Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR)

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