Sundha Mata conservation reserve
| 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]
History
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]
Conservation and Management
- Legal protection under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972; developmental activities require clearance under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980.
- Regular forest department patrols deter illegal grazing, logging, and poaching.
- Community outreach programmes educate locals on bear ecology and mitigate human–bear conflict through livestock protection measures.
Tourism and Cultural Importance
The Sundha Mata Temple, dedicated to goddess Chamunda, attracts pilgrims and tourists year-round. Facilities include rest houses near the temple, a ropeway for access, shaded viewing points, and guided treks. Peak visitation coincides with the Navaratri festivals and the winter bird-watching season.
References
- ^ "Good News: राजस्थान का यह क्षेत्र भविष्य में बन सकता है वाइल्ड लाइफ सेंचुरी, जंगली भालुओं का गढ़ है ये जगह | Suggestion to make Sundha Mata Conservation Reserve Area a wildlife sanctuary". Patrika News (in Hindi). 21 January 2025. Retrieved 25 May 2025.
- ^ Sharma, B. K.; Kulshreshtha, Seema; Rahmani, Asad R. (14 October 2013). Faunal Heritage of Rajasthan, India: Conservation and Management of Vertebrates. Springer Science & Business Media. ISBN 978-3-319-01345-9.
- ^ https://forest.rajasthan.gov.in/content/raj/forest/en/aboutus/departmental-wings/wild-life1/public-information/details-of-protected-area-/sundamata-conservation-reserve.html.
{{cite web}}: Missing or empty|title=(help) - ^ "Good News: जालोर के सुंधा माता में बनेगा प्रदेश का पहला भालू अभ्यारण्य". News18 हिंदी (in Hindi). 15 December 2019. Retrieved 25 May 2025.
- ^ "Sloth Bears To Be Introduced In Rajasthan's Sariska Tiger Reserve". www.ndtv.com. Retrieved 25 May 2025.
- ^ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/299467852.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help); Missing or empty|title=(help) - ^ Gupta, Abhik; Gupta, Susmita (1 December 2023). Environmental Issues and Challenges. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 978-1-003-80711-7.