Sariska National Park
Sariska became a sanctuary in the year 1958. The sanctuary came under the Project Tiger in 1979 and became a national park in 1982. It is located at Kankwari fort, near Alwar, on the Delhi Jaipur Highway. The terrain is predominantly hilly, as it lies in the Aravalli range. It has total area of 788 sq. kilometres, with a core area of approximately 474sq. kilometres. At last count in 1985, there 35 tigers were reported. Other carnivoresof the area are the panther, jungle cat, jackal and hyena. Three caracals were also reported during the last census in 1985. Other animals include the sambar, chital, wild boar, hare, nilgai and umpteen porcupines. The birdlife comprises of the pea fowl, gray partridge, quail, sandgrouse, tree pie, white breasted kingfisher, golden-backed woodpecker, crested serpent eagle and great Indian horned owl. The park also houses the 9th and 10th century ruins, of Shiva temples and the Kankwari fort.