Ranthambore, hailed as one of India's finest wildlife
sanctuary, is located near Sawai Madhour township about 100 kms south east
of Ajmer in Rajasthan. The park derives its name from the fort of Ranthambor
which sits on a rocky outcrop in the forest.
Historical
Perspective
The forests around the Ranthambore Fort were once, the private hunting
grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur. The desire to preserve the game in these
forests for sport, was responsible for their conservation, and subsequent
rescue by Project Tiger. In 1972, it was estimated, that there were around
1927 tigers in India, of which Rajasthan had 74, and the number of big cats
in Ranthambore Sanctuary was 14. 1972 was also the year that Project Tiger
was launched, and this sanctuary was taken into its wings, alongwith seven
other sanctuaries and national parks. In 1981 Ranthambor was awarded the
National Park status. Today, it is famous for its tigers and is one of the
best places in the country to see these majestic predators in the wild.
Topography
Ranthambore encompasses nearly 152 square miles (392 sq. kms.) of dry
deciduous forest in south western Rajasthan and, in the heart of this
forest, the Aravali and Vindhya ranges meet. The Park, consisting of
numerous valleys and flat-topped hills, is set between the Aravali and
Vindhya ranges. The terrain is rugged and there are rocky ridges, hills and
open valleys with lakes and pools. The river Banas, and its tributary
Kandoli, flow through it.
Vegetation
Ranthambore's royal past manifests itself in the picturesque ruins that dot
the Park. The terrain is made up of massive rock formations, steep scarps,
perennial lakes and streams and forest suddenly opening up into large areas
of savannah. The forest is in fact of a typical tropical dry deciduous type
and the main trees are kardhas, palas, khair, ebony, ber and others. For a
relatively small area, the park has a rich diversity of fauna and flora -
species list includes 300 trees, 50 aquatic plants.
Animal Kingdom
Ranthambore has large numbers of sambar, chital and nilgai. Sounders of
boar and an occasional gazelle the chinkara ca be see, as also the Indian
hare, mongoose and monitor lizards. The lakes and pools at the park are
where the deer congregate and where it is easiest to see the animals. Among
the other local fauna are the leopard, hyena. jackal, jungle cats, slothe
bear and marsh crocodile.
Jacanas, painted stork, black stork, and white necked stork are seen along
the water bodies. Peafowl are found in abundance and other birds include
Bonelli's eagle, crested serpent eagle, the great Indian horned owl, quail,
partridge, spur fowl and the paradise flycatcher.
