Sundha Mata conservation reserve
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Sundhamata Conservation Reserve | |
|---|---|
  Location in Rajasthan  Sundha Mata conservation reserve (India) | |
 | |
| Location | Jalore and Sirohi districts, Rajasthan India |
| Nearest city | Jalore |
| Coordinates | 24°49′30″N 72°22′30″E / 24.82500°N 72.37500°E |
| Area | 117.49 km² |
| Established | 25 November 2008 |
| Governing body | Rajasthan Forest Department |
Sundhamata Conservation Reserve is a protected area in the Aravalli Hills of western Rajasthan, India. It was notified on 25 November 2008 under Government of Rajasthan Order P.3(22)/Van/2008 to safeguard sloth bears (Melursus ursinus) and associated wildlife. Covering 117.49 km², it spans parts of Jalore and Sirohi districts and is managed by the Rajasthan Forest Department.[1][2]
The reserve was formally established on 25 November 2008 to address escalating human–sloth bear conflict and habitat loss in the Sundha-Mata hills. It is Rajasthan’s first bear conservation reserve in Rajasthan and the fourth in India.[3]
Geography
Sundhamata Conservation Reserve lies along the Sundha ridge of the Aravalli range at elevations up to 1,220 m above sea level. The core area surrounds the Sundha Mata Temple (24.833° N, 72.367° E), located approximately 105 km west of Jalore town and 20 km north-east of Bhinmal. Terrain comprises dry deciduous forest interspersed with rocky outcrops, grasslands, and seasonal streams.[4]
Biodiversity
Fauna
- Sloth bear (Melursus ursinus)[5]
- Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus)
- Jungle cat (Felis chaus)
- Desert fox (Vulpes vulpes pusilla)
- Striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena)
- Hanuman langur (Semnopithecus entellus)
- Indian porcupine (Hystrix indica)
- Over 120 species of birds, including vultures, owls, quails, spotted dove and seasonal migrants.[6]
Flora
The reserve’s vegetation is characterized by dry-deciduous species and scrub, notably Prosopis cineraria, Tecomella undulata, and various Acacia shrubs, with grasses and herbs emerging after monsoonal rains.[7]