Critical Tiger Habitats and Sariska Tiger Reserve

The recent Supreme Court order to shut down 68 mines within a 1- kilometre radius of the critical tiger habitat (CTH) of the Sariska reserve highlights the need to protect these vital zones for tiger conservation.

Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH):-

1. Identification:  CTHs, also known as core areas of tiger reserves, are designated under the Wild Life Protection Act (WLPA), 1972.
2. Purpose: These habitats are identified based on scientific evidence and are considered essential for tiger conservation without affecting the rights of Scheduled Tribes or other forest dwellers.
3. Notification: State governments, in consultation with expert committees, notify CTHs.

Sariska Tiger Reserve: -

1. Location: Located in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, Sariska Tiger Reserve is situated amidst the majestic Aravalli Hills.
2. Relocation Achievement: It holds the distinction of being the first reserve globally to successfully relocate tigers.
3. Cultural and Natural Treasures: Beyond its ecological significance, Sariska is renowned for its old temples and palaces and picturesque lakes, such as Pandu Pol, Bhangarh Fort, Ajabgarh, and Siliserh Lake.
4. Topography and Vegetation: The reserve has a unique rocky landscape with scrub thorn arid forests, hilly cliffs, and semi deciduous wood. Its vegetation corresponds to Northern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests and Northern Tropical Thorn Forest.
5. Flora: The reserve is home to a diverse range of tree species, including Dhok trees, salar, kadaya, gol, ber, Banyan, and bamboo, among others.
6. Fauna: Apart from tigers, Sariska has a rich range of other wildlife including leopard, sambar, chital and nilgai.

Tiger Reserves: A Haven for Striped Big Cats: -

1. Legal Status: Tiger Reserves are legally declared protected areas dedicated to the conservation of tigers.
2. Types: Tiger reserves can be national parks or wildlife sanctuaries, with the Sariska Tiger Reserve serving as an example of a national park that is also a tiger reserve.

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