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{{Short description|Protected area in India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2018}}
{{redirect|Sariska|the racehorse|Sariska (horse)}}
{{Refimprove section|date=May 2019}}
{{Infobox protected area
| name = Sariska Tiger Reserve
| alt_name =
| iucn_category = IV
| photo =Sariska_Tiger_Reserve,_Alwar.jpg
| photo_alt =
| photo_caption =Jungle in Sariska Tiger Reserve
| photo_width =
| map = India Rajasthan
| map_alt =
| map_caption =
| map_width =
| relief = y
| location = [[Alwar District]], [[Rajasthan]], [[India]]
| nearest_city = [[Alwar]]
| coordinates = {{coord|27|19|3|N|76|26|13|E|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| coords_ref =
| area_km2 = 881
| established = 1992
| visitation_num =
| visitation_year =
| governing_body =Government of Rajasthan
| world_heritage_site =
}}
'''Sariska Tiger Reserve''' is a [[tiger reserve]] in [[Alwar district]], [[Rajasthan]], [[India]]. It stretches over an area of {{convert|881|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} comprising scrub-thorn [[arid forest]]s, [[dry deciduous forest]]s, grasslands, and rocky hills. This area was a hunting preserve of the [[Alwar]] state and was declared a wildlife reserve in 1955. It was given the status of a tiger reserve making it a part of India's [[Project Tiger]] in 1978. The wildlife sanctuary was declared a national park in 1990, with a total area of about {{convert|273.8|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sariska National Park – complete detail – updated|url=http://natureconservation.in/sariska-national-park-complete-detail-updated/|access-date=7 February 2017}}</ref> It is the first reserve in the world with successfully relocated tigers. It is an important biodiversity area in the [[Aravalli_Range#Northern_Aravalli_leopard_and_wildlife_corridor|Northern Aravalli leopard and wildlife corridor]].

The park is situated {{convert|106|km|mi|abbr=on}} away from [[Hindaun]], {{convert|107|km|mi|abbr=on}} from [[Jaipur]] and {{convert|200|km|mi|abbr=on}} from [[Delhi]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rajasthantourism.gov.in/attractions/wild_life/Sariska.htm|title=Sariska National Park, Sariska Tiger Reserve|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070608060808/http://www.rajasthantourism.gov.in/attractions/wild_life/Sariska.htm|archive-date=2007-06-08}}</ref> It is a part of the [[Aravalli Range]] and the [[Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests]] [[ecoregion]].<ref name="WWF, SA: NI">{{WWF ecoregion |id=im0206 |name=Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests|access-date=2017-01-29}}</ref> It is rich in mineral resources, such as [[copper]]. In spite of the [[Supreme Court of India|Supreme Court]]'s 1991 ban on mining in the area, [[marble]] mining continues to threaten the environment.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-10-13/jaipur/28227927_1_illegal-mining-mine-owners-jamwa-ramgarh |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103185018/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-10-13/jaipur/28227927_1_illegal-mining-mine-owners-jamwa-ramgarh |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-11-03 |title=Illegal mining threatens Sariska |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |date= 2010 |access-date=2011-10-06}}</ref>

==General information==
[[File:Water body within the Sariska Reserve, Rajasthan.jpg|thumb|Water body within the Sariska Reserve, Rajasthan.]]
*Area: {{convert|881|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}}
*Elevation: between {{convert|300|and|722|m|abbr=on}}
*Rainfall: average {{convert|700|mm|abbr=on}} per year<ref name=Mondal2011/>
*Forest types: tropical, dry, deciduous, and tropical thorn

==Flora==
The dominant tree in the forests is dhok (''[[Anogeissus]] pendula''). Other trees include the salar (''[[Boswellia serrata]]''), kadaya ([[Sterculia]] urens), dhak (''[[Butea monosperma]]''), gol (''[[Lannea coromandelica]]''), ber (''[[Ziziphus mauritiana]]'') and khair (''[[Acacia catechu]]''). Bargad (''[[Ficus benghalensis]]''), arjun (''[[Terminalia arjuna]]''), gugal (''[[Commiphora wightii]]'') or [[bamboo]]. Shrubs are numerous, such as kair (''[[Capparis decidua]]''), adusta (''[[Justicia adhatoda|Adhatoda vesica]]'') and jhar ber (''[[Ziziphus nummularia]]'').<ref>{{cite journal |title=Medicinal Plants of Sariska Tiger Reserve (Rajasthan) India |author1=Dashahre, A.K. |author2=Navaneethan, B. |author3=Bhutt, P. |author4=Mahato, S. |journal=Journal of Medicinal Plants and Studies |volume=2 |issue=2 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265379892}}</ref>

==Wildlife==
Apart from the [[Bengal tiger]], the reserve harbours many [[wildlife]] species including [[Indian leopard]], [[jungle cat]], [[caracal]], [[striped hyena]], [[golden jackal]], [[chital]], [[sambar deer]], [[nilgai]], [[wild boar]], [[small Indian civet]], [[Javan mongoose]], [[ruddy mongoose]], [[honey badger]], [[Rhesus macaque]] and [[Northern plains gray langur]] and [[Indian hare]].<ref name=Mondal2011>{{cite journal |last1=Mondal |first1=K. |last2=Gupta |first2=S. |last3=Qureshi |first3=Q. |last4=Sankar |first4=K. |year=2011 |title=Prey selection and food habits of leopard (''Panthera pardus fusca'') in Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan, India |journal=Mammalia |volume=75 |issue= 2|pages=201–205 |doi=10.1515/mamm.2011.011 |s2cid=83984484 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273071627}}</ref>
Bird species present include [[grey partridge]], [[white-throated kingfisher]], [[Indian peafowl]], [[bush quail]], [[sandgrouse]], [[treepie]], [[golden-backed woodpecker]], [[crested serpent eagle]] and the [[Indian eagle-owl]].{{cn|date=November 2019}}

In 2003, 16 tigers lived in the reserve. In 2004, it was reported that no tigers were sighted in the reserve, and that no indirect evidence of tiger presence was found such as pug marks, scratch marks on trees, scats. The Rajasthan Forest Department explained that "the tigers had temporarily migrated outside the reserve and would be back after monsoon season". [[Project Tiger]] staff backed this assumption. In January 2005, it was reported that there were no tigers left in Sariska.<ref>{{cite news |title=Have you seen a tiger at Sariska since June? If yes, you’re the only one |date=2005 |newspaper=[[Indian Express]] |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/res/web/pIe/archive_full_story.php?content_id=63280}} {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929125607/http://www.indianexpress.com/res/web/pIe/archive_full_story.php?content_id=63280 |date=2007-09-29}}</ref>

In July 2008, two tigers from [[Ranthambhore National Park]] were relocated to Sariska Tiger Reserve. Another female tiger was relocated in February 2009.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Sankar |first1=K. |last2=Qureshi |first2=Q. |last3=Nigam |first3=P. |last4=Malik |first4=P. K. |last5=Sinha |first5=P. R. |last6=Mehrotra |first6=R. N. |last7=Gopal |first7=R., Bhattacharjee, S., Mondal, K. and Gupta, S. |year=2010 |title=Monitoring of reintroduced tigers in Sariska Tiger Reserve, Western India: preliminary findings on home range, prey selection and food habits |journal=Tropical Conservation Science |volume=3 |issue=3 |pages=301–318 |doi=10.1177/194008291000300305 |doi-access=free}}</ref>

In 2012, two tiger cubs and their mother were spotted in the reserve bringing the total number of tigers to seven with five adults.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sariska reserve gets tiger number 007 |date=2012 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |first1=R. |last1=Sharma |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-10-01/jaipur/34196784_1_sariska-reserve-second-big-cat-tigress-st-2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019201438/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-10-01/jaipur/34196784_1_sariska-reserve-second-big-cat-tigress-st-2 |url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-10-19|access-date=2017-12-31}}</ref> In July 2014, two more cubs were spotted, so that there were 11 tigers in total.<ref>{{cite news |title=Two tiger cubs spotted in Rajasthan's Sariska Tiger Reserve |url=http://news.biharprabha.com/2014/07/two-tiger-cubs-spotted-in-rajasthans-sariska-tiger-reserve/ |website=Bihar Prabha |access-date=20 July 2014}}</ref>

As of October 2018, there were 18 tigers including five cubs.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/tigress-st-12-gives-birth-to-3-cubs-at-sariska/articleshow/65649721.cms |title=Tigress ST-12 gives birth to 3 cubs at Sariska |work=The Times of India |access-date=2018-10-23}}</ref> By 2020, the tiger population in the reserve has risen to 20.<ref>{{cite news |author=Khati, D. S. |title=How the lockdown impacted our tiger reserves {{!}} Analysis |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/how-the-lockdown-impacted-our-tiger-reserves-analysis/story-tpof0sKjh7kK5oYIQ9ffwO.html |access-date=13 June 2020 |work=Hindustan Times |date=2020}}</ref>

===Relocation efforts===
[[File:The Last Hunter 2.jpg|thumb|Tiger in the Sariska Tiger Reserve. The collar around its neck is used to track and monitor it.]]
In 2005, the [[Government of Rajasthan]], in cooperation with the [[Government of India]] and [[Wildlife Institute of India]], planned the re-introduction of tigers to Sariska and also the relocation of villages.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2005-09-09/india/27846760_1_sariska-reserve-wildlife-institute-ranthambore |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023143337/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2005-09-09/india/27846760_1_sariska-reserve-wildlife-institute-ranthambore |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-10-23 |title=Rajasthan plots return of big cats |date=2005-09-09 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=2011-10-06}}</ref> Plans to construct a bypass were also discussed.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2006-11-27/india/27789284_1_sariska-reserve-wildlife-institute-tigers |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023143346/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2006-11-27/india/27789284_1_sariska-reserve-wildlife-institute-tigers |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-10-23 |title=Sariska on road to recovery, literally |date=2006-11-27 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=2011-10-06}}</ref> It was decided to import one male and two females from [[Ranthambore National Park]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-03-05/flora-fauna/27757165_1_sariska-male-tiger-wildlife-institute |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023143352/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-03-05/flora-fauna/27757165_1_sariska-male-tiger-wildlife-institute |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-10-23 |title=Sariska to get three tigers |date=2008-03-07 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=2011-10-06}}</ref> The Wildlife Institute of India along with the [[Government of Rajasthan]] started tracking the relocated tigers with the help of [[ISRO]]'s [[reconnaissance satellite]]s.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/india-turns-to-spy-technology-to-save-tigers-523033.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090802065045/http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/india-turns-to-spy-technology-to-save-tigers-523033.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 August 2009 |title=India turns to spy technology to save tigers |newspaper=[[The Independent]] |date=2006 |access-date=2011-10-06 |first=J. |last=Huggler}}</ref> The first aerial translocation of the male tiger from Ranthambhore to Sariska was carried out on 28 June 2008 by helicopter.<ref>*{{Cite book |last=Sharma |first=S. |year=2015 |title = Sariska: The Tiger Reserve Roars Again |publisher=Niyogi Books |location=New Delhi |isbn=9789383098712 }}</ref>

Only two of the four villages' experts were actually moved, though the second, Kankwari, was shifted long after the tigers were re-introduced. However, Kankwari fort has been renovated by the state tourism department, which can possibly violate wildlife protection norms.<ref>{{cite web |author=Mazoomdaar, J. |url=http://www.openthemagazine.com/article/nation/now-who-s-crouching |title=Now, Who's Crouching? |website=Open Magazine |access-date=2011-10-06}}</ref> The first relocated village was Bhagani. Also, the diversion of roads crossing the reserve, an issue critical to the survival of its wildlife, continues to be a problem.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-09-04/flora-fauna/27942597_1_sariska-tiger-reserve-core-area-thanagazi |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023143325/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-09-04/flora-fauna/27942597_1_sariska-tiger-reserve-core-area-thanagazi |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-10-23 |title=Sariska Tiger Reserve vetoes road conversion proposal |date=2008 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=2011-10-06}}</ref>

One more tigress was shifted to Sariska from Ranthambhore in February 2009.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/03/06/stories/2009030656230800.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090310085621/http://www.hindu.com/2009/03/06/stories/2009030656230800.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2009-03-10 |title=National : Young tigress at home in Sariska |date=2009 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=2011-10-06}}</ref> On 28 July 2010, another tigress was brought from Ranthambhore National Park. Totaling five tigers — two males and three females — were living in the reserve until November 2010 when the first relocated tiger died<ref>{{cite web|author=Mazoomdaar, J. |url=http://www.openthemagazine.com/article/nation/dispatched-to-die |title=Dispatched to Die |publisher=Open Magazine |access-date=2011-10-06}}</ref> due to poisoning.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.outlookindia.com/item.aspx?703603 |title=Sariska Tiger Was Poisoned: Forensic Report |website=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]] |access-date=2011-10-06}}</ref>

Unfortunately, the first three of the relocated tigers came from one father. Moreover, the first two tigresses have the same mother.<ref>{{cite news |author=Mazoomdaar, J. |url=http://www.openthemagazine.com/article/nation/conservation-the-new-killer |title=Conservation: the New Killer |newspaper=Open Magazine |access-date=2011-10-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/newdelhi/Proved-Siblings-sent-to-mate-in-Sariska/Article1-561269.aspx |title=Proved: Siblings sent to mate in Sariska |newspaper=Hindustan Times |date=2010 |access-date=2011-10-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021231547/http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/newdelhi/Proved-Siblings-sent-to-mate-in-Sariska/Article1-561269.aspx |archive-date=2012-10-21}}</ref>

==Places of interest==
[[File:Sariska Palace.jpg|thumb|Sariska Palace, a former royal hunting lodge]]
*
*[[Kankwadi]] Fort- A 16th-century fort, originally built by [[Jai Singh II]], located near the centre of the park.
*[[Neelkanth temple, Alwar district|Temple of Neelkanth]]
*[[Pandupole|Pandupol Hanumanji Temple]] - Located in the hills in the centre of the reserve is believed to be one of the retreats of the [[Pandava]]. This pilgrimage site causes problems for wildlife, due to heavy traffic.
*[[Sariska Palace]] - Was used as a royal hunting lodge of Maharaja, was associated with the kings of Alwar.
*[[Viratnagar]] - Some ruins of a Buddhist monastery on a hillock called Bijak ki Pahadi that dates back to 3rd century BC.

==See also==
* [[Forests Department, Haryana#Leopards|Leopards of Haryana]]
* [[Arid Forest Research Institute]]
* [[Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Further reading==
* Dang, H. (2005). ''Sariska National Park''. Indus Publishing Company, New Delhi. {{ISBN|81-7387-177-9}}
* Ziddi, S. (1998). ''A guide to the wildlife parks of Rajasthan''. Photo-Eye Publications, Jaipur.

==External links==
{{commons category}}
* [http://www.wpsi-india.org/tiger/sariska.php "Sariska Tiger Reserve"]. Wildlife Protection Society of India. Retrieved 31 December 2017.

{{National Parks of India}}
{{Tiger Reserves Of India}}

[[Category:Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests]]
[[Category:National parks in Rajasthan]]
[[Category:Protected areas established in 1955]]
[[Category:Tiger reserves of India]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Alwar district]]
[[Category:Wildlife sanctuaries in Rajasthan]]
[[Category:1955 establishments in Rajasthan]]

Sariska Tiger Reserve - Revision history

Theodore2940: edit

imported>GreenC bot: Rescued 1 archive link. Wayback Medic 2.5