Sariska Tiger Reserve: Forest Ecology of Alwar

Sariska Tiger Reserve in Alwar district spans 866 sq km of dry deciduous forest in the Aravalli hills. It is home to Bengal tigers successfully relocated from Ranthambore, leopards, sambar deer, and over 200 bird species. Local Meena tribal communities have coexisted with this forest for centuries, practicing sustainable harvesting of tendu leaves, honey, and forest herbs. The reserve features ancient Kankwari Fort at its core, a Mughal-era structure. Villagers maintain sacred groves called orans that serve as wildlife corridors. Seasonal nallas (streams) support gharials and mugger crocodiles. Community forest rights movements here have influenced national forest governance policies.