About Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR):
- Location: It is located in the Aravalli hills in the Alwar district of Rajasthan
- This area was a hunting preserve of the erstwhile Alwar state.
- It was declared as a wildlife reserve in 1955 and then a Tiger Reserve in 1978 under Project Tiger.
- It is the first reserve in the world which successfully relocated tigers.
- Sariska is also famous for old temples, palaces and lakes such as Pandu Pol, Bhangarh Fort, Ajaibgarh, Pratapgarh, Siliserh Lake and Jai Samand Lake.
- Topography: Grasslands, dry deciduous forests, cliffs, and rocky landscapes.
- Flora: salar, kadaya, dhak, gol, ber , Banyan , gugal , bamboo , kair , adusta etc
- Fauna: Bengal tigers, leopard, jungle cat, Indian jackal, chital, chinkara, four-horned antelope, Indian peafowl, grey partridge, Indian peafowl, Indian eagle-owl etc.
Sloth Bear:
- Sloth bears are one of the eight bear species found across the world.
- Scientific name: Melursus ursinus
- Distribution: They mainly inhabit the region of India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bhutan.
- Features:
- They have long, shaggy dark brown or black fur and curved claws, which are the longest out of any of the bear species.
- It feeds on fruits, ants and termites.
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN: “Vulnerable”
- Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule 1
