Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under "Critical Tiger Habitat"?

The correct answer is option 3.

Key Points

• Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve:
  • This is the largest tiger reserve in India, and it has the largest area under "Critical Tiger Habitat" (CTH).
  • The reserve spans across five districts: Kurnool, Prakasam, Guntur, Nalgonda, and Mahbubnagar.
• Total Area:
  • The total area of the Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve is 3,728 km² (1,439 sq mi), making it the largest in terms of critical tiger habitat.
• Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH):
  • CTH, also referred to as core areas of tiger reserves, is designated under the Wild Life Protection Act (WLPA), 1972.
  • These areas are identified based on scientific evidence and must be maintained for tiger conservation.
• CTH Notification:
  • The notification of CTH is carried out by the state government in consultation with an expert committee, ensuring tiger conservation without affecting the rights of forest dwellers or Scheduled Tribes.

Additional Information

• Ramganga National Park
  • Ramganga National Park formerly known as Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest national park in India and was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park.
  • Jim Corbett National Park is a forested wildlife sanctuary in northern India’s Uttarakhand State.
  • Rich in flora and fauna, it is known for its Bengal tigers.
  • Animals, including tigers, leopards, and wild elephants, along with hundreds of species of birds. 
  • The national park is on the banks of the Ramganga Reservoir.
• Ranthambore National Park
  • Ranthambore National Park is a vast wildlife reserve near the town of Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan, northern India.
  • It is a former royal hunting ground and home to tigers, leopards, and marsh crocodiles.
  • Its landmarks include the imposing 10th-century Ranthambore Fort, on a hilltop, and the Ganesh Mandir temple.
  • Also in the park, Padam Talao Lake is known for its abundance of water lilies.
• Sundarbans National Park
  • Sundarbans National Park is a large coastal mangrove forest, shared by India and Bangladesh.
  • The area is home to the Royal Bengal tiger, plus other endangered species such as the estuarine crocodile and Ganges River dolphin.
  • Here, a watchtower offers views of the forest and its birds and animals.