AMANGARH TIGER RESERVE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: The tiger population at the Amangarh Tiger Reserve has increased from 21 mature tigers and six cubs in 2021 to 28 mature tigers and four cubs now.

Amangarh Tiger Reserve

• Geographical Location: Amangarh is situated in the Bijnor district of the state of Uttar Pradesh.
• Regional Setting: This area is part of the Terai region and encompasses approximately 578 square kilometers.
• Boundary Proximity: Amangarh shares its boundaries with the Jim Corbett National Park, which is located in the neighboring state of Uttarakhand.
• Historical Connection: Originally, Amangarh was a part of the Jim Corbett National Park. 

o However, when the state of Uttarakhand was established, Jim Corbett became part of Uttarakhand, while Amangarh remained in Uttar Pradesh.

• Tiger Reserve Status: In 2012, Amangarh was officially designated as a tiger reserve.

Tiger (Panthera tigris)

• 9 sub-species of tiger existed in the past out of which 3 have been extinct (Turkey, Bali, Java). 
• The tigers are an "umbrella" species as by rescuing them, everything beneath their ecological umbrella is saved. 
• A keystone & flagship species: Being the dominant predators of the ecosystem, Tigers ensure that the numbers of herbivores like deer are kept balanced, thus preventing overgrazing, & ensuring well-being of the forests.
• Conservation status – IUCN: Endangered, Wildlife protection Act, 1972: Schedule I, CITES: Appendix I
• Total Tiger Reserves in India – 53. 

o Latest one being Guru Ghasidas National Park & and Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary in Chhattisgarh.

o Maximum Tiger reserves – Maharashtra and MP (6 each).