Tigress in Rajasthan Reserves

• Recently a decision was taken to release one tigress each to Kota’s Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve and Bundi’s Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve in the state of Rajasthan to increase the tiger population in the region and to improve the ecological balance of the area.
• Along with the tigresses, some other wild animals like Gaurs and wild dogs will also be released into the reserve area.

About Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve

• The Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve is located in Rajasthan’s Kota district and has an area of 759.99 km2.
• It was established in 2004 and comprises three wildlife sanctuaries: Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary, National Chambal Sanctuary, and Jawahar Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary.
• The reserve is located in the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests and has a rugged and hilly terrain dominated by Dhok (Anogeissus pendula) trees.
• It is an important ecological zone for wildlife, including tigers, leopards, chinkaras, and crocodiles.

About Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve

• The Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve is situated in the southeastern part of the state in Bundi district.
• It represents both Vindhyan and Aaravalli elements and is in continuation with the buffer area of Ranthambore tiger reserve in the northeastern side and Mukundara Hills tiger reserve in the southern side.
• The Mez, a tributary of the Chambal river, passes through the tiger reserve.
• The terrain is mostly rugged and hilly, and it is part of the ‘Semi-arid’ Zone of India.
• The habitat is dominated by Dhok (Anogeissus pendula) trees.