Sanjay-Dubri National Park UPSC

Sanjay-Dubri National Park, also known as Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve, is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India.

One of the main attractions of Sanjay-Dubri National Park is the presence of tigers. It is a designated tiger reserve and forms part of the larger Sanjay-Dubri-Katni-Kawardha landscape, which is crucial for tiger conservation in central India.

Sanjay-Dubri National Park serves as an important ecological corridor connecting the Kanha Tiger Reserve and Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, promoting genetic exchange and maintaining a healthy population of wildlife in the region.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
River
Flora
Fauna
UPSC Questions

Sanjay-Dubri National Park Location

Sanjay-Dubri National Park is located in the Sidhi district of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is situated in the northeastern part of the state, near the border with the state of Chhattisgarh.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Sanjay National Park is the Allahabad Airport, also known as Prayagraj Airport. It is located in Bamrauli, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. The airport is approximately 172 kilometers (107 miles) away from Sanjay National Park.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Sanjay National Park is the Sidhi Railway Station. It is situated in the town of Sidhi, which is about 35 kilometers (22 miles) away from the national park.

By Road:

Sanjay National Park is very well connected by NH 39 and other roads.

Sanjay-Dubri National Park History

1. Hunting Ground: Sanjay Dubri National Park has an interesting history that dates back to the time when it served as a hunting ground for the princely state of Rewa. The area was frequented by the rulers and nobles of Rewa for their recreational hunting activities.

2. A Declared Wildlife Sanctuary: In recognition of the need to protect the rich biodiversity of the region, Sanjay Dubri was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1975.

3. Upgraded to National Park Status: The conservation efforts continued, and in 1981, Sanjay Dubri Wildlife Sanctuary was expanded and upgraded to the status of a national park.

4. Designation as a Tiger Reserve: In a crucial move for tiger conservation, Sanjay-Dubri National Park was declared a tiger reserve in 2008. This recognition led to the establishment of the Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve, encompassing both the national park and the Dubri Wildlife Sanctuary. The tiger reserve status highlights the significance of the area for the protection and conservation of the majestic tigers and their habitat.

Sanjay-Dubri National Park Area

Sanjay-Dubri National Park covers an approximate area of 831 square kilometers (320 square miles). It is a part of Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve.

The park area encompasses diverse habitats, including dense forests, grasslands, and water bodies, providing a suitable environment for a wide range of plant and animal species to thrive.

Sanjay-Dubri National Park River

Sanjay National Park comprises various rivers and ponds that provide the birds and animals with water.

Various perennial rivers passes through Sanjay National Park viz.

Gopad
Banas
Mawai
Mahan
Kodmar
Umrari

Sanjay-Dubri National Park Flora

Sanjay-Dubri National Park is known for its diverse flora, which includes various types of vegetation and plant species. The park is predominantly covered by tropical moist deciduous forests, with patches of dry deciduous forests and bamboo forests as well.

Here are some of the notable flora found in Sanjay-Dubri National Park:

(1) Dry Deciduous Forests:

The park is predominantly covered by dry deciduous forests, which consist of trees that shed their leaves during the dry season. These forests are home to species like Sal (Shorea robusta), Teak (Tectona grandis), Mahua (Madhuca longifolia), Saja (Terminalia tomentosa), and Bija (Pterocarpus marsupium). These tree species form a dense canopy and provide habitat and food sources for various animals.

(2) Grasslands:

Sanjay-Dubri National Park also features grasslands that occur in patches within the forested areas. These grasslands support a variety of grass species, including Imperata cylindrica, Saccharum spontaneum, and Themeda spp. They provide grazing areas for herbivores such as chital, barking deer, and sambar deer.

(3) Riparian Vegetation:

The presence of the Sanjay and Dubri rivers within the park creates riparian zones, characterized by lush vegetation along the riverbanks. These areas support species like Ashok (Saraca asoca), Bel (Aegle marmelos), Semal (Bombax ceiba), and Bamboo (Bambusa arundinacea). The riparian vegetation is essential for maintaining soil stability and providing habitat for birds and other wildlife.

(4) Medicinal Plants:

Sanjay-Dubri National Park is also known for its rich diversity of medicinal plants. Various species with medicinal properties can be found here, including Aloe vera, Asparagus racemosus, Saraca asoca, and Tinospora cordifolia. These plants hold traditional significance and are used in Ayurvedic medicine and local healing practices.

Sanjay-Dubri National Park Fauna (Sanjay National Park Animals)

Sanjay-Dubri National Park is renowned for its diverse fauna, hosting a range of wildlife species. Here are some of the notable fauna found in the park:

Mammals:

Bengal Tiger
Indian Leopard
Spotted Deer
Sambar Deer
Chinkara
Wild Boar
Nilgai
Civet
Porcupine
Dhole (Wild Dog)
Jungle Cat
Hyena
Jackal
Fox

Birds:

Golden Hooded Oriole
Racket-tailed Drongo
Indian Pitta
Rufous Treepie
Lesser Adjutant
Red-headed Vulture
Cenareous Vulture
White-rumped Vulture
Egyptian Vulture
Nightjar

Reptiles:

Monitor Lizard
Indian Python