Jhalana Amagarh leopard conservation reserve
| Jhalana–Amagarh Leopard Conservation Reserve | |
|---|---|
 Leopard in Jhalana Reserve, Jaipur | |
  Location in Rajasthan, India  Jhalana Amagarh leopard conservation reserve (India) | |
 | |
| Location | Jaipur, Rajasthan, India |
| Nearest city | Jaipur |
| Coordinates | 26°53′06″N 75°51′00″E / 26.885°N 75.850°E |
| Area | 35.07 km² |
| Established | 2017 (Jhalana), 2018 (Amagarh) |
| Governing body | Rajasthan Forest Department |
Jhalana–Amagarh Leopard Conservation Reserve is a protected area located in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. Comprising the Jhalana and Amagarh forests, the reserve spans 35.07 square kilometers and is managed by the Rajasthan Forest Department. It holds the distinction of being India's first dedicated leopard reserve, established to conserve the urban leopard population and their habitat.[1][2][3][4]
History
[edit]Historically, the Jhalana and Amagarh forests served as royal hunting grounds during the 19th century. The last tiger in the region was reportedly hunted in 1948, after which leopards became the apex predators in the area. Recognizing the ecological significance and the presence of a stable leopard population, the Rajasthan Forest Department designated Jhalana as a leopard reserve in 2017, followed by Amagarh in 2018. The two reserves were later collectively recognized as the Jhalana–Amagarh Leopard Conservation Reserve in 2023.[5][6][7]
Geography
[edit]Situated within the Aravalli hill range, the reserve is characterized by its dry deciduous forests, rocky outcrops, and scrubland. Jhalana lies in the southeastern part of Jaipur, bordered by urban settlements, while Amagarh is located near the historic Galtaji temple along Agra Road. The two forests are separated by a national highway, posing challenges for wildlife movement and necessitating the development of ecological corridors.
Flora and fauna
[edit]The reserve's vegetation includes species such as Prosopis juliflora, Acacia nilotica, Anogeissus pendula, and Ziziphus mauritiana.[8] The diverse habitat supports a variety of fauna:
Mammals
[edit]- Indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca)
- Striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena)
- Jungle cat (Felis chaus)
- White-footed fox (Vulpes vulpes pusilla)
- Indian civet (Viverricula indica)
- Indian porcupine (Hystrix indica)[9]
Birds
[edit]Over 200 bird species have been recorded, including:
- Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus)
- Shikra (Accipiter badius)
- Indian roller (Coracias benghalensis)
- Various species of owls, eagles, and migratory birds
Reptiles
[edit]- Indian rock python (Python molurus)
- Monitor lizard (Varanus bengalensis)
- Various species of snakes and lizards
Conservation efforts
[edit]The Rajasthan Forest Department has implemented several measures to conserve the leopard population and their habitat:
- Establishment of a 12-kilometer safari trail and multiple waterholes to support wildlife
- Installation of camera traps and monitoring systems for research and anti-poaching activities
- Community awareness programs to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts
- Development of eco-tourism initiatives to promote conservation and provide livelihood opportunities for local communities[10]
Tourism
[edit]The reserve offers guided jeep safaris, providing visitors with opportunities to observe leopards and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Safari timings are scheduled twice daily, with a limited number of vehicles allowed per shift to minimize disturbance. The proximity of the reserve to Jaipur makes it a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists.[11]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Jhalana Leopard Safari| Jhalana Leopard Safari Park | Jaipur, Rajasthan". Jhalana Leopard Reserve. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
- ^ "Leopard dies at Amagarh reserve due to infighting". The Times of India. 29 January 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
- ^ "jhalana-amagarh-conservation-reserve". forest.rajasthan.gov.in.
- ^ "Country's first project leopard coming up in Rajasthan in December". Hindustan Times. 27 October 2017. Archived from the original on 1 February 2018. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
- ^ "World Forest Day 2025: Rajasthan's Amargarh And Jhalana Leopard Reserves Lead The Way In Conservation". ETV Bharat News. 21 March 2025. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
- ^ "First in India, Jaipur is now home to two leopard reserves". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
- ^ "Gehlot opens 'Amagarh Leopard Reserve'". The Statesman. Statesman News Service. 22 May 2022. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
- ^ "Jhalana Leopard Safari: Everything You Need to Know About the Reserve in Jaipur". Times Now. 16 June 2024. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
- ^ "Jhalana National Park – Jhalana Leopard Safari". Retrieved 31 May 2025.
- ^ "Man-animal conflict on rise in Jaipur with thriving leopard population in its 2 forest reserves". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
- ^ "You can now take a leopard safari just 30 mins from Jaipur". Condé Nast Traveller India. Condé Nast. 25 May 2022. Retrieved 31 May 2025.