Amangarh Tiger Reserve
Amangarh Tiger Reserve, located in Uttar Pradesh, India, is an emerging hotspot for wildlife conservation and ecotourism. Though lesser known than prominent reserves like Jim Corbett National Park, it plays a crucial role in protecting the Bengal tiger population and other endangered species.
Amangarh Tiger Reserve Location and Accessibility
Amangarh Tiger Reserve is situated in Bijnor district, Uttar Pradesh, adjacent to Jim Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand). This reserve is part of the Terai Arc Landscape, known for its dense forests, grasslands, and diverse fauna.
Distance from Nearby Cities and Districts
| Location | Distance from Amangarh Tiger Reserve |
|---|---|
| Bijnor | 40 km |
| Najibabad | 25 km |
| Jim Corbett NP | 15 km |
| Moradabad | 70 km |
| Delhi | 180 km |
Tiger Population Comparison
Amangarh Tiger Reserve is still developing in terms of tiger population and conservation efforts. Compared to other major tiger reserves in India, it has a relatively smaller number of tigers but plays a vital role as an extension of Corbett’s tiger corridor.
Tiger Reserves and Their Locations
| Tiger Reserve | State |
|---|---|
| Amangarh Tiger Reserve | Uttar Pradesh |
| Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve | Uttarakhand |
| Ranthambore Tiger Reserve | Rajasthan |
| Bandipur Tiger Reserve | Karnataka |
Tiger Reserves and Estimated Tiger Population
| Tiger Reserve | Estimated Tiger Population |
|---|---|
| Amangarh Tiger Reserve | 10–15 |
| Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve | 250+ |
| Ranthambore Tiger Reserve | 80–100 |
| Bandipur Tiger Reserve | 150–170 |
Amangarh Tiger Reserve ( Buffer of Jim Corbett National Park)
What is Buffer Zone?
A buffer zone in a tiger reserve is the outer area surrounding the core zone (main protected area) where limited human activities are allowed. It serves as a protective shield for wildlife by reducing human-wildlife conflict and providing additional space for animals to move freely.
Buffer zones act as a bridge between wildlife and humans, allowing eco-tourism and conservation efforts to go hand in hand. Amangarh Tiger Reserve, as the buffer zone of Jim Corbett National Park, is a prime example of how sustainable tourism and conservation can work together to protect India’s tigers.
What features constitutes a buffer zone?
- Safety for Core Zone: Acts as a safety barrier around the core zone, where no human activities are allowed except for conservation efforts.
- Limited Human Activities: Unlike the core zone, the buffer zone permits activities like eco-tourism, farming, and controlled grazing, but industrial and harmful activities are restricted.
- Wildlife Movement: Many animals, including tigers, elephants, and deer, use buffer zones to move between different forest areas.
- Supports Local Communities: People living near tiger reserves can use buffer zones for sustainable livelihoods, such as tourism, handicrafts, and small-scale agriculture.
Why is ‘ Amangarh tiger reserve called buffer zone’
Amangarh Tiger Reserve is a buffer zone of Jim Corbett National Park. This means it provides extra space for the tigers and other wildlife of Corbett to roam freely. Since Jim Corbett National Park has a high tiger population (250+ tigers), Amangarh acts as an extension to manage their movement.
Other Buffer Zones in India
Many tiger reserves in India have designated buffer zones.
Tiger Reserves and Their States
| Tiger Reserve | State |
|---|---|
| Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve | Uttarakhand |
| Kanha Tiger Reserve | Madhya Pradesh |
| Sundarbans Tiger Reserve | West Bengal |
| Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve | Madhya Pradesh |
| Pench Tiger Reserve | Maharashtra & Madhya Pradesh |
Tiger Reserves and Their Buffer Zones
| Tiger Reserve | Buffer Zone |
|---|---|
| Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve | Amangarh Tiger Reserve (Uttar Pradesh) |
| Kanha Tiger Reserve | Phen Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Sundarbans Tiger Reserve | 24 Parganas Division |
| Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve | Panpatha Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Pench Tiger Reserve | Mansinghdeo Wildlife Sanctuary |
How is buffer zone helpful in eco tourism ?
Buffer zones play a crucial role in both wildlife conservation and eco-tourism. They act as a transition area between the fully protected core zone of a tiger reserve and human settlements. This allows sustainable development while ensuring the safety of wildlife.
Eco-tourism in buffer zones is a way to promote responsible travel while preserving nature. Unlike the core zone, where tourism is strictly controlled, buffer zones allow regulated safaris, nature walks, and community-driven tourism. Know about Ranipur Tiger Reserve and Eco- Tourism
How Eco-Tourism Helps Buffer Zones?
1 Reduces Pressure on Core Zones
Tourists can explore wildlife in the buffer zone, reducing disturbances in the core tiger habitat.
2 Generates Income for Local Communities
Villagers and forest dwellers can earn a livelihood through eco-lodges, safaris, handicrafts, and cultural programs.
3 Funds Conservation Programs
Revenue from tourism helps in wildlife protection, patrolling, and anti-poaching measures.
4 Spreads Awareness About Wildlife
Visitors learn about tiger conservation, local ecosystems, and human-wildlife coexistence.
What are the examples of eco-tourism in Buffer Zones?
Many buffer zones in India have become popular tourist attractions:
Tiger Reserve & Buffer Zone Tourism Spot
| Tiger Reserve | Buffer Zone Tourism Spot |
|---|---|
| Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve | Amangarh Tiger Reserve (UP) |
| Pench Tiger Reserve | Turia & Khursapar Gate |
| Tadoba Tiger Reserve | Kolara, Moharli Buffer |
| Kanha Tiger Reserve | Mukki & Khatiya Buffer |
: Tiger Reserve & Eco-Tourism Activities
| Tiger Reserve | Eco-Tourism Activities |
|---|---|
| Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve | Jungle safaris, bird watching |
| Pench Tiger Reserve | Jeep safaris, nature camps |
| Tadoba Tiger Reserve | Tribal tourism, night safaris |
| Kanha Tiger Reserve | Elephant safaris, village tourism |
How buffer zones help wildlife conservation?
Since buffer zones allow some human activities, conservation efforts here are equally important as in the core zone.
What are some conservation strategies in buffer zones?
1 Wildlife Corridors for Animal Movement
Buffer zones connect different forests, allowing tigers, elephants, and other wildlife to move safely.
2 Anti-Poaching Measures
Strict patrolling and the use of camera traps, drones, and forest guards to prevent illegal hunting.
3 Habitat Management
Plantation drives, water conservation, and grassland management to support prey species like deer and boars.
4 Human-Wildlife Conflict Management
Villagers are provided with compensation schemes for crop damage or cattle loss due to wildlife attacks. Also electric fencing is done and early warning systems is in place to reduce conflicts.
What are some successful conservation projects in buffer zones?
Some Indian buffer zones have played a vital role in tiger conservation:
| Tiger Reserve | Successful Conservation Efforts in Buffer Zones |
|---|---|
| Ranthambore Tiger Reserve | Improved grasslands for herbivores, increasing tiger numbers |
| Sundarbans Tiger Reserve | Mangrove reforestation to protect tiger habitat |
| Bandipur Tiger Reserve | Reduced poaching through community involvement |
| Pench Tiger Reserve | Eco-tourism-based economy reduced forest dependency |
Why Visit Amangarh Tiger Reserve?
It is rich in bio diversity and flora and fauna like Sal forests, bamboo, grasslands, Bengal tiger, leopard, elephant, sambar deer, wild boar, and numerous bird species Unlike crowded tiger reserves, Amangarh offers a peaceful wildlife experience. It is home to several migratory and resident bird species.
Conclusion
Amangarh Tiger Reserve is a promising destination for wildlife lovers and conservationists. Though its tiger population is smaller compared to other reserves, it serves as a critical wildlife corridor for India’s big cats. As eco-tourism grows, Amangarh is set to become a key player in India’s tiger conservation efforts.