservation efforts, and ecological significance.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":111621,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[786],"tags":[8557],"class_list":{"0":"post-111837","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-general-studies","8":"tag-mukundra-hills-national-park","9":"no-featured-image-padding"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/111837","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=111837"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/111837\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":111849,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/111837\/revisions\/111849"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/111621"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=111837"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=111837"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=111837"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}