Many important steps have been taken towards the conservation of tigers in India, of which the story of Sariska Tiger Reserve is the most interesting and inspiring. This reserve is located in Alwar district of Rajasthan and there was a time when the number of tigers here became zero. But now in a few years, Sariska has once again become a paradise for tigers. The story is of struggle, reconstruction and efforts for the preservation of tigers, in which this reserve was revived with the help of government initiative, conservation plans and local people. Let us know how the Sariska Tiger Reserve recovered from the 2004 crisis and now provided a safe hideout for tigers.
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Historical importance of Sariska Tiger Reserve
The history of Sariska Tiger Reserve is very rich and interesting. The reserve was established in 1955 and in 1978 it was included under the ‘Project Tiger’, which was aimed at stopping the decreasing tigers. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 866 square kilometers, which is located in the dry forest area of the Aravalli ranges. This sanctuary is home to amazing variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, cheetahs, sambar, nilgai, wild boar, chital and many rare species of birds.
2004 crisis: Tiger population decrease
The worst time of Sariska Tiger Reserve came in 2004. At the end of this year, it was found that all the tigers of the reserve had been hunted. Hearing this news, not only conservation experts but also environmentalists were surprised. The tigers here were hunted by local smugglers and hunters and became a major environmental crisis. The absence of tigers in Sariska created a wave of concern across the country. The condition of tigers had become so serious that it made the government and other concerned agencies accountable. The Rajasthan government took strict action and took the issue seriously. Important steps taken in 2005: Red Alert and Conservation Plans
After 2004, the government declared a red alert against hunting and wildlife emergency. Also, new steps were taken to conserve tigers in Sariska Tiger Reserve. The tiger hunting situation was raised internationally and plans to rehabilitate tigers. By this time, there was a need to take serious steps to protect the biodiversity of Sariska.
Transfer of tigers in 2008
A historic initiative was initiated in 2008 to bring tigers to Sariska again. The Rajasthan government planned to transfer tigers from Ranthambore National Park to Sariska under ‘Project Tiger’. This was the first attempt in the world, in which tigers were successfully transferred from one tiger sanctuary to another. In this rehabilitation program, 1 tiger and 2 tigers were sent to Sariska in the first phase. These tigers were brought here and taken care of. As time passed, these tigers started spreading in the forests of Sariska and in a few years the number of tigers started increasing here.
Born in 2012-2013 cubs: increase in tiger number
After the transfer of tigers in 2008, the Sariska Tiger Reserve saw an improvement in the condition of tigers. The first cubs were born in Sariska in 2012. After this, cubs were born in 2013 and gradually the number of tigers began to increase. The number of tigers in Sariska is now to 33, including 11 adult tigers, 14 adult tigers and 8 cubs. It is considered a major success towards tiger conservation and Sariska Tiger Reserve has now become an ideal home for tigers once again.
Amazing biodiversity of Sariska Tiger Reserve
Sariska Tiger Reserve is not only famous for tigers, but the vegetation and other wildlife here are also unique. Different types of trees and plants like Dhok, Khair, Ber and Palash are found in the dry deciduous forests here. Apart from this, it is also a paradise for reserve bird lovers, as many species of rare birds are found here, such as painted storc, gul, green be-eater and others. Leopards, leopards, sambar, nilgai, wild boar, bears and other animals are also found here. This reserve provides suitable housing for wildlife and gives tourists a wonderful experience.
Safari and Tourism in Sariska
Safari is organized for tourists in Sariska Tiger Reserve, in which the facility of jeep and canter safari is available. The experience of safari here gives you a chance to see wildlife closely, especially it is exciting to see tigers roaming in their natural habitat. Sariska is considered to be the best winter time for tourists, when the weather is pleasant and more likely to see tigers. Apart from this, safari can also be enjoyed here in summer, because tigers are seen near water sources at this time.
conclusion
Today Sariska Tiger Reserve has become one of the most important and successful tiger reserves in India. Recovering from the 2004 crisis, this reserve presents a great example in tiger conservation. The number of tigers here has increased to 33 and it has once again become a paradise for tigers. The hard work and efforts of the Government of India, Wildlife Protection Organizations and local people are behind this success. Now Sariska Tiger Reserve has developed as a major tourist destination, where tourists can not only see tigers, but can also enjoy its amazing wildlife and natural beauty.