Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve

About Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve:

• Location: Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve, popularly known as Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary, is spread across 4 districts– Bundi, Kota, Jhalawar, and Chittorgarh in Rajasthan.
• The park is situated in a valley formed by two parallel mountains,  Mukundra and Gargola.
• The tiger reserve was constituted in the year 2013,s which encompasses the area of Mukandra National Park, Dara Sanctuary, Jawahar Sagar Sanctuary, and part of Chambal Sanctuary.
• It 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 (Anogeissus pendula) is the predominant species, along with Khair, Ber, Kakan, Raunj, etc.
  • On higher slopes, Anogeissus pendula is replaced by Anogeissus latifolia, along with Bel, Salar, Uum, and Shisham.
• 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.