Sariska Tiger Reserve, Location, History, Interesting Facts

Sariska Tiger Reserve is located in Alwar, Rajasthan which is a renowned wildlife sanctuary known for its diverse flora and fauna, particularly the Royal Bengal Tiger. Kankwari Fort is situated inside the reserve, which was once used as a prison by Emperor Aurangzeb and now serves as a major tourist attraction. Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary used to provide shelter to the tiger population, but poaching led to a drastic decline in numbers.

Sariska Tiger Reserve

Sariska Tiger Reserve spans 866 sq.km and was declared a wildlife reserve in 1955. In 1978, it gained the status of a tiger reserve under the Project Tiger initiative to protect the endangered Bengal tiger. However, by 2004, rampant poaching led to the extinction of tigers from the reserve. To restore the tiger population, a relocation program was launched in 2008, bringing tigers from Ranthambore National Park. Since then, conservation efforts and breeding programs have contributed to a gradual increase in the tiger population, helping revive Sariska’s ecosystem.

Sariska Tiger Reserve History

Sariska Tiger Reserve has history since Mesolithic and Neolithic periods, with archaeological evidence indicating early human habitation. By the 8th century, the region flourished under Rajput rule, enhancing its cultural and historical significance. During the British colonial era, Sariska's dense forests served as a favored hunting ground for the Maharajas of Alwar.

Recognizing its ecological importance, Sariska was designated as a Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary in 1955, providing a protected habitat for diverse flora and fauna. In 1978, it was declared a tiger reserve under Project Tiger, aimed at conserving India's tiger population. The following year, in 1979, it was elevated to national park status, further strengthening its position as a conservation area.

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Sarika Tiger Reserve Flora

Sariska Tiger Reserve is home to a diverse range of flora, contributing to its rich biodiversity and ecological significance. The vegetation in the reserve includes tropical dry deciduous forests, tropical thorn forests, and patches of tropical semi-evergreen forests, each adapted to varying moisture levels and terrain conditions. 

Among the dominant tree species, Dhok (Anogeissus pendula) is the most widespread, along with Khair (Acacia catechu), Tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon), Sal (Shorea robusta), Semal (Bombax ceiba), Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana), and Bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus). Sarika Tiger Reserve is supported by various streams and rivers, host species like Kadam (Neolamarckia cadamba), Siris (Albizia lebbeck), and Arjun (Terminalia arjuna), which also develops in moist conditions and contribute to the overall biodiversity of the reserve. 

Sariska Tiger Reserve Fauna

Sariska Tiger Reserve is renowned for its rich and diverse fauna, providing home to a wide range of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The reserve is particularly famous for its Bengal tiger population, which was successfully reintroduced in 2008 after poaching had led to their complete disappearance.

Other mammals that inhabit the reserve include leopards, wild boars, sambar deer, spotted deer, nilgai, langurs, and hyenas, all contributing to the ecosystem. Among the commonly sighted birds are the peafowl, Indian eagle-owl, golden-backed woodpecker, and the endangered red-headed vulture. The reserve supports a variety of reptiles and amphibians, such as Indian pythons, cobras, monitor lizards, and different species of frogs.

Sariska Tiger Reserve Interesting Facts

1. Sariska Tiger Reserve is located in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, covering 800 sq km with a core area of 500 sq km.
2. Sariska Tiger Reserve was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and a National Park in 1979.
3. It was included under Project Tiger in 1978, with reintroduction efforts starting in 2008 after poaching led to a loss of tiger population.
4. Sariska Tiger Reserve provides shelter to Bengal tigers, leopards, nilgai, sambar deer, spotted deer, jungle cats, hyenas, caracals, langurs, and other mammals.
5. Over 200 species, including peafowl, white-rumped vulture, Indian pitta, crested serpent eagle, and grey francolin can be seen in Sariska Tiger Reserve.
6. Sariska Tiger Reserve includes Siliserh Lake (home to crocodiles), Bhangarh Fort, Kankwari Fort, Nilkanth Temple, and Bharthari Temple as tourist attractions.