Kumbhalgarh-Todgarh Raoli Sanctuary

Background: 

• The Union government and National Tiger Conservation Authority in 2023 gave in-principal approval for designating Kumbhalgarh-Todgarh Raoli sanctuaries as a tiger reserve.
• It is proposed to span around 1,397 square kilometres across the Rajsamand, Udaipur, Pali, Ajmer and Sirohi districts of Rajasthan.

About Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Location: It is situated in the Rajsamand district of Rajasthan. 
• Covering a total surface area of 578 sq km and stretching across the Aravalli ranges, it encircles parts of Udaipur, Rajsamand and Pali districts. 
• Once the hunting grounds of royals, this area was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1971.
• The wildlife sanctuary encompasses the historic Kumbhalgarh Fort and is also named after the fort.
• Rivers:

• River Banas also graces the sanctuary and is the primary source of water. 
• The rainwater on the western slopes flows as small rivers such as Sukdi, Mithdi, Sumer and Kot, all of which are the tributaries of River Luni that ultimately merge into the Arabian Sea.

• Flora:

• Many types of flora are found here, mainly a variety of herbal flora like Dhok, Salar and Khair.

• Fauna:

• It provides a suitable habitat for endangered and rare wild animals, including four-horned antelope, sambar, wild boar, nilgai, sloth bear, leopard and caracal. 

About Todgarh Raoli Sanctuary

• It spans approximately 495 square kilometers across the districts of Ajmer, Pali and Rajsamand.
• It has been named after Colonel James Tod, a British officer who chronicled Rajasthan’s history.
• It was established in 1983.
• The sanctuary encompasses the ancient Raoli forest, home to numerous indigenous tribes.
• Flora: It is characterized by dry deciduous forests, with prominent species such as teak, bamboo, and dhok trees. The forest canopy is interspersed with flowering plants like kachnar (Bauhinia variegata), palash (Butea monosperma) and the vibrant flame of the forest, which add a splash of color to the greenery, especially during the blooming season.
• Fauna: It is a crucial habitat for several species, including the elusive leopard, sloth bear, and sambar deer. Birdwatchers can delight in the sight of over 200 bird species, including the grey junglefowl, Indian pitta and crested serpent eagle.