Jamwa Ramgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area situated about 35 km northeast of Jaipur in the Jaipur district of Rajasthan, India. Established in 1982, the sanctuary covers approximately 300 km² in the Aravalli Range and encompasses the now-dry Ramgarh Lake basin and surrounding forests.[1][2]
The sanctuary’s terrain is a mosaic of dry deciduous forests, rocky hills and grasslands. It surrounds Ramgarh Lake—once a 15.5 km² reservoir supplying Jaipur, now largely dried up since 2000. The Banganga River, rising in the Bairath hills, cuts across the sanctuary, sustaining patches of riparian vegetation.[3]
History
Originally a hunting preserve of the Jaipur Maharajas, the area was notified as the reserve forest in 1961 before its upgrade to full sanctuary status in June 1982 with additional areas.[4] During the 1982 Asian Games held in New Delhi, Ramgarh Lake hosted the rowing events.[5]
Flora
The sanctuary’s vegetation is typical of the dry tropical forests of the Aravallis. Prominent species include:
Mammals recorded include leopard (Panthera pardus), striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), Indian jackal (Canis aureus), jungle cat (Felis chaus), wild boar (Sus scrofa), chital (Axis axis), sambar (Rusa unicolor), nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) and chinkara (Gazella bennettii).[7] Avifauna exceeds 200 species, including Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus), crested finch-lark (Spizocorys lark), plum-headed parakeet (Psittacula cyanocephala), and white-bellied drongo (Dicrurus caerulescens).[8] Several migratory and threatened birds are also reported.[9] Tigers also have been sighted in the sanctuary[10]
Conservation challenges
Illegal mining for marble and soapstone within and around the sanctuary has degraded nearly 32 km² of habitat, threatening both wildlife and local communities.[11]
Tourism and accessibility
Popular with birdwatchers and trekkers, the sanctuary offers jeep safaris and nature trails. The nearest railhead is Jaipur Junction, about 40 km away; Jaipur International Airport lies roughly 50 km to the southwest.[12]
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