Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary |
Why in News: The Assam government is undertaking efforts to establish a traditional wildlife corridor from Kaziranga to Orang National Park, passing through the Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary.
About Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary:
- Geographical Location:Situated in Assam, the Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary is positioned on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River within the Sonitpur district.
- Ecological Significance: As a component of the Laokhowa-Burachapori ecosystem, the sanctuary acts as a buffer zone for the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve, playing a vital role in preserving biodiversity.
- Habitat Specialization: The sanctuary provides an ideal habitat for the Bengal Florican, contributing to the conservation efforts of this endangered species.
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary |
Why in News: There is a proposal to designate the vicinity surrounding Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary as an Eco-Sensitive Zone.
About Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary:
- Geographical Setting:Positioned in the flood plains of the Brahmaputra River in Assam, the sanctuary occupies this region.
- Rhino Population:Renowned for hosting the highest density of one-horned rhinoceroses globally, the sanctuary stands out for its remarkable rhino population.
- Nickname: Often dubbed as “Mini Kaziranga,” the sanctuary shares similarities with its more famous counterpart in terms of wildlife conservation efforts and biodiversity.
- Habitat Composition: Approximately 72% of the sanctuary comprises wet savannah, contributing to its diverse ecosystem.
Ranthambore and Mukundra Tiger Reserve |
Why in News: Recently, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) gave the green light for the transfer of three tigresses from Ranthambore Tiger Reserve to Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve and Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve.
About Ranthambore Tiger Reserve:
- Geographical Location:Situated in the eastern region of Rajasthan, specifically in Sawai Madhopur, the reserve lies at the confluence of the Aravali and Vindhya Hill ranges.
- Composite Reserves:Encompassing Ranthambore National Park, Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary, and Kailadevi Sanctuary, the area forms a contiguous protected region.
- Vegetation Composition: The reserve is characterized by tropical dry deciduous forests, with the “dhak” tree being prevalent throughout the area.
- Diverse Wildlife: Among its diverse wildlife population are tigers, leopards, striped hyenas, caracals, blackbucks, and various other species, contributing to its ecological richness.
About Mukundra Tiger Reserve:
- Geographical Setting: Situated close to Kota, Rajasthan, the reserve occupies a valley shaped by the parallel mountain ranges of Mukundra and Gargola.
- Composite Sanctuaries:Encompassing Darrah, Jawahar Sagar, and Chambal Wildlife Sanctuaries, the reserve is comprised of multiple protected areas.
- Vegetation Characteristics: Marked by dense forest cover, the reserve is flanked by the Chambal River, enhancing its natural beauty and ecological significance.
- Diverse Fauna: The wildlife within the reserve includes tigers, striped hyenas, rhesus macaques, and various other species, contributing to its biodiversity and ecological balance.
Bandipur Tiger Reserve |
Why in News: Recently, the regional commissioner of Mysore received instructions to remove illegal constructions within the Bandipur Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) due to their infringement of the law.
Bandipur Tiger Reserve
- Historical Significance:Established as one of the initial nine tiger reserves under Project Tiger during 1973-74, it holds historical importance in wildlife conservation efforts.
- Geographical Location:
- Situated within the Western Ghats of Karnataka, the reserve lies at the convergence point of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. It is surrounded by:
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) to the southwest.
- Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (Tamil Nadu) to the south.
- Nagarhole Tiger Reserve (Karnataka) to the northwest, separated by the Kabini Reservoir.
- Collectively, these four areas are part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
- River Systems:The reserve is bordered by the Kabini River to the north and the Moya River to the south. Additionally, the Nugu River flows through the reserve. The highest peak within the reserve is Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta.
Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary |
Why in News: Recently, the Bombay High Court instructed the Goa government to officially designate the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary as a tiger reserve in accordance with the Wildlife Protection Act.
About Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary:
- Geographical Location:Situated in the North Goa District near Valpoi, the sanctuary serves as a habitat for Bengal Tigers and numerous bird species, leading to its designation as an International Bird Area.
- Faunal Diversity:The sanctuary is inhabited by various fauna including the Nilgiri wood-pigeon and crimson-backed sunbird, contributing to its ecological richness.
- Floral Composition:Its flora comprises sacred groves, creepers, evergreen species such as Ashoka trees, and an array of colorful flowers, enhancing its natural beauty.
- River Origin: Originating in Karnataka, the Mhadei River courses through the sanctuary before reaching the Arabian Sea, playing a vital role in its ecosystem.
Attraction for Herpetologists: The sanctuary draws herpetologists due to its diverse snake population, including the “big four” venomous species like the Indian krait, Russell’s Viper, Saw-scaled Viper, and Spectacled Cobra.