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.
The sanctuary is named after the Sonanadi River, which flows through its territory. The diverse topography of the sanctuary includes dense forests, hills, and riverine tracts, providing a variety of habitats for wildlife.
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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.