Bori Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

The Bori Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. Together with Satpura National Park and the Pachmarhi Sanctuary, it forms the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve.

The sanctuary derives its name from the River Bori. Notably, it holds the distinction of being India's first forest reserve, known as the Bori Reserve Forest.

The Bori Wildlife Sanctuary features mixed deciduous and bamboo forests, which are part of the Eastern Highlands moist deciduous forests ecoregion. This makes it a significant transition zone between the forests of western and eastern India. 

Bori Wildlife Sanctuary Location

The Bori Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Hoshangabad District of Madhya Pradesh state in central India. It is situated in the northern foothills of the Satpura Range. The sanctuary is bounded by the Satpura National Park to the north and east, and the Tawa River marks its western boundary.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to the Bori Wildlife Sanctuary is the Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Raja Bhoj Airport is approximately 140 kilometers (about 87 miles) away from the sanctuary.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to the Bori Wildlife Sanctuary is the Hoshangabad Railway Station, located in Hoshangabad district, Madhya Pradesh. The sanctuary can be accessed from this railway station, which is approximately 32 kilometers (about 20 miles) away.

Bori Wildlife Sanctuary History

1. Establishment: The history of the Bori Wildlife Sanctuary can be traced back to the establishment of India's oldest forest preserve, known as the Bori Reserve Forest. In 1865, this forest reserve was officially declared along the banks of the Tawa River, forming the nucleus of what is now recognized as the Bori Wildlife Sanctuary.

2. Early Conservation Efforts: As the first forest reserve in India, the Bori Reserve Forest played a pioneering role in emphasizing the importance of wildlife protection and conservation. In its early years, efforts were made to safeguard the region's natural resources and wildlife species, setting the foundation for future conservation initiatives.

3. Evolution into Bori Wildlife Sanctuary: In 1977, recognizing the ecological significance and the need for further protection, the Bori Reserve Forest evolved into the Bori Wildlife Sanctuary. This transformation aimed to ensure the continued preservation of the area's diverse flora and fauna, solidifying its status as a protected sanctuary.

Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India, is a haven for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. The sanctuary was established as part of India's commitment to protect and conserve its rich biodiversity.

The sanctuary's name, derived from the Hindi words "Bagh" (Tiger) and "Dara" (Home), reflects its significance as the "home of tigers." Bagdara is renowned for its diverse flora, encompassing deciduous forests, grasslands, and riverine vegetation, as well as hosting medicinal plants and flowering trees.

Among its most notable features is the abundance of wildlife, including iconic species such as tigers, panthers, deer, and hyenas. The sanctuary's rich avian diversity attracts birdwatchers, offering glimpses of various bird species thriving within the protected area.

Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary Location

Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Sidhi district of the Madhya Pradesh, India.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to the Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary is the Varanasi Airport (Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport), which is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It is approximately 190-220 kilometers away from the Sidhi district, depending on the specific location within the district.

Nearest Railway Station:

The closest railway station to the Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary is the Rewa Railway Station in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh. Rewa is a major city in the region and is approximately 90-120 kilometers away from the Sidhi district.

Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary History

1. Establishment: The Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary was established in the year 1978. During this period, India had already launched Project Tiger, an initiative aimed at conserving the country's tiger population and preserving their natural habitats. Recognizing the urgency to safeguard tigers and their ecosystems, the Government took steps to establish this sanctuary.

2. Etymology: The name Bagdara is derived from two Hindi words: "Bagh," which means tiger, and "Dara," which translates to home. Therefore, the sanctuary's name conveys its significance as the "home of tigers."

Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary covers an expansive area of approximately 478 square kilometers.

Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

The Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as the Karakoram (Nubra Shyok) Wildlife Sanctuary, is a protected area located in the Union Territory of Ladakh, India.

The Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its rugged and diverse terrain, which includes snow-covered peaks, high-altitude plateaus, glaciers, deep gorges, and alpine meadows. The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including several rare and endangered species.

The sanctuary is not easily accessible due to its remote location and challenging terrain. It falls within the Trans-Himalayan biogeographic region, which is characterized by extreme weather conditions and limited vegetation. The sanctuary's inaccessibility has helped preserve its pristine natural environment and protect its wildlife.

Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary Location

The Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary is a high altitude wildlife sanctuary located in the easternmost reaches of the Karakoram range in Leh district, in the Indian union territory of Ladakh. 

Specifically, it lies in the northeastern part of the district, bordering China's Xinjiang region to the north and Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan to the northwest. 

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to the Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, also known as Leh Airport. The airport is approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) southeast of the sanctuary. From Leh Airport, visitors can reach the sanctuary by road.

Nearest Railway Station:

As for the nearest railway station, the closest major railway station is Jammu Tawi Railway Station, which is located in Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated at a considerable distance from the sanctuary, approximately 720 kilometers (447 miles) south of Leh. From Jammu Tawi Railway Station, visitors would need to travel by road or air to reach the Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary.

Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary History

The Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary has a relatively short history as a protected area. Here are some key points about its establishment and development:

1. Establishment: The Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1987. It was designated as a protected area with the aim of conserving the unique biodiversity of the region.

2. Conservation Importance: The sanctuary was created to safeguard the diverse flora and fauna found in the Karakoram range. This region is known for its rugged terrain, high-altitude ecosystems, and presence of rare and endangered species, including the elusive snow leopard.

3. Challenges and Management: The remote and inaccessible location of the sanctuary poses challenges for effective management and conservation efforts. However, authorities have implemented measures to control poaching, promote sustainable tourism, and raise awareness about the importance of preserving the sanctuary's ecological integrity.

Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary spans an approximate area of 5,000 square kilometers (1,931 square miles). It encompasses a portion of the Karakoram range of the Himalayas, characterized by its rugged terrain, snow-covered peaks, glaciers, deep gorges, and alpine meadows. 

The sanctuary's vast size allows for the conservation of diverse flora and fauna, including endangered species such as the snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear, Tibetan wolf, ibex, blue sheep, musk deer, and various bird species.

Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Changthang Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary,  is a high altitude wildlife sanctuary located in the union territory of Ladakh, India.

The sanctuary is known for its unique and diverse ecosystem, which includes high-altitude desert, grasslands, and several lakes. It is situated at an average altitude of around 4,500 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest wildlife sanctuaries in the world.

Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary is home to various species of wildlife that have adapted to the harsh conditions of the region. Some of the notable wildlife species found in the sanctuary include Tibetan antelope (chiru), Tibetan wild ass (kiang), Tibetan gazelle, Tibetan wolf, snow leopard, and several species of migratory birds.

The sanctuary is an important habitat for the endangered Tibetan antelope, which is prized for its fine wool known as shahtoosh. Efforts have been made to protect the Tibetan antelope and combat illegal wildlife trade in the area.

The Changthang region is also culturally significant, with many nomadic communities like the Changpa herders living in the area. These herders rely on traditional practices such as animal husbandry and yak rearing for their livelihood. The Korzok Monastery located in this sanctuary is a major tourist attraction.

Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary Location

Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the Changthang plateau in Leh district of Ladakh, India. It is situated in the eastern part of Ladakh and extends to Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri and Tso Kar Lake.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary is the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, Ladakh. It is located approximately 200 kilometers away from the sanctuary. The airport is well-connected to major cities in India, including Delhi, Srinagar, and Jammu, with regular flights operating to and from Leh.

Nearest Railway Station:

Regarding the nearest railway station, the region of Ladakh does not have a railway network. The closest major railway station is the Jammu Tawi Railway Station, located in Jammu city, Jammu and Kashmir. From Jammu, one can travel to Leh by road or choose to fly to Leh from Jammu. The distance from Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary to Jammu Tawi Railway Station is approximately 480 kilometers by road. 

Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary History

The Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary has a rich history that is closely intertwined with the cultural and ecological heritage of the region. Here are some key aspects of its history:

1. Traditional Land of the Changpa Nomads: The Changthang plateau has been inhabited by the Changpa nomadic communities for centuries. The Changpas are traditional herders who rely on animal husbandry, primarily rearing yaks, sheep, and goats, for their livelihood. They have a deep connection with the land and have practiced sustainable herding practices for generations.

2. Cultural Significance: The Changthang region, including the wildlife sanctuary, holds immense cultural significance. It is home to several monasteries, including the Korzok Monastery, which is an important spiritual center for the local communities. The traditional lifestyle and cultural practices of the Changpa nomads contribute to the cultural heritage of the area.

3. Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary Established: The Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary was officially designated as a protected area in 1987. This step was taken to conserve the unique flora, fauna, and the ecological balance of the region.

4. Recognition as a Ramsar Site: Tso Kar, one of the lakes within the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, was designated as a Ramsar site in 2020. Ramsar sites are wetlands of international importance recognized for their ecological significance. Tso Kar is an important breeding ground for several bird species and supports a unique wetland ecosystem.

Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

The Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas and is part of the larger Corbett Tiger Reserve.

The Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity and serves as an important wildlife corridor between the Corbett Tiger Reserve and the Rajaji National Park. 

Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary Location

The Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Nainital and Pauri Garhwal districts of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is the Pantnagar Airport. It is situated in Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, and is approximately 120 to 130 kilometers (about 75 to 81 miles) away from the sanctuary, depending on the specific entry gate.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is Ramnagar Railway Station. It is situated in Ramnagar town, which is around 30 to 35 kilometers (approximately 19 to 22 miles) away from the sanctuary, depending on the specific entry gate.

Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary History

The history of the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is closely linked with the larger context of conservation efforts in the region and the establishment of the Corbett Tiger Reserve.

1. Early Conservation Efforts: The region that now comprises the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary was once extensively forested and inhabited by a variety of wildlife species, including tigers, elephants, and various other fauna. As human settlements expanded and economic activities grew, these forests faced increasing threats from deforestation, hunting, and habitat destruction.

2. Creation of Corbett National Park: In 1936, the famous Jim Corbett National Park (earlier known as Hailey National Park) was established in the area. Named after the legendary hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett, the park was India's first national park and aimed to protect the endangered Bengal tiger and other wildlife species.

3. Expansion and Formation of Corbett Tiger Reserve: In 1973, the Indian government launched "Project Tiger," a conservation initiative aimed at protecting the endangered tiger species. Under this project, the Corbett National Park was declared a tiger reserve, and its boundaries were expanded to include the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary.

4. Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary: In 1987, the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary was established to serve as a buffer zone for the Corbett Tiger Reserve. The sanctuary covers an area of approximately 301.18 square kilometers and helps provide a safe passage for wildlife between Corbett National Park and the Rajaji National Park, further enhancing biodiversity conservation in the region.

Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

The Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is a part of Terai Arc Landscape.

The Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity and serves as an important habitat for several endangered species. The sanctuary is characterized by dense forests, grasslands, and numerous streams and rivers that flow through the area.

Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary Location

The Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Nainital district of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airpot is at Pantnagar about 48 km away. From Pantnagar Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the sanctuary.

Nearest Railway Station:

Kathgodam is the nearest major railway station to the Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary, located at a distance of approximately 90 kilometers (about 56 miles) to the southeast.

Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary History

The history of Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary is deeply intertwined with the region's conservation efforts and the recognition of its ecological significance. Here are some key milestones in the sanctuary's history:

1. Formation and Declaration: Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary was officially established in 2012 and opened its gates to visitors in 2015. The government of Uttarakhand recognized the need to protect the unique biodiversity and natural habitat of the area, leading to its declaration as a wildlife sanctuary.

2. Previous Land Use: Before its establishment as a wildlife sanctuary, the Nandhaur region was primarily used for agricultural purposes and had been subject to deforestation and habitat degradation. The conversion of the area into a protected sanctuary aimed to conserve and restore the natural ecosystem.

Benog Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC (Mussoorie Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC)

The Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as the Mussoorie Wildlife Sanctuary, is a popular wildlife reserve located in Uttarakhand, India. It is named after the Benog Hill, which is a prominent feature within the sanctuary. Benog Wildlife Sanctuary is a part of famous Rajaji National Park.

Mussoorie Wildlife Sanctuary is a paradise for bird enthusiasts. The region attracts a large number of migratory birds during the winter months, making it a great spot for bird watching.

The sanctuary offers several trekking routes and nature trails that allow visitors to explore the natural beauty of the area. These trails provide an opportunity to observe the wildlife and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Benog Wildlife Sanctuary Location

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Benog Wildlife Sanctuary/Mussoorie Wildlife Sanctuary is the Jolly Grant Airport, located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India. It is approximately 60 kilometers away from Mussoorie. 

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Benog Wildlife Sanctuary/Mussoorie Wildlife Sanctuary is the Dehradun Railway Station. It is situated in Dehradun, approximately 35 kilometers away from Mussoorie.

Benog Wildlife Sanctuary History

The Benog Wildlife Sanctuary (Mussoorie Wildlife Sanctuary) has a rich history that dates back to the colonial era in India. Here's a brief overview of its history:

1. Colonial Connection: The area where the sanctuary is located was once a favorite retreat for the British during the colonial period. It was known for its cool climate and scenic beauty, attracting British officials and tourists alike.

2. Establishment: The sanctuary was established in 1993 with the objective of conserving the local flora and fauna in the Mussoorie region. It was initially named the Mussoorie Wildlife Range and later renamed as the Benog Wildlife Sanctuary.

3. Naming: The sanctuary gets its name from Benog Hill, which is an important feature within its boundaries. It is also known as Vinog Mountain Quail Sanctuary.