About Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve (MHTR):
- The Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve, also known as the Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary, is spread across 4 districts – Bundi, Kota, Jhalawar & Chittorgarh in Rajasthan.
- It is situated in a valley formed by two parallel mountains, viz. Mukundra and Gargola.
- It encompasses the area of Mukandra National Park, Darrah Sanctuary, Jawahar Sagar Sanctuary, and part of Chambal Sanctuary (from Garadia Mahadev to Jawahar Sagar Dam), forming its core/critical tiger habitat.
- It is strategically located between Ranthambore and Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park, making it a vital corridor for tiger movement.
- This tiger reserve was once a hunting preserve belonging to the Maharaja of Kota.
- River: It is located on the eastern bank of the Chambal River and is drained by its tributaries.
- Vegetation: Dry Deciduous Forest
- Flora: Kala Dhok, or Kaladhi, is the predominant species, along with Khair, Ber, Kakan, Raunj, etc.
- Fauna:
- The important fauna includes Leopard, Sloth bear, Nilgai, Chinkara, Spotted Deer, Small Indian Civet, Toddy Cat, Jackal, Hyena, Jungle Cat, Common Langur, etc.
- The common reptiles and amphibians are Pythons, Rat Snake, Buff-striped keelbacks, Green keelback, crocodiles, Gharial, Otter, and Turtles.
