Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve (Uttrakhand)
It was established in 1936, to protect the endangered Bengal Tigers. The present area of the park is 1318.54 sq. km including 520 sq. km of core area and 797 sq. km of buffer area. An estimated 138 tigers are found in Corbett. Commonly seen wildlife include wild elephants (200-300 live in the reserve), sloth bears, langur monkeys, peacocks, several types of beer
Sunderbans Tiger Reserve (West Bengal)
It was created in 1973. It is spread over an area of 2585 sq. km (1330 sq. km of core area and 1255 sq. km of buffer area). An estimated 270 tigers are found here. The Sunderbans are a part of the world’s largest delta formed by the mighty rivers Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna.
Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (Rajasthan)
It was established in 1973 and is spread over an area of 1334 sq. km. An estimated 34 tigers are found in the park and due to open forest they are readily seen. It has a diverse range of flora and fauna. Along with tigers, other major wild animals like hyena, wild boar, sambar, etc. can be spotted here.
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Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (Uttar Pradesh)
In 1987, this park was brought under the purview of the “Project Tiger” as Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. The approximate area of the park is 811 sq. km. In 2006, the tiger population was estimated as comprising 80-110 tigers. Until 2010, the population had increased to an estimated 106- 118 tigers and was considered stable.
Periyar Tiger Reserve (Kerala)
It was established in 1982, and is sprawled over an area of 925 sq. km. It is estimated that 53 tigers reside in this reserve. Around 70% of the area is well covered by evergreen or rain forest, which is also home for the biggest snake in India, the Giant King Cobra.
Bandhavgarh National Park (Madhya Pradesh)
It was established in 1968, with an area of 1598 sq. km (717 sq. km of core area and 820 sq. km of buffer zone). It is the home ground of over 55 tigers at present. Other than tigers and leopards Sal and Savannah makes it an abode of spotted deer, Sambar deer, barking deer and are among its 22 species of mammals and around 220 species of birds.
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Kanha Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh)
It was established in 1955, and has a significant population of Royal Bengal Tigers, Barasingha, leopards and Indian wild dogs. It is spread over an area of 1949 sq. km (940 sq. km of core area and 1009 sq. km of buffer zone). The park is also rich in lush saal and bamboo forests, lakes, streams and open grasslands.
Pench Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh)
It was established in 1977, with an area of 758 sq. km out of which the core area is of 299 sq. km and the remaining 464 sq. km is the buffer area. Pench Tiger Reserve has the highest density of herbivores in India (90.3 animals per sq. km). It comprises wide variety of flora and fauna including diverse and rich aquatic life. It also consists of species like Sambar, Chital, Wildboar, Chausingha, Porcupine, etc.
Bandipur Tiger Reserve (Karnataka)
It was established in 1973, with an area of 874.2 sq. km. it is estimated that 75 tigers reside in this reserve. This park supports a wide range of timber trees including teak, rosewood, sandalwood and a good population of endangered and vulnerable species like Indian elephants, gaurs, tigers, jackals, antelopes, etc.
Tadoba-Andhari Tiger reserve (Maharashtra)
It was established in 1955, and is a prime habitat for tigers. The total area under the Project is 1727.6 sq. km with core area of 625.82sq. km and 1101.78 sq. km constitute the buffer zone. It is an infinite treasure trove of innumerable species of trees and plants and wildlife that includes tigers, panthers, sloth bears, hyenas, jackals, bison, nilgai, etc.
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