On October 31, an expert committee submitted a report to the state government recommending the designation of Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary as the sixth tiger reserve in Rajasthan. This initiative follows the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)'s approval in August 2023.

Formation of Expert Committee

The NTCA formed a 10-member expert committee to advance the tiger reserve initiative. Chaired by S.R. Venkateshwar Murthy, the Chief Wildlife Conservator (Wildlife) of Udaipur, the committee included representatives from the Forest Department and selected areas from Udaipur, Rajasthan, Bhilwara, Pali, and Sirohi for the reserve.

Core and Buffer Areas Defined

The core area of the proposed Kumbhalgarh Tiger Reserve spans three districts: Rajsamand, Pali, and Udaipur. The buffer area includes land from Bhilwara and Sirohi, incorporating regions such as Kumbhalgarh, Jhilwara, Desuri, Nathdwara, and parts of Sayra and Devla.

Rich Habitat for Tigers

The area is known for its dense forests and provides an excellent habitat for tigers, particularly in the Sadar, Desuri, and Ranakpur regions. Efforts are underway to enhance grasslands within the reserve to support the movement of chital and sambhar deer.

Wildlife Population

According to the Forest Department, Kumbhalgarh boasts a high number of herbivorous wildlife. A 2024 report indicates over 15,000 wildlife species in the area, with 8,690 herbivorous animals, including chital, sambhar, nilgai, and wild boars. The Rawli and Todgarh areas also contribute significantly to the herbivorous wildlife count.

Future Plans for Tiger Relocation

DFO Sudarshan Sharma mentioned that if the report receives approval, it will be appropriate to shift tigers during the winter season, as per NTCA guidelines. Following approval, four tigers could be released into the sanctuary by December 2025. They will remain under Forest Department observation for about two years before any further actions are taken.

Source: Media Reports