Description

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Context

A massive fire, triggered by stone-crushing sparks, erupted in Mukundra Tiger Reserve recently.

About Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve

MHTR also known as Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary is a significant protected area in Rajasthan.

Established as Rajasthan's third tiger reserve in 2013 it spans across the districts of Kota, Bundi, Jhalawar and Chittorgarh.

The reserve encompasses the Mukundra National Park, Darrah Sanctuary, Jawahar Sagar Sanctuary and parts of the Chambal Sanctuary forming its core critical tiger habitat.

Geographical Features

The reserve is characterized by two parallel flat topped hills Mukundra and Gagrola extending approximately 80 km in length and 2 to 5 km in width. These hills are part of the Vindhyan range.

MHTR is traversed by four rivers Chambal, Kali, Ahu and Ramzan which contribute to the area's rich biodiversity.

Flora and Fauna

The reserve predominantly features dry deciduous forests.

Kala Dhok or Kaladhi is the dominant tree species accompanied by Khair, Ber, Kakan and Raunj.

On higher slopes Anogeissus latifolia replaces Anogeissus pendula, along with Bel, Salar, Uum and Shisham.

The reserve hosts a variety of fauna including leopards, sloth bears, nilgai, chinkara, spotted deer, small Indian civet, toddy cat, jackal, hyena, jungle cat and common langur.

Historical Significance

Historically the area served as a hunting preserve for the Maharaja of Kota reflecting its rich biodiversity and royal heritage.

Important Protected Areas in Rajasthan

Protected Area	Location	Key Features
Ranthambore National Park	Sawai Madhopur	Renowned for its tiger population and historic Ranthambore Fort.
Sariska Tiger Reserve	Alwar	Known for Bengal tigers, leopards, and diverse bird species.
Keoladeo National Park	Bharatpur	UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for avian fauna, especially migratory birds.
Desert National Park	Jaisalmer and Barmer	Features unique desert ecosystem with species like the Great Indian Bustard.
Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary	Rajsamand District	Surrounds the Kumbhalgarh Fort; habitat for wolves, leopards, and sloth bears.
Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary	Sirohi District	Rich in floral diversity; home to species like Indian leopard and sloth bear.
Tal Chhapar Sanctuary	Churu District	Known for blackbucks and a variety of migratory birds.
Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary	Udaipur District	Encompasses Jaisamand Lake; habitat for crocodiles, turtles, and various bird species.
Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary	Pratapgarh District	Dense forests with species like flying squirrel, spotted deer, and leopards.