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Introduction

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is named after the majestic fort of Ranthambore, situated in the national park on top of a hill which is a great monument of history, bravery, culture and natural beauty. The fort was built more than 1000 years ago. Ranthambore Tiger Reserve lies between latitudes 25.51890° N and 26.36670° N and between longitudes 75.85700° E and 77.23180° E. The reserve is situated in the south-eastern part of Rajasthan and spreads over four districts, viz., Sawai Madhopur, Karauli, Bundi and Tonk. The mighty River Chambal is located on the eastern side of the reserve. The other river, the Banas, divides the reserve in two parts. In the North-East direction Keladevi WLS is situated which is partially included in the reserve. Project Tiger was launched by the Government of India in 1973 to save the tiger from extinction. Ranthambore was one of the first nine wildlife areas selected as Project Tiger reserves. The core area of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve was notified as Ranthambore National Park by notification no. F.11 (26) Raj-8/80 dated 1 November 1980 under the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972.

Management Strengths:

RTR is located at the junction of the Aravallis and Vindhyas, providing a wide range of ecologically diverse habitats comprising grasslands, undulating plains, plateaus, ridges and hill streams supporting a good population of the apex predator, the tiger, the leopard and associated prey species.
The area supports natural water bodies, streams, nallahs and chaatas complemented with anicuts, check dams and ponds, resulting in infiltration of moisture and an improved habitat supporting a sustainable population of animals.
RTR's panoramic landscape, from plains to gently undulating terrain, makes tiger sighting more thrilling. Moreover, the geological terrain with its beautiful natural features keeps the tourists engaged and mesmerized, and it attracts many Indian and foreign tourists and generates huge revenues. The livelihood status of the local people has improved greatly.
The existence of long and sturdy stone wall is a great help to mitigate the issue of man–animal conflict. This is one of the strengths of the TR in addressing the man–animal conflict since it is close to human habitations.
The recent relocation of villages has helped in increasing the foraging ground for the prey base. An increase in the prey base was witnessed and verified in Indala. Even some of the water bodies were created recently to improve the water availability status in the upper plateau to provide the wild animals with sufficient water in summer.
Presence of chowkies at vulnerable areas and regular foot patrolling by the dedicated staff keep intruders and poachers away.
Being close to the national and state capital, it invites visits of high-profile persons, which has an added advantage of prompt redressal of issues of the park. In the past, TR got the attention and funds to deal with various urgent issues.
Most of the staff working in RTR are passionate and dedicated. There are young and enthusiastic managers. They have a sense of pride to be part of the TR.
RTR has taken proactive steps to ensure that the tourist vehicles operated within the park are renovated and painted. It has also ensured that the upholstery is upgraded and the vehicles have been mechanically checked so that tourists are not put to anyinconvenience. The aesthetic appearance of the vehicles is very pleasing to the eye, and all credit goes to RTR management.
RTR has replaced all fossil fuel-based water distribution systems with solar power, which is an innovative way of shifting towards renewable energy and sustainable management practices.
The patrolling roads make an extensive network which covers almost all vulnerable areas of RTR. This robust system helps efficient and effective monitoring.

Management Weaknesses:

The sites which were vacated by the villagers are gradually getting converted to woodlands with Prosopis juliflora dominating. The very purpose of enhancing the foraging ground for the prey base is therefore getting defeated.
Shrines present inside the park attract a huge number of pilgrims which not only generate tons of garbage but also disturb the wildlife for certain periods. There is no system of checking the visitors or educating them to use eco-friendly materials.
The presence of livestock is a threat to the habitat.
EDC functioning has to be made more meaningful to address the TR objectives although there is an indirect positive impact on the economy.
The gadgets and equipment provided to the patrolling staff need to be strengthened and improved. Equipment like GPS, cameras and binoculars are in short supply. All staff members need proper uniform. It will give them a sense of belonging and confidence.
The lesser-known faunal species need more scientific studies in terms of their habitat and conservation. They are the backbone of an ecosystem—sustainable populations of these species will ensure the survival of apex species.
Keystone species of the flora and fauna and their conservation need special attention for a sustainable ecosystem.
The population of the marsh crocodile needs to be monitored to assess possible conflicts in the future.
The wild pig population has a hybrid strain, with domestic pigs causing genetic erosion. There is a need to study this critical issue and evolve solutions.
The Rapid Response Team (RRT) needs to be improved. Although basic facilities are in place, much more is needed to tackle the various wildlife species with specific SOPs and a checklist of equipment.
The veterinary centre is very basic in nature and is not as per the standards prescribed for the Rapid Response Team.
A total of 61 villages (18 from RTR-I and 43 from RTR-II) need to be relocated with a proper plan and strategy at the earliest.

Immediate Actionable Points:

RTR has more than 50% vacancies among the permanent staff. The floating influx of temporary staff is good for the time being but not for a longer period. It has its own threats. Further temporary staff are not legally empowered to implement the forest and WL acts. To avert legal complications, TR needs to address the issue immediately and fill up the vacancies with permanent staff.
TR must identify the gaps in the capacity building of various cross-sections of the staff as required. It will not only enrich their knowledge but also make them more efficient to discharge their duties efficiently. Specialized training such as crime control, tranquillizing WL and weapon training needs to be done annually to hone their skills.
A dog squad should be in place as in other tiger reserves. The dog squad will further strengthen the protection system, enabling the detection of snares, traps, intrusion, laying of electric wires to hunt animals, illicit removal, etc. The mere presence of a dog squad will be a deterrent to poachers.
There should be inventorization of lesser-known animals and plants (terrestrial and aquatic) of the TR for updating and for making appropriate management interventions.
Presently, the revenue generated out of tourism goes to the finance department. As per NTCA guidelines it should be deposited in the TR foundation. The foundation is a registered society governed by the Societies Registration Act of 1860. This practice of depositing money with the government should be reviewed , and all the funds generated must be in the foundation to address the immediate conservation issues without waiting for funds from the government.
The tourism fees include the eco-development fees which are 50% of the total fee. To make the EDCs more vibrant, immediate steps are needed to enhance the livelihood status of the villagers.
The capacities in wildlife health, disease monitoring, and wild animal capture of the veterinary doctors posted in RTR needs to be enhanced, and the supporting working facilities have to be improved. It should be developed as a centre of excellence, with proper training and veterinary education being conducted at regular intervals. The doctors should be exposed to national and international best practices. Proper monitoring of wildlife diseases should be carried out and vaccination drives should be undertaken as per NTCA protocols.
Officers should be sent to other places or given foreign exposure to inculcate the best standards at RTR.
The use of drones in RTR is to be strengthened with a thermal imaging facility, and in-house personnel should be trained in drone operation technology. The RTR staff are to be equipped and trained with night vision devices having a thermal imaging function.
The interpretation centre at RTR is to be suitably equipped to educate the visitors on the uniqueness of the TR and the values and the behaviour expected when inside park.
There are 61 villages in the core, and their relocation is to be taken up in a time-bound manner. Once the village is relocated, there should be a proper plan for maintaining the land as a grassland for management of wild herbivores.

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Ranthambore Tiger Reserve

Introduction

Management Strengths:

Management Weaknesses:

Immediate Actionable Points:

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