Flora and Fauna in Sariska Tiger Reserve
Sariska National Park is one of the most famous tiger reserves in India, which has its own unique flora and fauna that attracts wildlife tourists from all over the world. When it comes to the flora and fauna of a reserve forest, we first start with the flora and then the fauna, because this is what often attracts people to visit here. Sariska is a deciduous forest area, the forest keeps changing its form according to the season, which attracts a lot of tourists.
Flora in Sariska National Park Forest Area
The sharp cliffs of the hills and the narrow valleys of the Aravallis dominate the landscape of Sariska. The Aravalli range, which is one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, the enchanting natural surroundings of the Sariska forest and the peace here are extremely relaxing and blissful to the mind. The combination of lush green areas, valley areas, bushes scattered in the plains makes this land a different and unique place for nature lovers. It is estimated that more than 250 species of flora are found in and around the Sariska Reserve Forest.
The most prominent tree among all the flora species of Sariska National Park is ‘Dhok’, which is also known by the biological name of Anogeissus Pendula. About 85% of the area of the sanctuary is covered with Dhok trees. The height of this tree ranges from 10 to 15 meters and its leaves and fruits are a major part of the diet of animals like Sambar deer, spotted deer and Nilgai. The Dhok tree can grow in shallower soil and hill tops than other trees growing in the park, but its growth is limited and it is smaller in height than other trees like palm and neem. Apart from the Dhok tree, other primary trees in this park are Kala Khair, Khejri (State tree of Rajasthan), Kikar/Tikar, Dhak/Chhila (Dhak ke Teen Pat), Peepal (Ficus religiosa), Banyan (Ficus bengalensis) and Neem (Azadirachta indica). These trees also have religious and medicinal significance. The major fruit trees found in Sariska are Mango (Magnifera indica), Tamarind (Tamarindicus indica) also known as Imli, Jamun (Syzygium cumini) also known as Indian Blackberry, and Ber (Ziziphus mauritanianus). The “Holy Tree” (Butea monosperma), also known as the “Flame of the Forest” due to its bright orange-red coloured flame-shaped flowers, enhances the beauty of the landscape and presents a phenomenal site. Apart from these major trees, some other flora found in the park are Babul (Acacia nilotica), Gond (Sterculia urens), Gurjan (Lannea coromandelica), Kadam (Orthocephalus cadamba), Khair (Acacia catechu), Khajoor (Phoenix sylvestris), Kakera (Flacourtia indica), Karel (Capparis decidua), Khimi (Manilkara hexandra), Kikar (Acacia nilotica), Mahua (Madhuca indica), Salar (Boswellia serrata), Kulu (Sterculia urens), Ronj (Acacia leucophloea), Tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon) and others. Sariska is drained by rivers like Ruparel River, Kali Ghati River, Madhogarh Ki River, Natni Ka Bara and includes many perennial lakes like Karnakabas Lake, Siliserh Lake, Pandupol Waterfall, thin river streams and a few waterfalls.
A visit to Sariska National Park will give you an unmatched experience in totality with the rich diversity of flora and fauna found here. With its diurnal tigers, Sariska National Park is the most famous tiger reserve in India among tiger lovers.
We welcome all visitors to Sariska Tiger Reserve