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Wildlife in Sariska National Park
This park
is situated only 200 km from Delhi and 107 kms from Jaipur. Although
larger than Ranthambhore, it is less commercialized and has less
tigers but a similar topography. It covers an area of 800 sq km in
total, with a core area of approximately 500 sq km. The Northern
Aravali Hills dominate the skyline with their mixture of sharp cliffs
and long narrow valleys. The area was declared a sanctuary in 1955 and
became a National Park in 1979.
The landscape of Sariska comprises of hills and narrow valleys of the
Aravali hill range. The topography of Sariska supports scrub-thorn
arid forests, dry deciduous forests, rocks and grasses. The broad
range of wildlife here is a wonderful example of ecological adoption
and tolerance, for the climate here is variable as well as erratic.
Sariska park is home to numerous carnivores including Leopard, Wild
Dog, Jungle Cat, Hyena, Jackal, and Tiger. These feed on an abundance
of prey species such as Sambar, Chitel, Nilgai, Chausingha, Wild Boar
and Langur. Sariska is also well known for its large population of
Rhesus Monkeys, which are found in large numbers around Talvriksh.
The avian world is also well represented with a rich and varied
birdlife. These include Peafowl, Grey Partridge, Bush Quail, Sand
Grouse, Tree Pie, Golden backed Wood Pecker, Crested Serpent Eagle and
the Great Indian Horned Owl.
It is located in the contemporary Alwar district and is the legacy of
the Maharajas of Alwar. Pavilions and Temples within Sariska are ruins
that hint at past riches and glory. The nearby Kankwadi Fort has a
long and turbulent history.
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