Context:
The Uttarakhand government recently decided to establish Rajaji Tiger Reserve Conservation Foundation to accelerate the ecological, economic, social, and cultural development of the landscapes in and around the reserve.
Relevance:
GS III: Environment and Ecology
About Rajaji Tiger Reserve:
Rajaji Tiger Reserve, formerly known as Rajaji National Park, is a significant wildlife reserve located in the Shivalik range of the Himalayas, covering an extensive area of approximately 820 square kilometers. Here are some key details about Rajaji Tiger Reserve:
Location:
- Situated in the Shivalik range of the Himalayas.
- Spreads across three districts of Uttarakhand: Haridwar, Dehradun, and Pauri Garhwal.
Historical Background:
- Established in 1983 by merging three sanctuaries: Rajaji Sanctuary and National Park (established in 1948), Motichur Sanctuary (established in 1964), and Chilla Sanctuary (established in 1977).
- Renamed as Rajaji Tiger Reserve on 20 April 2015, in honor of the prominent freedom fighter C. Rajagopalachari, commonly known as “Rajaji.”
Notable Features:
- Renowned for its thriving elephant population, with approximately 600 elephants residing within the reserve.
- Geographically located in a transition zone between the temperate western Himalaya and central Himalaya, contributing to a diverse range of species.
- Encompasses a variety of vegetation, including semi-evergreen, deciduous, mixed broad-leaved, and Terai grassland, categorized as the Indus-Ganges Monsoon Forest type.
Flora:
- Dominated by towering Sal trees (Shorea Robusta) in many areas.
- Other prominent plant species found in the reserve include Rohini, Palash, Shisham, Sandan, Khair, Arjun, Baans, Semul, Chamaror, among others.
Fauna:
- Home to a substantial population of Tigers and Asian Elephants.
- Houses a diverse range of wildlife, including Leopards, Jungle Cats, Himalayan Black Bears, Sloth Bears, Striped Hyenas, Gorals, Sambars, Wild Pigs, Spotted Deer, and Barking Deer, to name a few.
- Rajaji Tiger Reserve stands as a vital wildlife conservation area in the Himalayan region, known for its rich biodiversity and remarkable natural beauty.
-Source: The Hindu
