Overview of Ranthambore National Park

UPDATE ON 18 July 2024 : Ranthambore National Park stands as one of India's largest and most esteemed tiger reserves, renowned for its thriving wildlife expeditions. Spread over 392 square kilometers, the park beautifully blends historical richness and natural splendor. Ranthambore National Park Located in the heart of Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, this park is about 14 km from Sawai Madhopur railway station and 170 kilometers from Jaipur airport. This tiger safari park is surrounded by the majestic Aravalli Hills and Vindhya ranges. The park is home to the ancient 10th-century Ranthambore Fort, which is a major tourist attraction located within its boundaries.

Historical Evolution of Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore was originally the private hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur but was later declared a sanctuary by the Government of India in 1955. Recognizing its significance in tiger conservation, it was declared a Project Tiger reserve in 1973. As its reputation as a premier wildlife tourism destination grew, the Government of India upgraded it to a national park in 1980. By 1991, the park's boundaries were extended to include the Sawai Mansingh and Keladevi wildlife sanctuaries, increasing its total area to 1,334 square kilometres. Over the years, efforts by the forest department expanded Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (RTR) to approximately 1410.64 square kilometers by 2006, including core and buffer forest areas. At present the total area of ​​Ranthambore National Park is about 1700 square kilometers.

Wildlife Diversity in Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore National Park boasts a rich diversity of wildlife, providing a sanctuary for various species:

Herbivorous animals:

• Sambar Deer: A dark brown woodland deer with branched antlers.
• Spotted Deer: Hoofed mammals with ramified bony antlers, shed annually and borne naturally by males.
• Langurs (Monkeys): Long-tailed arboreal Asian monkeys known for their characteristic loud calls.
• Chinkara (Indian Gazelle): Graceful antelopes native to India.
• Nilgai (Blue Bull or Antelope): Largest Asian antelope with distinctive blue-gray coloration.

Omnivores animals:

• Wild Boars: Tusked Eurasian wild pigs, ancestors of domestic pigs.
• Sloth Bears: Nocturnal bears with shaggy coats, using long curved claws for feeding on insects and hanging upside down like a sloth.

Carnivores animals :

• Leopard: Large solitary cats with yellowish-brown coats and black spots, primarily nocturnal hunters.
• Striped Hyenas: Hyenas characterized by numerous black stripes on their bodies and legs.
• Jackals: Slender, long-legged wild dogs known for scavenging and hunting in packs.
• Caracals: Lynx-like cats with long legs, black tufted ears, and uniform brown coats.
• Jungle Cat: Small wildcats with yellowish or grayish coats and dark markings on their legs and tails.
• Small Indian Civet: Nocturnal carnivorous mammals with barred and spotted coats and well-developed anal scent glands.
• Mongooses: Small carnivorous mammals with long bodies, tails, and grizzled or banded coats.

Major Attraction of Ranthambore:

• Tiger: Iconic solitary cats with yellow-brown coats striped with black, the star attraction of Ranthambore National Park.

Other wild animals found in Ranthambore National Park.

Ranthambore National Park is not just renowned for its tigers and large mammals; It is also home to a variety of other fascinating wild animals:

Mammals:

• Indian Porcupine: Large rodents equipped with defensive spines or quills on their bodies and tails.
• Indian Hare: Fast-running, long-eared mammals resembling large rabbits, typically found in grasslands or open forests.
• Indian Flying Fox: Large fruit bats characterized by their fox-like faces.

Reptiles:

• Marsh Crocodile: Predatory semi-aquatic reptiles often seen basking in the sun near water bodies during the winter season. They have long tails, jaws, and textured skin, adept at approaching prey stealthily.
• Monitor Lizard: Reptiles with long bodies, tails, movable eyelids, and rough, scaly or spiny skin. They are known for their agility and can often be spotted in the park.
• Indian Rock Python: Large non-venomous snakes found in various habitats, including forests and grasslands.
• Saw-scaled Viper: Venomous snakes known for their distinctive scales and potent venom.
• Indian Rat Snake: Common non-venomous snakes often encountered in diverse environments.
• Indian Bull Frog: Robust frogs with distinctive calls, inhabiting wetlands and water bodies.
• Common Indian Toad: Widespread amphibians known for their adaptability to various habitats.

Birds: Ranthambore is a paradise for bird lovers. More than 300 species of birds are found in Ranthambore, which include migratory and local species. Species ranging from predatory birds to colorful songbirds are found in Ranthambore. This park is a paradise for bird watchers.

Water Bodies in Ranthambore Tiger Safari Park: Wildlife Oasis

Ranthambore Tiger Safari Park has several important water bodies that sustain its diverse wildlife throughout the year. These aquatic habitats serve as focal points for wildlife activities, which include a wide variety of species:

• Crocodiles
• Fish
• Turtles
• Water Birds
• Crabs
• Frogs
• Other Aquatic Creatures

These water bodies play an important role during the dry summer season when the water level goes down and there are fewer leaves in the forest. These become important gathering places for herbivorous animals in search of sustenance. In summers these water bodies attract the attention of predators such as the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger. As a result, these areas become bustling hubs of wildlife activity. Such areas provide unique opportunities to observe the natural behavior of Ranthambore's iconic wildlife species.

​Most Frequently Asked Questions about Ranthambore