Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Current Context : Rajasthan is set to have sixth tiger reserve in the state soon.

• The state government has formed an 11-member expert committee to finalise the boundaries of the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary,
• Currently, The five tiger reserves in Rajasthan are at Sariska, Ranthambore, Mukundara Hills, Ramgarh Visdhari and Dholpur-Karauli

ABOUT KUMBHALGARH WILDLIFE SANCTUARY 

• Situated in Rajsamand district, Rajasthan.
• Surrounds the Kumbhalgarh Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Kumbhalgarh was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1971 under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• The proposed tiger reserve will be spread over around 2,800 sq km.
• Lies in the Aravalli Range with rugged terrain, hills, valleys, and dry deciduous forests.
• Flora: Dominated by dry deciduous forests and species include : Dhok, Salar, Khair, Mahua, and Ber.

FAUNA:

• Mammals: Indian leopard, sloth bear, Indian wolf, hyena, sambar, nilgai, chinkara.
• Birds: Over 200 species including peacocks, grey junglefowl, white-breasted kingfisher, and eagles.
• Reptiles: Various snakes, lizards, and turtles.