National Parks in Rajasthan - UPSC Current Affairs

Rajasthan is home to 5 national parks, each showcasing a unique aspect of the region’s biodiversity.

Contents

1. Ranthambore National Park

It is located in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan in India.
It is located at the junction of the Aravali and Vindhya hill ranges.
In 1955, the Government of India established t.he Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary.
In 1973, Ranthambore was declared a tiger reserve under Project Tiger.
In 1980, Ranthambore was officially declared a national park.
In 1984, the adjacent Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary and Keladevi Sanctuary were declared as forests adjoining Ranthambore National Park.
Area: It covers an area of approximately 1,334 square kilometers (515 sq miles).
River: Banas River and Chambal River passes through the park.
Lake: Padam Talao Lake and Rajbagh Talao Lake is located in the park.
Jogi Mahal loacted in Padam Talao Lake.
Ranthambore Fort is a located within Ranthambore National Park.
Kachida Valley is located near the Ranthambore National Park.
Flora: Dhok, Banyan, Babool, Kadam, Ber, Tamarind, Acacia, Peepal, Berberis, Mahua, Semal, Amla, Kachnar, Kaner, Sissoo etc.
Fauna: Tiger, leopards, Sloth Bears, Chital, Chinkara, Indian Porcupines, Palm Civet, Desert Fox, Caracals, Indian Wild Boar, Common Mongoose, Common or Hanuman langurs, Macaques, Serpent Eagle, Waterfowl, Indian Grey Hornbill, Desert Monitor Lizards, Indian Chamaeleon, Banded Kraits, Ganga Soft Shelled Turtles North Indian Flap Shelled Turtles etc.

It is located in Bharatpur district of Rajasthan in India.
It also known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.
It is home to a large number of migratory birds that come from various parts of the world during the winter season.
It is the only national park in India that is completely enclosed by a 2 m high boundary wall,
In 1976, the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary was established as a protected area.
In 1981, it was designated as a Ramsar Site.
In 1982, the sanctuary was upgraded to the status of a national park and was renamed Keoladeo National Park.
In 1985, the park was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Area: It covers an area of approximately 28.73 square kilometers (11.1 square miles).
River: Gambhir and Banganga rivers passes through the park.
The main source of water to the park is Ajan dam (Khatia Dam).
Flora: Kadam, Jamun, Babul, Kandi, Acacia, Water lilies, Lotus, Wter hyacinth, Water chestnut, Vallisneria and Hydrilla, Phragmites, Typha, Saccharum, Cyperus, Prosopis, Capparis, Ziziphus etc.
Fauna: Jackals, Sambar, Bengal Fox, Blackbuck, Chital, Common Palm Civet, Hog Deer, Hyenas, Wild Boar, Siberian Crane, Painted Stork, Greater Spotted Eagle, Owls, Baer’s Pochard, Cinereous Vulture, Python, Krait, Common Monitor Lizard etc.

It is located in Jaisalmer and Barmer districts of Rajasthan, India.
It is situated in western part of the state.
It falls within the Thar Desert.
The eastern boundary is characterised by the Aravalli hills, while the western boundary is defined by the fertile plains of the Indus river.
In 1980, it was established as a protected area.
The park plays a crucial role in safeguarding endangered species, such as the Indian bustard (Great Indian bustard).
Area: It covers an area of approximately 3,162 square kilometers. Its 1900 km² is in the Jaisalmer district and the remaining 1262 km² is in the Barmer district of Rajasthan.
The park is divided into two major sections: the Sudashri forest and the sand dunes.
River: The Luni river flows through Thar Desert.
Park has presence of fossils from the Jurassic Period.
Flora: Khejri, Dhok, Ber, Rohida, Gugal, Phog, Cactus etc.
Fauna: Chinkara, Desert Fox, Indian Wolf, Desert Cat, Great Indian Bustard, Sandgrouse, Partridges, Demoiselle Crane, Houbara Bustard, Falcons, Spiny-tailed Lizard, Monitor Lizard, Saw-scaled Viper, Russell’s Viper etc.

It is located in the Alwar District of Rajasthan in India.
It is situated in the Aravalli Range.
Sariska’s forests was a hunting grounds for the Maharajas of Alwar.
In 1955, Sariska was officially recognized as a wildlife sanctuary.
In 1978, Sariska was declared a tiger reserve under the Project Tiger.
In 1979, Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a national park
Area: It covers an area of approximately 800 square kilometers.
The highest point in the Sariska National Park is the Kankwari Fort.
Hills: Pandupol Hills and the Bhairon Vilas Hills are situated in the park.
River: Ruparel river passes through the park.
Lake: Siliserh Lake is one of the prominent lake near the park.
Flora: Dhok, Salar, Khair, Ber, Rohida, Goria, Pharwa, Kachnar, Dhak, Semal etc.
Fauna: Tiger, leopards, Sambar Deer, Spotted Deer, Four-horned Antelope, Hyenas, Caracal, Jungle Cat, Common Mongoose, Palm Civet, Pangolin, Grey Francolin, Golden-backed Woodpecker, Indian Python, Russell’s Viper, Saw-scaled Viper etc.

It is located in the Kota district of Rajasthan, India.
The park is situated on the Mukundra Hills range, which is an extension of the Aravalli Range.
The highest peak in the Mukundra Hills National Park is Darrah Peak.
In 1955, a part of the region was declared as a wildlife sanctuary and named Mukundra Hills Wildlife Sanctuary.
In 2004, the sanctuary was upgraded to the status of a national park.
In 2013, Mukundra Hills National Park was notified as a Tiger Reserve.
Area: It covers an area of 759.99 km2 (293.43 sq mi).
Mukundara Hills National Park consists of three wildlife sanctuaries:
- Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary
- National Chambal Sanctuary
- Jawahar Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary
River: Chambal, Kali, Ahu and Ramzan river flow through the park.
Lake: Gagron Lake and Talab-e-Shahi are the most prominent lakes in the park.
Flora: Teak, tendu, khair, dhak, babul, kadam, neem, mango, ber, custard apple, Khejri, Gugal, Acacia, Spear Grass, Elephant Grass etc.
Fauna: Tiger, Indian Wolf, Indian Leopard, Chital, Sambar Deer, Wild Boar, Sloth Bear, Chinkara, Vultures, Owls, Mugger Crocodile, Gharial, Mahseer, Catfish etc.
The park was once considered for the reintroduction of the Asiatic lion.