About Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (RTR):
- It lies on the junction of Aravalis and Vindhyan ranges just 14 Kilometers from Sawai Madhopur district in Eastern Rajasthan.
- It is one of the largest tiger reserves in northern India and spreads over an area of 1411 sq. km.
- It was once a royal hunting ground for the Maharajas of Jaipur.
- The scenery changes significantly from the gentle and steep slopes of the Vindhyas to the sharp and conical hills of the Aravali valley.
- The Rivers Chambal in the south and the Banas River in the north bound the tiger reserve.
- The reserve is dotted with steep rocky hills, and the dominant architecture of Ranthambor Fort(built in the 10th era and a UNESCO World Heritage Site) adds to its landscape.
- A major environmental feature is the 'Great Boundary Fault’ where the Vindhyas plateau meets the Aravali range.
- There are several lakes in the reserve known as Padam Talab, Raj Bagh Talab, and Malik Talab.
- Vegetation: Tropical dry deciduous and tropical thorn type.
- Flora: Pure sands of Dhok tree (Anogeissus pendula) interspersed with grasslands at the plateaus; meadows in valleys and luxuriant foliage around the canals make the jungle.
- Fauna:
- The tiger is the main predator, along with Leopard.
- It is also home to wild boar, sloth bear, striped hyena, rhesus macaque, southern plains grey langur, 250 avifaunal species, and many more.
