About Kailadevi Wildlife Sanctuary:
- It is located in the Karauli district of Rajasthan.
- It serves as a northern extension and buffer zone of the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, acting as a wildlife corridor connecting Ranthambore to the Chambal region.
- It is geographically characterized by rugged hills, deep gorges (locally referred to as khos), and dry deciduous forests, with the Banas River on its western edge and the Chambal River to the southeast.
- The sanctuary is also culturally significant due to the Kaila Devi Temple within its boundary, attracting many pilgrims.
- It has become a popular reference among environmentalists and conservationists for the community-initiated forest protection committees (referred to as kulhadi bandh panchayats) that are operational in the area.
- These forest protection committees prevent the carrying of axes into the forests, a symbol of protecting the forests.
- Flora: The forest vegetation mainly comprises species like dhok, khair, and tendu trees.
- Fauna: Its rich wildlife includes Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, Indian grey wolves, striped hyenas, jackals, nilgai, chinkara, sambar, chital, and over 200 species of birds such as kingfishers and peafowl.
