Kailadevi Wildlife Sanctuary
Kailadevi Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected wildlife area in Karauli district of Rajasthan, India. It was notified in 1983 and covers approximately 676.38 km² area. The sanctuary forms the northern extension of the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve and serves as a wildlife corridor between Ranthambore and the Chambal River region.
Geography
The sanctuary’s terrain comprises rugged hills, deep gorges, and dry deciduous forests. The Banas River forms the western boundary, while the Chambal River lies to the southeast.
Flora and Fauna
Mammal species recorded include the Bengal tiger, leopard, sloth bear, Indian grey wolf, striped hyena, golden jackal, nilgai, chinkara, sambar and chital. A survey estimated 19–45 Indian grey wolves in the sanctuary. Over 200 bird species have been recorded, including kingfishers, peafowl, sandpipers and various raptors. Dominant tree species include Anogeissus pendula, Acacia catechu and Diospyros melanoxylon.
Naming of the sanctuary
The sanctuary derives its name from the Kaila Devi Temple, located within its boundaries. The temple is an important regional pilgrimage site for Hindus and receives visitors during annual festivals.
Human presence and conservation
Approximately 36–41 villages lie within the sanctuary boundary. Local communities have traditionally depended on forest resources for fuelwood, fodder and minor forest produce. Since the late 1980s, community-led forest protection committees have regulated tree-felling by banning axes in the forest, collaborating with the Forest Department in co-management.