A remarkable ecological discovery has come to light within the serene forests of the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan. A massive eucalyptus tree, standing for more than a century and a half, has been officially documented in the protected sanctuary area. Forestry expert and former forest official Dr. Satish Kumar Sharma conducted an in-depth assessment of the tree after receiving word from Deputy Conservator of Forests Anil Gupta. Upon visiting the site to record its vital measurements, Dr. Sharma confirmed that the specimen is older than 150 years.
Dimensions and National Standing
Detailed field measurements show that this majestic eucalyptus stands nearly 20 meters tall. When measured at breast height, the girth of the primary trunk reached an impressive 4.55 meters. A careful comparative analysis against figures listed in India's national tree records established that this specimen is the second thickest eucalyptus tree documented anywhere in the country. Notably, the difference in circumference between this Mount Abu specimen and India's thickest eucalyptus is a mere 15 centimeters.
The Legacy of India's Thickest Eucalyptus in Andhra Pradesh
The distinction of holding India's thickest eucalyptus tree currently belongs to Horsley Hills, situated within the Madanapalle forest range of Annamayya district in Andhra Pradesh. According to archival records, that premier tree was planted back in 1859 by W. D. Horsley, who served as the collector of the then undivided Chittoor district and after whom the hill station was eventually named. Acknowledging its monumental stature, the central government formally designated it as the nation's largest eucalyptus tree in 1995 and conferred the prestigious Mahavriksha Puraskar upon it.
Unique Growth Structure and Colonial Heritage
The structural characteristics of the newly highlighted Mount Abu giant are equally distinctive. According to Dr. Sharma, the central trunk remains completely clean of any side branches up to a height of about three meters from the forest floor. Beyond that level, the trunk bifurcates into multiple massive limbs that spread out into an expansive canopy. During the British colonial era, extensive plantations of exotic flora, including eucalyptus and bamboo varieties, were introduced across Mount Abu alongside native medicinal species. Over decades, these saplings flourished into towering giants, and the healthy survival of this particular specimen highlights the unique microclimate and forest vitality of the hill station.
Conservation Strategy and Eco-Tourism Potential
Following its validation against national big tree registries, this eucalyptus is poised to gain widespread recognition far beyond the borders of Rajasthan. Local forest authorities are currently outlining steps to safeguard the tree and institute appropriate conservation measures. Plans are underway to establish informative interpretive signage around the site so that ecotourists, nature lovers, and travelers visiting Mount Abu can appreciate this living monument of India's natural and historical heritage.
