NEW DELHI: On Monday, Bhupender Yadav, Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India announced that the Ramgarh Vishdhari Sanctuary, Rajasthan, is designated as India’s 52nd tiger reserve. This is Rajasthan’s fourth tiger reserve after Ranthambore, Sariska and Mukundra.
Yadav announced on twitter saying, “Pleased to note Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve has been notified today. The 52nd reserve of India will conserve biodiversity and bring in ecotourism and development to the area. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are committed to preserving our wildlife.” According to him, the tiger habitat between Ranthambore Tiger Reserve in northeast region of the state and Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve in south is included in the newly constituted tiger reserve, which supports tigers’ spreading from Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.
The floristic diversity of this new tiger reserve makes it an important area for research and education. Historic and cultural sites like Bhimlat, and Ramgarh palace would encourage eco tourism and provide employment opportunities to local communities, Yadav added. Wild animals like Indian wolf, leopard, striped hyena, sloth bear, golden jackal, chinkara, nilgai and fox can be seen in the Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve.
On July 5 last year, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) gave in-principle clearance to turn Ramgarh Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary and neighbouring regions into tiger reserves. According to “Status of Tigers in India” report released in 2019, there are 2,967 tigers in 20 states across the country.