Sundha Mata conservation reserve
Sundhamata Conservation Reserve is a protected area in the Aravalli Hills of western Rajasthan, India. It was notified on 25 November 2008 under Government of Rajasthan Order P.3/Van/2008 to safeguard sloth bears and associated wildlife. Covering 117.49 km², it spans parts of Jalore and Sirohi districts and is managed by the Rajasthan Forest Department.
History
The reserve was formally established on 25 November 2008 to address escalating human–sloth bear conflict and habitat loss in the Sundha-Mata hills. It is Rajasthan’s first bear conservation reserve in Rajasthan and the fourth in India.Geography
Sundhamata Conservation Reserve lies along the Sundha ridge of the Aravalli range at elevations up to 1,220 m above sea level. The core area surrounds the Sundha Mata Temple, located approximately 105 km west of Jalore town and 20 km north-east of Bhinmal. Terrain comprises dry deciduous forest interspersed with rocky outcrops, grasslands, and seasonal streams.Biodiversity
Fauna
- Sloth bear
- Nilgai
- Jungle cat
- Desert fox
- Striped hyena
- Hanuman langur
- Indian porcupine
- Over 120 species of birds, including vultures, owls, quails, spotted dove and seasonal migrants.
Flora
The reserve’s vegetation is characterized by dry-deciduous species and scrub, notably Prosopis cineraria, Tecomella undulata, and various Acacia shrubs, with grasses and herbs emerging after monsoonal rains.Conservation and Management
- Legal protection under the Wildlife Act, 1972; developmental activities require clearance under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980.
- Regular forest department patrols deter illegal grazing, logging, and poaching.
- Community outreach programmes educate locals on bear ecology and mitigate human–bear conflict through livestock protection measures.