The area has an ancient history going back to the Gupta period and the remnants of 18 ancient temples are still found. Myth and legend reveal the presence of the Pandwas. 

The reserve supports over 100 species of avifauna and has the largest population of peafowl in the entire country. Leopards, Caracals, Sambar, Nilgai, Chital, Wild boar are also found here. A rare feature of the fauna is the four horned antelope. 

The reserve's buffer is still awaiting final notification and only one core zone has been notified. 

Water is a limiting factor in this reserve and plans are underway to create artificial water holes, anicuts etc to resolve the problem. 

The protection of the Park by staff is yet to be effective to control poaching since fire-arms have not been provided. The last case of a tiger skin being seized was in 1988-89. Poachers have shot leopards and other animals and an ever vigilant forest staff is required to deal with this threat. 

In 1979 there were 19 tigers, in 1988, 42 tigers and 1992, 22 tigers. 

There are 17 villages inside the core zone with a population of 10,000 cattle and livestock. 17 villages are found in the buffer zone also with a high population of cattle, goats and camels. About 125 villages including the large township of Alwar surround the reserve causing a very heavy pressure for fuelwood, timber, and fodder. There are two state highways over 44 kms. in length that criss cross the heart of the reserve making management and protection exceedingly difficult. A proposal for the 
diversion of these high-ways is under consideration. 

About 23,000 tourists visit this reserve every year and it caters to many more pilgrims who visit the Pandopol temple causing much disturbance inside the Park. 

Sariska faces the highest amount of mining problems primarily for dolomite compared to other Project Tiger Reserves. After a survey in 1989 it was clear that over 200 mines fell in the protected forest area and over 40 in the partly protected area. Severe damage and denudation has resulted and at present a litigation case demanding a ban on mining is under hearing in the Supreme Court of India. 

Research into the area has been conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India and the study focussed on competition between buffaloes and wild ungulates for food. It shows that in the valley of Umri which has the lowest population density of people and livestock, the buffalos  overlapped more with Nilgai than Chital, in the summer, and the biomass consumed by buffalos was much higher than Nilgai or Chital and when resources are limited the buffalo would benefit at the expense of the wild ungulates. 

The research study further states that 1.8% domestic animals are lifted by tiger and leopard which means that 600 domestic animals are killed by these predatory - it is further stated that 20,000 herbivores are needed to feed the carnivores. This study was done between 1988-1990 and such studies must be on ongoing strategy of Sariska's research plans so as to find realistic solutions to the wide ranging problems that exist. 

Eco-development programmes are just starting in Sariska with the formation of forest protection societies in villages. 15 villages committees and NGO's are active in this area and the future of Sariska lies directly in the hands of a careful, site-specific plan for eco- development in which village NGO and Project Tiger act as a collective to protect and reduce the high biotic pressure that effects this very fragile but unique Aravalli habitat of the tiger. 

Sariska faces a set of serious problems that require a collective decision by all the concerned people so as to resolve certain critical issues like mining and other biotic interferences in order that the area has a chance to recoup some of its inherent richness. Increasing levels of motivation and providing essential support to the field team will help in easing some of the 
problems. S. Deb Roy Member Steering Committee of Project Tiger states. "There is probably no denying the fact that this magnificent and rugged area has recently seen serious set backs for the tiger as a result of man's greed for extracting natural resources. It is interesting to note that some local people (NGO's), have approached the Supreme Court in an attempt to stop this rampage. But it should have been the endeavour and constitutional duty of the Government to ensure safe custody of the rich national heritage here. While the legal proceedings continue Sariska is still being defaced. But there is hope, as the local people (NGO's) have taken on the fight against the destruction".