Vansda National Park UPSC

Vansda National Park, also known as Bansda National Park, is located in the state of Gujarat, India. It is known for its rich biodiversity and dense forest cover.

The park is home to various species of flora and fauna, including several endangered and endemic species. The dominant vegetation consists of moist deciduous forest and bamboo forests.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
River
Tribes
Flora
Fauna
UPSC Questions

Vansda National Park Location

Vansda National Park is located in the Vansda tehsil, Navsari District of Gujarat state, India. It is situated in the western part of the state.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Vansda National Park is Surat Airport (also known as Surat International Airport), which is located approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) away. Surat Airport is well-connected to major cities in India and serves as the primary airport for the region.

Nearest Railway Station:

As for the nearest railway station, the Navsari Railway Station is the closest option. It is situated around 35 kilometers from Vansda National Park.

Vansda National Park History

Vansda National Park has a rich history that dates back to the pre-independence era of India.

1. Pre-Independence Era: Vansda National Park has a rich history that dates back to the pre-independence era of India. The area where the park is located was once under the control of the King of Vansda, who utilized it for various activities, including hunting.

2. Declaration as Reserved Forest: In 1942, recognizing the ecological significance of the region, the area was declared as a reserved forest under the British government's Forest Act. This marked an important step towards the protection and conservation of the natural resources in the area.

3. Declaration as Wildlife Sanctuary: In 1959, further measures were taken to safeguard the wildlife and their habitats when the area was declared a wildlife sanctuary under the Wildlife Protection Act of India. This legal protection helped in preserving the diverse flora and fauna found within the sanctuary boundaries.

4. Establishment of Vansda National Park: The culmination of efforts to protect the region's biodiversity led to the establishment of Vansda National Park in 1979. With the official designation as a national park, the area gained enhanced recognition and became a stronghold for conservation efforts.

Vansda National Park Area

Vansda National Park is spread over an area of approximately 24 square kilometers. Despite being relatively small in size compared to other national parks, Vansda National Park is known for its dense forest cover and rich biodiversity.

The compact size of the park allows for easy exploration and close encounters with wildlife and nature.

Vansda National Park River

The Ambika River flows through the park, providing a water source and creating a diverse habitat for various flora and fauna species.

Ambika River:

Ambika is one of the major river in Gujarat, India.
It is a seasonal river and receives most of its water from the monsoon rains.
Its origins in Saputara Hill ranges in the Nasik district of Maharashtra.
Ambika has a drainage area of 2715 km2.
Ambika river is 136 km long.
Ambika river flows through the Navsari and Surat districts of Gujarat before emptying into the Arabian Sea.
Gira Waterfall is on the Ambika river.
Ambika river is home to many varieties of orchids.

Vansda National Park Tribes

There are various adivasi settlements in Vansda from the Dangi tribes, which are made up of the Bhils, Kunbi, Warli, Chowdry, Gamit, Bhoi, and Kukna.

Dangi Tribe:

The Vansda National Park is home to several tribal communities, with the Dangi tribe being the most prominent. The Dangi tribe has been living in the area for centuries and has a unique culture and way of life. The Dangi tribe is primarily engaged in agriculture and forest-based activities such as gathering forest produce, hunting, and fishing.

The Dangi tribe is known for their unique dance forms and music, which reflect their close relationship with nature. Visitors to the park can experience these cultural performances during their visit and learn more about the rich cultural heritage of the tribal communities living in the area.

Vansda National Park Flora

The Vansda National Park is known for its rich and diverse flora. The park is primarily covered with teak and bamboo forests, but it also has a variety of other plant species.

The Vansda National Park also has a variety of flowering plants and shrubs, which provide a colorful display during the flowering season. There is a variety of colourful orchids at Ambika river in Vansda National Park.

Here is the Flora of Vansda National Park:

Teak
Sadad
Bamboo
Dudhlo
Kakad
Khakhro
Buto
Timru
Umbh
Kalam
Modad
Haldu
Sisam
Chopadi bondaro
Kusum
Tanach
Asan
Mahudo
Behda
Umaro
Shimlo
Ambla

Vansda National Park Fauna (Vansda National Park Animals/Vansda National Park Wildlife)

Vansda National Park is famous for which animal?

The Vansda National Park is home to a rich and diverse range of wildlife, including several species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

Mammals:

Leopard
Rhesus Macaque
Wild Boar
Hanuman Langur
Common Palm Civet
Small Indian Civet
Indian Porcupine
Four-horned Antelope
Barking Deer
Hyena
Jungle Cat
Flying Squirrel

Leopard in Vansda National Park

Birds:

Indian Great Black Woodpecker
Yellow Back Sunbird
Pompodour Pigeon
Malabar Trogon
Shama
Common Grey Hornbill
Jungle Babbler
Forest Spotted Owlet

Reptiles:

Russell's Viper
Saw-scaled Viper
Common Krait