Sariska Tiger Reserve

In Context

• A massive fire has broken out in the Sariska Tiger Reserve and Air Force helicopters equipped with water sprays are battling to bring it under control.

About Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR)

• It represents a tiger habitat spread over the world’s oldest mountain range- the Aravallis. 
• It is situated in Alwar ,Rajasthan. 
• It is a resilient ecosystem with a high prey density, and has the unique distinction of successfully  reintroducing the tiger after its local extinction
• It contains mountains, grasslands, dry deciduous forests and cliffs which span over 800 square kilometres. 
• Flora and Fauna:
  • Currently home to numerous animals apart from tigers, the reserve showcases nature in its best form. 
    • Animals like jungle cats, rhesus macaque, sambhar, chital, wild boar, etc., are found here. 
    • Sariska also holds a variety of bird species including some winter migrants. It has a very high density of peafowl as well as grey francolin.
  • The vegetation of Sariska corresponds to Northern tropical dry deciduous forests and Northern Tropical Thorn forest 
    • Anogeissus pendula is the dominant tree species covering over 40 per cent area of the forest. 

Source:IE