New Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh | 30 Sep 2022
Why in News?
Recently, Uttar Pradesh (UP) approved the notification of the state’s fourth tiger reserve in the Ranipur Wildlife Sanctuary (RWS) in Chitrakoot district.
- This will be the 53rd Tiger Reserve in India.
- A Ranipur Tiger Conservation Foundation will also be established for the protection and conservation of tigers in the region.
What are the Key Highlights about Ranipur Wildlife Sanctuary (RWS)?
- About:
- RWS founded in 1977, has no resident tiger. However, it is an important corridor for the movement of tigers, according to the Status of tigers, co-predators and prey in India report by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
- The Ranipur Tiger Reserve will be the fourth in UP.
- It will also be the first in the Bundelkhand region of the state.
- Flora:
- There is dry deciduous forest of Bamboo, Palash, Khair, Mahua, Dhau, Saal, Tendu, etc.
- Fauna:
- Other Tiger Reserves in UP:
- Dudhwa National Park
- Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
- Amangarh Tiger Reserve
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Q. Which one of the following protected areas is wellknown for the conservation of a sub-species of the Indian swamp deer (Barasingha) that thrives well on hard ground and is exclusively graminivorous? (2020)
(a) Kanha National Park
(b) Manas National Park
(c) Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
(d) Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary
Ans: (a)
Exp:
- Hard ground swamp deer or Barasingha (Rucervus duvaucelii), the state animal of Madhya Pradesh, is seeing a revival in the Kanha National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR).
- Swamp Deer was close to extinction in the Kanha National Park. However, with the conservation efforts, the population currently numbers around 800.
- The deer is endemic to the Kanha National Park and Tiger Reserve on the Maikal Range of Satpura Hills. Measures like captive breeding and habitat improvement were used.
- Therefore, option A is the correct answer.