Rajaji Tiger Reserve, Location, Flora and Fauna

Context: A young male tiger that left Rajaji Tiger Reserve in November 2022 was later found at Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh after passing through Haryana’s Kalesar National Park.It was recently seen by the Army patrol party near the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri, Jammu.

About Rajaji Tiger Reserve

• It is spread over 3 districts (Dehradun, Haridwar, Pauri Garhwal) of Uttarakhand.
• It is situated along the hills and foothills of the Shiwalik ranges.
• In 1983 Rajaji Wildlife Sanctuary was merged with Motichur and Chilla Wildlife Sanctuaries to create Rajaji National Park.
• Rivers: Ganga & its tributary Song flow through the reserve.

• It has an elephant corridor (Chilla-Motichur) which facilitates the movement of elephants between Rajaji and Corbett National Park.
• Flora: Covered with diverse forest types ranging from semi-evergreen to deciduous.
• Fauna: Tiger, Asian Elephants, Leopard, Jungle cat, Himalayan Black Bear, Sloth Bear, Striped Hyena, Goral etc. Large numbers of butterflies and small birds are also observed.

Key Highlights of Rajaji Tiger Reserve

• Wildlife: The reserve is home to Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and over 300 species of birds, making it a biodiversity hotspot.
• Terrain: It features a mix of dense forests, grasslands, and riverine vegetation, offering breathtaking landscapes.
• Activities: Visitors can enjoy jungle safaris, birdwatching, and nature trails. The Ganga River flowing through parts of the reserve adds to its charm.
• Accessibility: It is easily accessible from Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers.

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