Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, Location, Map, Tiger Population

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is located in Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan. Know all about Ranthambore Tiger Reserve Location, Map, Tiger Population, Flora, Fauna & its Significance for UPSC exam.

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Ranthambore Tiger Reserve

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is located in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, India. It is situated at the junction of the Aravalli and Vindhya hill ranges and covers an area of approximately 1,334 square kilometres. Ranthambore Tiger Reserve was established as the Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary in 1955 and was later declared a national park in 1980. It was declared a Tiger Reserves in India under Project Tiger in 1973, and today it is one of the largest and most renowned tiger reserves in India.

As per the latest tiger census conducted in 2018, the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is estimated to have a population of around 71 tigers, making it one of the most important tiger habitats in the country. The reserve is also home to a variety of other wildlife species such as leopards, hyenas, sloth bears, sambar deer, and many others.

Read about: Satkosia Tiger Reserve

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve Location

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is primarily characterized by its rugged terrain, which comprises a mix of hills, plateaus, and valleys. The reserve is situated at the junction of the Aravalli and Vindhya hill ranges, which offer stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape.

The reserve is dotted with several natural and man-made lakes, which are a crucial source of water for the wildlife that inhabits the region. The most prominent of these lakes are the Padam Talao, Raj Bagh Talao, and Malik Talao.

There are no significant rivers or waterfalls within the reserve, but the Banas River flows through the nearby district of Sawai Madhopur and is an important tributary of the Chambal River. The river provides a vital source of water for the region and supports a rich ecosystem of flora and fauna.

Read about: Melghat Tiger Reserve

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve Map

Here is a map of the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve given below for a better understanding:

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve Fauna

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is home to a diverse range of wildlife including predators, herbivores, reptiles, and birds. Many of these species are endemic to the Indian subcontinent and can only be found in a few select locations. Here is a list of some of the top fauna species found here.

Important Species	Scientific Name	Interesting Facts
Bengal Tiger	Panthera tigris tigris	Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is known for its high density of Bengal tigers and is one of the best places in India to observe these majestic animals in their natural habitat.
Leopard	Panthera pardus	Leopards are also found in Ranthambore, but are more elusive than tigers and are generally harder to spot.
Sloth Bear	Melursus ursinus	The sloth bear is a rare and endangered species that are found in small numbers in Ranthambore.
Indian Striped Hyena	Hyaena hyaena	The Indian striped hyena is another elusive species that is found in the reserve.
Mugger Crocodile	Crocodylus palustris	The mugger crocodile is one of two crocodile species found in Ranthambore and is often seen basking on the banks of the reserve’s lakes.
Indian Python	Python molurus	The Indian python is one of the largest snake species found in the reserve and is often seen coiled up in the trees.
Indian Gazelle	Gazella bennettii	Also known as the Chinkara, the Indian Gazelle is a beautiful and graceful antelope species found in Ranthambore.
Indian Wild Dog	Cuon alpinus	The Indian wild dog, also known as the dhole, is a highly social and intelligent predator that is found in small numbers in reserves.
Indian Pangolin	Manis crassicaudata	The Indian pangolin is a critically endangered species that is hunted for its meat and scales, which are used in traditional medicine.
Indian Muntjac	Muntiacus muntjak	The Indian muntjac, also known as the barking deer, is a small deer species found in a reserve.

Read about: Ranipur Tiger Reserve

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve Flora

The flora of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is characterized by tropical dry deciduous forests, thorn forests, grasslands, and rocky terrain. The vegetation supports a diverse range of wildlife and is of great ecological and cultural significance. Some of the most important species found here include:

Important Species	Scientific Name	Interesting Facts
Dhok	Anogeissus pendula	Dhok is the dominant tree species in Ranthambore and is well adapted to the dry, arid conditions of the region. It is an important source of fodder for herbivores like spotted deer and sambar.
Khajur	Phoenix sylvestris	Khajur, also known as the wild date palm, is a common tree species found in the reserve. It provides important food and nesting sites for several bird species.
Banyan	Ficus benghalensis	Banyan trees are iconic features of the Indian landscape and can be found throughout Ranthambore. They are known for their aerial roots, which can grow down into the ground and form new trunks.
Peepal	Ficus religiosa	Peepal trees are considered sacred in Hinduism and are often found growing near temples and other religious sites. They provide important habitats and food for a variety of bird and insect species.
Mango	Mangifera indica	Mango trees are found throughout the reserve and provide important food and nesting sites for several bird species. They are also an important fruit crop in the region.
Ber	Ziziphus mauritiana	Ber, also known as the Indian jujube, is a small tree species that are found in reserve. Its fruit is a popular food source for several bird and mammal species.
Kadam	Neolamarckia cadamba	Kadam is a fast-growing tree species that are found in the reserve’s wetter areas. Its flowers are an important source of nectar for several insect species.
Palash	Butea monosperma	Palash, also known as the flame of the forest, is a tree species that is famous for its bright red flowers. It is an important source of food for several herbivore species.

Read about: Periyar Tiger Reserve

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve Tourism

The best time to visit Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is from October to April when the weather is pleasant and the chances of spotting wildlife are higher. The nearest airport is Jaipur Airport, which is about 160 km away, and the nearest railway station is Sawai Madhopur, which is about 11 km away. Tourists can expect to go on safaris to spot tigers and other wildlife, and can also explore the nearby Ranthambore Fort and the town of Sawai Madhopur. Other nearby tourist attractions include Jaipur city, Pushkar, and Ajmer Sharif Dargah.

Read about: Sariska Tiger Reserve

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve UPSC

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is an important topic for UPSC as it falls under the UPSC Syllabus of Environmental Ecology and Biodiversity. The reserve’s significance lies in the fact that it is one of the few remaining habitats of the endangered Bengal Tiger, and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Studying Ranthambore Tiger Reserve can provide important insights into wildlife conservation, forest management, and sustainable development. Aspirants preparing for the UPSC exam can benefit from StudyIQ UPSC Online Coaching and UPSC Mock Test, which offer comprehensive coverage of the topic and help candidates prepare for the exam.

Read about: Valmiki Tiger Reserve

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve FAQs