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Dholpur—Karauli Tiger Reserve
Tiger reserve in Rajasthan, India From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Dholpur Karauli Tiger Reserve is a tiger reserve located in the eastern part of the Indian state of Rajasthan, spanning the Dholpur and Karauli districts. It is India's 54th tiger reserve and Rajasthan’s fifth, established in August 2023 after approval by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).[1][2][3]
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History
The proposal for the reserve was initiated to strengthen tiger conservation efforts in eastern Rajasthan. With a total area of 599.64 km², the reserve was officially notified in 2023, becoming part of India's larger strategy to preserve its growing tiger population.[4][5][6]
Geography
The reserve covers a landscape characterized by dry deciduous forests, scrublands, and riverine ecosystems. It lies within the semi-arid region of Rajasthan and supports diverse flora and fauna. The topography is marked by low hills, seasonal rivers, and grasslands, providing a conducive environment for large carnivores such as the tiger.
Core and buffer zones
The Tiger reserve include Parts of National Chambal Sanctuary in Dholpur and Karauli district, Dholpur wildlife sanctuary and Parts of Kaila Devi Wildlife Sanctuary. The Dholpur Karauli Tiger Reserve is demarcated into a core area of 599.64 km² and a surrounding buffer zone of 495 km², as approved by the NTCA.[7] This zonation follows India’s standard core–buffer model, where the core area is strictly protected as a national park or sanctuary to minimise human disturbance, while the buffer zone allows regulated activities to support sustainable livelihoods and maintain landscape connectivity.[8][9]
Biodiversity
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Perspective
The reserve’s heterogeneous mosaic of dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and Chambal riverine tracts supports rich biodiversity, with over 700 plant species recorded and numerous mammalian, reptilian, and bird species thriving in its varied habitats.[10]
Flora
Mixed tropical dry deciduous forests dominate the reserve, with canopy species including Anogeissus pendula (dhok), Acacia catechu (khair), Butea monosperma (palash), and Lannea coromandelica (dudhi) over lateritic soils. Common trees such as Ziziphus mauritiana, Salvadora persica, Prosopis cineraria, and various bamboo species form the mid-canopy, while the understorey includes shrubs and grasses like Dichrostachys cinerea and Heteropogon contortus.[11] Riparian zones along the Chambal River support Tamarix dioica and Salix spp., enhancing habitat heterogeneity.[10]
Fauna
The reserve sustains Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), Indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca), and sloth bear (Melursus ursinus) as top predators.[10] Other carnivores include striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), golden jackal (Canis aureus), and Indian wolf (Canis lupus pallipes). Prey densities are maintained by chital (Axis axis), sambar deer (Rusa unicolor), nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus), and wild boar (Sus scrofa). Smaller mammals such as chinkara (Gazella bennettii), common langur (Semnopithecus entellus), and Indian porcupine (Hystrix indica) contribute to the mammalian assemblage. Riverine habitats harbor reptiles including the mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) and monitor lizard (Varanus bengalensis).[10]
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Conservation significance
The reserve enhances landscape connectivity for tigers in Rajasthan, linking with nearby protected areas like Ranthambore National Park. It plays a crucial role in maintaining genetic diversity and mitigating human–wildlife conflicts.[12][13]
See also
References
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