Jawai Bandh Leopard Conservation Reserve
| Jawai Bandh Leopard Conservation Reserve | |
|---|---|
 2 Leopards in Jawai Bandh area | |
  Location in Rajasthan, India  Jawai Bandh Leopard Conservation Reserve (India) | |
 | |
| Location | Sumerpur tehsil, Pali district, Rajasthan, India |
| Nearest town | Bera |
| Coordinates | 25°05′26″N 73°08′58″E / 25.09056°N 73.14944°E |
| Area | 19.79 km2 (7.64 sq mi) |
| Established | 23 February 2010 |
| Governing body | Rajasthan Forest Department |
Jawai Bandh Leopard Conservation Reserve is a protected conservation reserve located in the Sumerpur tehsil of Pali district in the Indian state of Rajasthan.[1] Covering an area of 19.79 km2 (7.64 sq mi), it was formally notified on 23 February 2010 to safeguard the region’s unique cave-dwelling leopard population.[2][3][4]
Geography
[edit]
It takes its name from the nearby Jawai Dam, an earthen-and-masonry structure on the Jawai River (a tributary of the Luni River), constructed in 1956–57 by the Rajasthan Water Resources Department. The reserve’s terrain consists of granite outcrops, caves, scrubland and river valleys, providing natural retreats for leopards and other fauna.[5][6]
Flora and fauna
[edit]Vegetation is dominated by dry deciduous and thorn forests, with species such as Ziziphus mauritiana (ber), Vachellia nilotica (kikar) and native grasses.[7] The reserve hosts one of India’s highest leopard densities, estimated at 50–60 individuals.[8] Other mammals include striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), jungle cat (Felis chaus), nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) and mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris). The artificial reservoir and adjacent wetlands attract migratory birds such as bar-headed goose (Anser indicus) and demoiselle crane (Grus virgo) during winter months.[9][10][11]
Cultural significance
[edit]Surrounding villages are home to the indigenous Rabari community,[12] who have coexisted with leopards for generations. Their traditional reverence for these big cats has helped minimise human–wildlife conflict in the region.[13][14][15][16][17]
Tourism
[edit]Jawai has become a premier destination for wildlife tourism and photography. Morning and evening jeep safaris offer high chances of leopard sightings.[18] Eco-friendly lodges and luxury camps operate around Bera village, blending local culture with sustainable hospitality.[19][20][21][22][23]
Conservation challenges
[edit]Key threats include illegal mining,[24] habitat encroachment, and wildlife casualties from the Delhi–Mumbai railway line that bisects the reserve. Ongoing monitoring and mitigation are overseen by the Rajasthan Forest Department.[25][26]
Accessibility
[edit]- By road: State highways connect to Jodhpur and Udaipur.
- By rail: Mori Bera Railway Station is the nearest broad-gauge stop.[1]
- By air: Udaipur Airport lies approximately 140 km away.[1]
See also
[edit]- Conservation reserves and community reserves of India
- Ranthambore National Park
- Sariska Tiger Reserve
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Jawai Bandh Leopard Conservation Reserve-II". Rajasthan Forest Department. Retrieved 7 May 2025.
- ^ "At leopard conservation site, roar of tourism is muted by mining, neglect". The Times of India. 3 November 2023.
- ^ "Rajasthan: Leopard reserves that are every wildlife enthusiast's dream destinations". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 8 May 2025.
- ^ Kunzru, Hari (8 May 2015). "Life Among the Leopards". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 8 May 2025.
- ^ "Jawai Leopard Conservation Reserve – A Complete Guide". Thour Nature Resorts. April 2025. Retrieved 7 May 2025.
- ^ "Leopard that strayed from Pakistan to be moved to Jawai". The Times of India. 19 May 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 8 May 2025.
- ^ "History of Jawai Bandh, Rajasthan". Thour Nature Resorts. May 2025. Retrieved 7 May 2025.
- ^ "About Jawai: Where Leopards Roam". Jawai Leopard Safaris. Retrieved 7 May 2025.
- ^ "Jawai Bandh Conservation Reserve". RajRAS. Retrieved 7 May 2025.
- ^ "Rivers, Lakes & Dams of Rajasthan" (PDF). RajRAS. p. 64. Retrieved 7 May 2025.
- ^ "Exploring Rajasthan: the heritage, tribes and wildlife of the desert". South China Morning Post. 28 April 2024. Retrieved 8 May 2025.
- ^ "Communities near Jawai reserve give up herding due to leopard attack on cattle". The Times of India. 29 May 2022. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 8 May 2025.
- ^ "Jawai Leopard Conservation & Tourism Projects". Jawai Leopard Safaris. Retrieved 7 May 2025.
- ^ PTI (20 March 2025). "Leopard kills man near Jawai Dam in Rajasthan". ThePrint. Retrieved 8 May 2025.
- ^ "Where humans don't fear leopards". www.bbc.com. 5 May 2022. Retrieved 8 May 2025.
- ^ Jameson, Julietta (16 February 2024). "Elusive big cats and humans live side by side in this alien-like landscape". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 8 May 2025.
- ^ "I Visited 'Leopard Country' Where Humans and Big Cats Live in Harmony". VICE. 24 March 2022. Retrieved 8 May 2025.
- ^ "Three new wildlife conservation reserves in Rajasthan". The Times of India. 1 May 2023.
- ^ "Pali police outline rules for safaris in Jawai leopard region". The Times of India. 9 January 2025. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 8 May 2025.
- ^ "Tread where leopards lope". iol.co.za. Retrieved 8 May 2025.
- ^ "Leopard-spotting in Rajasthan | A few beauty spots". India Today. 29 September 2023. Retrieved 8 May 2025.
- ^ "Forest Department launches eco-tourism program featuring Jawai Dam and Leopard Safari". udaipurtimes.com. 31 August 2023. Retrieved 8 May 2025.
- ^ "Latest in entertainment, lifestyle, fashion | t2ONLINE - Vibe With The tRIBE". www.t2online.in. Retrieved 8 May 2025.
- ^ "At leopard conservation site, roar of tourism is muted by mining, neglect". The Times of India. 3 November 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 8 May 2025.
- ^ "Encroachers block caves of Jawai Bandh leopards". The Times of India. 14 August 2020.
- ^ "Leopard mauls man to death in Jawai reserve". The Times of India. 21 March 2025. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 8 May 2025.