Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve: Rajasthan’s 52nd Tiger Reserve

Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve (RVTR), notified in May 2022 as India’s 52nd and Rajasthan’s fourth tiger reserve, has emerged as one of the most promising new habitats for Royal Bengal Tigers. Located in Bundi district, this 1,501.89 sq km sanctuary is set to receive its first inter-state tigress from Pench Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh) in December 2025 – marking Rajasthan’s first-ever inter-state tiger translocation and India’s second such exercise.

Why Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve is Making Headlines in 2025

In a historic conservation move, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has approved the airlifting of a young tigress from Pench Tiger Reserve (MP) to Ramgarh Vishdhari. This 800+ km journey by air will establish the founding tiger population in the newly notified reserve and strengthen genetic diversity.

This translocation is only the second inter-state tiger relocation in India after the 2018 Madhya Pradesh → Odisha shift to Satkosia Tiger Reserve.

Location and Geographical Importance

• State: Rajasthan
• District: Bundi
• Nearest City: Bundi (45 km), Kota (90 km)
• Total Area: 1,501.89 km²
  • Core/Critical Tiger Habitat: 481.90 km²
  • Buffer Zone: 1,019.98 km²

RVTR acts as a crucial ecological corridor connecting:

• Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (northeast)
• Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve (south)

This linkage is vital for long-term tiger dispersal and gene flow in eastern Rajasthan.

The Mez River, a tributary of the Chambal, flows through the reserve, creating perennial water sources amidst the Aravalli and Vindhyan hill ranges.

Landscape and Habitat

The terrain is a spectacular mix of:

• Steep rocky ridges and plateaus
• Gentle slopes and open valleys
• Dry riverbeds and seasonal streams
• Northern tropical dry deciduous forests

Dominant tree species: Dhok (Anogeissus pendula) – forming nearly pure stands on hill slopes Other important flora: Khair, Salar, Ronj, Amaltas, Gurjan, Ber, and numerous medicinal plants

Flora & Fauna of Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve

Major Mammals (Before Tiger Reintroduction)

• Indian Leopard
• Sloth Bear
• Striped Hyena
• Golden Jackal
• Jungle Cat
• Indian Porcupine
• Rhesus Macaque & Common Langur
• Nilgai, Chital, Sambar, Wild Boar (prey base)

Avian Diversity

Over 250 bird species recorded, including Indian Vulture, Painted Stork, Woolly-necked Stork, and several raptors.

With the arrival of tigers, the food chain is expected to rebalance naturally, controlling herbivore populations and promoting grassland regeneration.

The Historic 2025 Tiger Translocation

Donor Reserve: Pench Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh)

Famous as the real-life setting of Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book”, Pench has a healthy surplus of tigers and excellent genetic stock.

Why a Tigress?

Introducing a young female (3–5 years old) increases chances of successful breeding once male tigers naturally disperse from Ranthambore or Mukundara in the coming years.

Mode of Transport

The tigress will be airlifted using an Indian Air Force or chartered helicopter – a first-of-its-kind operation for Rajasthan.

Tourism and Visitor Information (2025–26 Season)

Safari Zones: Currently 3 tourism zones are operational

• Bhimlat Zone
• Pipla Zone
• Kundera Zone

Best Time to Visit: October to June Safari Timings: Similar to Ranthambore (morning & afternoon shifts)

Entry: Through official Rajasthan Forest Department portal (under development as of Dec 2025)

Quick Facts for Competitive Exams (UPSC, SSC, State PCS)

Future of Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve

With adequate prey base, water, and now a founding tigress, wildlife experts predict RVTR could support 25–30 adult tigers in the next decade, making it Rajasthan’s next big tiger success story after Ranthambore.

The reserve’s strategic location and ongoing habitat improvement works under Project Tiger make it a textbook example of landscape-level conservation in the 21st century.

Sharing is caring!