Environment and Ecology — National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in the News
1. Barda Wildlife Sanctuary
Context: Recently, Barda Wildlife Sanctuary has been considered for introducing the Asiatic lion.
- Location: 15 km from the coast of Porbandar (Gujarat).
- Ethnic Races: Maldharis, Bharvads, Rabaris, and Gadhvis live in this region of Saurashtra.
- Flora: Gorad, Dhav, Rayan, Amli, Dhudhlo, etc.
- Fauna: Suitable habitat for wild ungulates (Sambar, chital, chinkara), creating a good prey base for big carnivores like Lion.
Key Point: Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is being considered for the introduction of Asiatic lion as a second home population.
2. Eravikulam National Park
Context: Kerala's first "fernarium" opens at Eravikulam National Park.
- Location: High Ranges (Kannan Devan Hills) of the Southern Western Ghats in Idukki District, Kerala.
- Topography: High-rolling plateau.
- Flora: Grasslands, shrubs, and shola forests. Houses the special Neelakurinji flowers that bloom once every 12 years.
- Fauna: Viable population of endangered Civet cats, Nilgiri Tahr, and Jungle cats.
About Ferns
- Ferns are non-flowering pteridophytes.
- They generally reproduce by producing spores.
- Ferns have roots, stems, and leaves similar to flowering plants.
- Ferns obtain water and nutrients through leaching from trees.
- A botanical garden or enclosure dedicated to the growth and display of ferns is called a Fernarium.
Key Point: Eravikulam National Park is home to the Neelakurinji flowers that bloom once every 12 years and houses the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
3. Hasdeo Aranya
Context: Hasdeo forest has been a centre of tribal protest following Parsa coal mining approval.
- Location: Northern part of Chhattisgarh.
- Known for its biodiversity and coal deposits.
- Home to the Gond tribe and other forest dwellers.
- Hasdeo River, a tributary of Mahanadi, flows through it.
- It is a major migratory corridor for elephants.
- Flora: Sal and Teak trees.
- The area is connected to Bhoramdev Wildlife Sanctuary, Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, and Kanha Tiger Reserve.
- Hosts 18 identified coal mines.
- The area is listed in the Vth Schedule of the Constitution — consultation and recommendations of Gram Sabha before acquisition of land is mandatory.
About Bhoramdeo Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: Chhattisgarh, near Chilpi Valley (extended buffer zone of Kanha National Park).
- Named after Bhoramdeo temple.
- River Sakri (a tributary of Shivnath River, Mahanadi's tributary) flows through the sanctuary.
- Flora: Sal, Saja, Teinsa, etc.
- Fauna: Cheetal, Wild Buffalo, etc.
Key Point: Hasdeo Aranya is a major migratory corridor for elephants and falls under the Vth Schedule of the Constitution.
4. Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary
Context: The Chhattisgarh Forest Department successfully translocated four sub-adult wild buffaloes (IUCN: Endangered) from Assam to Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Location: Chhattisgarh.
- Rivers: Balmedhi, Jonk, and Mahanadi are lifeline rivers running along the sanctuary.
- Flora: Teak, Sal, etc.
- Fauna: Cheetal, Wild Boar, Sloth Bear, etc.
5. Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary
Context: The low population of Elephants in Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary has led to concerns about the migration patterns of long-ranging animals.
- Location: Odisha.
- Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary is also a critical tiger habitat, named after the narrow stretch of River Mahanadi, known as "Sat-kosh".
- Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary and Baisipali Sanctuary were notified as Satkosia Tiger Reserve in 2007.
- Fauna: Sloth bears, Gaurs, sambar deer, spotted deer, etc.
6. Kalasa Banduri Project
Context: The Kalasa-Banduri project aims to divert water from the Mahadayi River to facilitate the drinking water needs of Belagavi, Dharwad, Bagalkot, and Gadag districts in Karnataka.
- The project intends to build barrages on Kalasa and Banduri streams, tributaries of Mahadayi.
- Mahadayi River originates in the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary in the Belagavi district of Karnataka and flows into the Arabian Sea in Goa.
7. Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR)
- Location: Spread over five districts in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, primarily comprising the Nallamala Hills.
- Typical tropical dry and moist deciduous vegetation characterized by hilly terrain with an undergrowth of bamboo and grass.
- The Krishna River flows through this reserve's basin.
- Eco-tourism: Involves local communities, primarily the 'Chenchus' (PVTG), providing them with an alternative means of livelihood.
Key Point: NSTR involves the Chenchus (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group — PVTG) in eco-tourism activities.
8. Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary
Context: Madhya Pradesh announced that Gandhisagar Sanctuary will be developed as a 2nd home for Cheetahs.
- Location: Madhya Pradesh, with a boundary along the Rajasthan border.
- Features open landscapes with sparse vegetation, rocky terrain, and small patches of dense forests, divided by the River Chambal.
- Tree species: Khair, Salai, Dhawda, Tendu, and Palash.
- Fauna: Herbivores like Chinkara, Nilgai, Spotted Deer; carnivores like Indian Leopard, Striped Hyena, Jackal.
9. Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary
Context: A rescued Black Panther was scheduled for release into the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Location: Sanguem Taluka in South-Eastern Goa.
- River Netravali originates in the sanctuary and is a significant tributary of the Zuari River.
- Flora: Moist deciduous forest with some semi-evergreen forest in valleys.
- Fauna: Indian gaur, spotted deer, sambar deer, barking deer, etc.
- Neighbouring Sanctuaries: Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary.
10. Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary
Context: The Assam government is working to open a traditional wildlife path from Kaziranga to Orang National Park through Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Location: Protected area in Assam, on the south bank of the Brahmaputra River in Sonitpur district.
- Part of the Laokhowa-Burachapori ecosystem and serves as a buffer for the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve.
- Ideal habitat for Bengal Florican.
11. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
Context: Proposal to declare the area around Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary as an Eco-Sensitive Zone.
- Location: Flood plains of the Brahmaputra River in Assam.
- Known for the highest density of one-horned rhinos in the world.
- Often referred to as "Mini Kaziranga".
- About 72% of the sanctuary is wet savannah.
Key Point: Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary has the highest density of one-horned rhinos in the world and is called "Mini Kaziranga".
12. Ranthambore and Mukundra Tiger Reserves
Context: NTCA approved the relocation of three tigresses from Ranthambore Tiger Reserve to Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve and Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve.
About Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
- Location: Eastern part of Rajasthan (Sawai Madhopur) at the junction of the Aravali and Vindhya Hill ranges.
- Includes Ranthambore National Park, Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary, and Kailadevi Sanctuary.
- Vegetation: Tropical dry deciduous forests, with "dhak" being the common tree.
- Wildlife: Tigers, Leopards, Striped Hyenas, Caracals, Blackbuck, etc.
About Dhak Trees
- Dhak Tree is a deciduous tree species native to the Indian Subcontinent.
- Known for their vibrant orange-red flowers.
About Mukundra Tiger Reserve
- Location: Near Kota, Rajasthan, in a valley formed by the parallel mountains of Mukundra and Gargola.
- Includes Darrah, Jawahar Sagar, and Chambal Wildlife Sanctuaries.
- Features dense forest vegetation and is bordered by the Chambal River.
- Wildlife: Tigers, Striped Hyenas, Rhesus Macaques, etc.
13. Bandipur Tiger Reserve
Context: The regional commissioner of Mysore was directed to clear illegal constructions in the Bandipur Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ).
- Established as one of the first nine tiger reserves under Project Tiger in 1973-74.
- Location: Western Ghats in Karnataka, in the tri-junction area of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
- Surrounded by:
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) — Southwest
- Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (Tamil Nadu) — South
- Nagarhole Tiger Reserve (Karnataka) — North-West (separated by Kabini Reservoir)
- Together, these 4 areas are part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
- Rivers: Kabini River (North), Moya River (South), Nugu River.
- Highest Peak: Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta.
About Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ)
- ESZs are protected and environmentally sensitive areas where certain activities and land uses are regulated to minimize human impact.
- Established under the Environment Protection Act, 1986 to create a buffer around national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and other ecologically fragile areas.
Regulation of Activities in ESZ
- Prohibited: Commercial mining, major hydroelectric projects, etc.
- Regulated: Establishment of hotels and resorts, felling of trees, etc.
- Permitted: Organic farming, horticulture practices, etc.
14. Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary
Context: The Bombay High Court directed the Goa government to notify the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary as a tiger reserve under the Wildlife Protection Act.
- Location: North Goa District, near Valpoi.
- Home to Bengal Tigers and various bird species, earning an International Bird Area status.
- Fauna: Nilgiri wood-pigeon, crimson-backed sunbird, etc.
- Flora: Sacred grooves, creepers, evergreen species of Ashoka, colourful flowers, etc.
- Mhadei River originates in Karnataka and flows through the sanctuary before reaching the Arabian Sea.
- Attracts herpetologists for its variety of snakes, including the "big four" venomous ones:
- Indian krait
- Russell's viper
- Saw-scaled viper
- Spectacled cobra
15. Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary
Context: Maharashtra forest department will translocate one tigress from Chandrapur to Achanakmar Tiger Reserve (ATR) in Chhattisgarh.
- Established: 1975 (Wildlife Sanctuary); declared as Tiger Reserve in 2009.
- Location: Central Indian Highlands, Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh.
- Forms part of the Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve.
- Flora: Sal, bija, saja, haldu, teak, tinsa, dhawara, lendia, khamar, and bamboo.
- Water Source: The meandering Maniyari River flows through the reserve.
- Fauna: Tiger, leopard, bison, flying squirrel, etc.
16. Manas National Park
Context: The All India Tiger Estimation 2022 revealed Manas National Park's shift to high tiger density in western Assam.
- Location: Assam, intersected by the Manas and Beki rivers.
- Experiences a tropical monsoon climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons.
- Distinctive Fauna:
- Pygmy hog
- Golden langur
- Assam roofed turtle
Key Point: Manas National Park is home to the Pygmy hog, Golden langur, and Assam roofed turtle — unique and endangered species.
17. Summary: Protected Areas at a Glance
| Protected Area | Location | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Barda Wildlife Sanctuary | Porbandar, Gujarat | Considered for Asiatic lion introduction |
| Eravikulam National Park | Idukki, Kerala | Neelakurinji (12 years), Nilgiri Tahr |
| Hasdeo Aranya | Chhattisgarh | Elephant corridor; Vth Schedule |
| Satkosia Tiger Reserve | Odisha | Sat-kosh (Mahanadi); notified 2007 |
| Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam TR | Andhra Pradesh & Telangana | Chenchus (PVTG); Krishna River |
| Gandhi Sagar WS | Madhya Pradesh | 2nd home for Cheetahs; River Chambal |
| Pobitora WS | Assam | Highest density of one-horned rhinos |
| Ranthambore TR | Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan | Dhak trees; tiger relocation |
| Bandipur TR | Karnataka | Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve; Project Tiger (1973) |
| Mhadei WS | North Goa | Big four venomous snakes; International Bird Area |
| Achanakmar TR | Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh | Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve |
| Manas National Park | Assam | Pygmy hog, Golden langur, Assam roofed turtle |
Key Takeaways for UPSC
- Barda WS (Gujarat): Considered for Asiatic lion introduction
- Eravikulam NP (Kerala): Neelakurinji (12 years), Nilgiri Tahr
- Hasdeo Aranya (Chhattisgarh): Elephant corridor; Vth Schedule; Gond tribe
- Satkosia TR (Odisha): Notified 2007; Sat-kosh (Mahanadi)
- NSTR (AP & Telangana): Chenchus (PVTG); Krishna River
- Gandhi Sagar (MP): 2nd home for Cheetahs; River Chambal
- Pobitora (Assam): Highest density of one-horned rhinos; "Mini Kaziranga"
- Ranthambore (Rajasthan): Dhak trees; relocation to Mukundra
- Bandipur (Karnataka): Part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve; Project Tiger 1973
- Mhadei (Goa): Big four venomous snakes; International Bird Area
- Manas NP (Assam): Pygmy hog, Golden langur, Assam roofed turtle
High-Yield Interactive UPSC Quiz (National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries)
Q1. Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which state?
Correct Answer: C. Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is located 15 km from the coast of Porbandar, Gujarat. It has been considered for introducing the Asiatic lion.
Q2. Which national park is home to the Neelakurinji flowers that bloom once every 12 years?
Correct Answer: B. Eravikulam National Park in Kerala is home to the Neelakurinji flowers that bloom once every 12 years. It also houses the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
Q3. Hasdeo Aranya in Chhattisgarh falls under which Schedule of the Constitution?
Correct Answer: C. Hasdeo Aranya is listed in the Vth Schedule of the Constitution, making consultation and recommendations of Gram Sabha mandatory before acquisition of land.
Q4. Which tiger reserve was notified in 2007 and is named after the narrow stretch of River Mahanadi known as "Sat-kosh"?
Correct Answer: C. Satkosia Tiger Reserve in Odisha was notified in 2007. It is named after the narrow stretch of River Mahanadi known as "Sat-kosh."
Q5. Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve involves which Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in eco-tourism?
Correct Answer: C. Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR) involves the Chenchus (PVTG) in eco-tourism activities, providing them with an alternative means of livelihood.
Q6. Which wildlife sanctuary is being developed as the 2nd home for Cheetahs in India?
Correct Answer: B. Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh is being developed as the 2nd home for Cheetahs. It is divided by the River Chambal.
Q7. Which wildlife sanctuary has the highest density of one-horned rhinos in the world?
Correct Answer: B. Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam has the highest density of one-horned rhinos in the world and is often referred to as "Mini Kaziranga."
Q8. Which sanctuary is home to the "big four" venomous snakes — Indian krait, Russell's viper, Saw-scaled viper, and Spectacled cobra?
Correct Answer: C. Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary in North Goa attracts herpetologists for its variety of snakes, including the "big four" venomous ones.
Q9. Bandipur Tiger Reserve is part of which Biosphere Reserve?
Correct Answer: B. Bandipur Tiger Reserve, along with Wayanad, Mudumalai, and Nagarhole, is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
Q10. Manas National Park is home to which unique species?
Correct Answer: A. Manas National Park in Assam is home to the Pygmy hog, Golden langur, and Assam roofed turtle — unique and endangered species.