Daily News Analysis

Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve (MHTR)

stylish_lining

Latest News

The Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve (MHTR) administration in Kota, Rajasthan, recently launched the poster and trailer of the documentary "Enchanting Mukundra" to promote wildlife conservation, ecotourism, and awareness about the reserve's rich biodiversity.

About Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve

  • Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve (MHTR), formerly known as the Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary, is located across the four districts of Bundi, Kota, Jhalawar, and Chittorgarh in Rajasthan.

  • The reserve lies within a scenic valley formed by the parallel Mukundra and Gargola mountain ranges, making it one of the state's important protected landscapes.

  • The reserve comprises Mukundra National Park, Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary, Jawahar Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, and a part of the National Chambal Sanctuary extending from Garadia Mahadev to Jawahar Sagar Dam, which together form its core (critical) tiger habitat.

  • Historically, the area served as the royal hunting reserve of the Maharaja of Kota before being transformed into a protected wildlife area.

Geographical Features

The reserve is situated along the eastern bank of the Chambal River and is drained by several of its tributaries. Its strategic location between Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (Rajasthan) and Kuno National Park (Madhya Pradesh) makes it an important wildlife corridor, facilitating the movement and genetic exchange of tigers between these protected areas.

Vegetation

Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve is characterized by Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests. The vegetation is dominated by Kala Dhok (Kaladhi), accompanied by species such as Khair, Ber, Kakan, and Raunj, which provide suitable habitat and food for a wide variety of wildlife.

Faunal Diversity

The reserve supports diverse wildlife, including Leopard, Sloth Bear, Nilgai, Chinkara, Spotted Deer, Small Indian Civet, Toddy Cat (Palm Civet), Jackal, Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat, and Common Langur.

Its riverine ecosystem also sustains several reptiles and aquatic species, including Python, Rat Snake, Buff-striped Keelback, Green Keelback, Mugger Crocodile, Gharial, Otter, and various species of freshwater turtles, highlighting the ecological importance of the Chambal River.

Significance

Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve is a crucial component of Rajasthan's tiger conservation landscape. Its role as a corridor linking Ranthambore and Kuno, combined with its rich biodiversity and unique riverine ecosystem, makes it vital for tiger conservation, wildlife connectivity, ecological balance, and the promotion of sustainable ecotourism in central India.


 


 

Rising Household Debt in India

India is witnessing a significant rise in household debt, while net financial savings have declined from their pandemic-era highs. This trend raises concerns about the sustainability of credit-dri
Share It

Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP)

Why in the News? World Maritime Day 2026 was observed on 24 September 2026 under the theme “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.” The theme highlights the importan
Share It

India’s Shift Towards Deterrence by Punishment

​Why in News? At DefCon 2026, India’s Defence Minister outlined a shift in the country’s national security doctrine. He cautioned against the “perimeter fallacy” and h
Share It

Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2026

Why in News? The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) organised Swachh Vayu Diwas 2026 on the occasion of the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, observed annu
Share It

Decentralised Grain Storage Plan in the Cooperative Sector

Why in News? The Decentralised Grain Storage Plan in the Cooperative Sector has gained attention because of its progress in expanding local-level grain storage capacity and strengthening agricu
Share It

Geothermal Energy in India

Why in News? The Government of India’s push for geothermal energy development has brought renewed attention to India’s geothermal potential. This follows the notification of the Nat
Share It

National Medical Commission (NMC)

Why in News? The National Medical Commission (NMC) recently proposed a Unique Identification (UID) system for doctors, which would allow doctors to practise across India without requiring separ
Share It

India–Belgium Relations

Why in News? The Belgian Prime Minister’s September 2026 visit to India strengthened bilateral ties through the India–Belgium Joint Statement, the Investment Fast-Track Mechanism, a
Share It

Pichavaram Mangrove Forest

Why in News? A landmark ecological study has estimated the Total Economic Value (TEV) of Tamil Nadu’s Pichavaram Mangrove Forest at approximately ₹2,485.38 crore. The valuation highligh
Share It

UNEP “Limiting Overshoot” Report

Why in News? The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has released a report titled “Limiting Overshoot: Navigating Exceedance of 1.5°C and Pathways Towards Return.” The r
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS