Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park UPSC

The Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park, also known as Mahavir Harina Vanasthali Wildlife Sanctuary, is a national park located in Hyderabad, Telangana, India.

The national park was established with the aim of protecting the endangered blackbuck species, which is the state animal of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It is named after Mahavir, the 24th Jain Tirthankara, and "Harina" refers to deer in Sanskrit.

Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park is popular among nature enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, and tourists who visit Hyderabad. It provides opportunities for wildlife sightings, bird watching, and nature walks. The park is also equipped with basic facilities such as a visitor center, watchtowers, and a deer park.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
Flora
Fauna
UPSC Questions

Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park Location

The Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park is located at Vanasthalipuram in Hyderabad, Telangana. It is situated approximately 15 kilometers away from the city center.

The park is easily accessible by road, and there are several transportation options available to reach the national park from different parts of Hyderabad.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park is the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, also known as Hyderabad Airport. It is located approximately 35 kilometers away from the national park.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park is the Hyderabad Deccan Railway Station, also known as Nampally Railway Station. It is located in the heart of Hyderabad, approximately 15 kilometers away from the national park.

Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park History

The history of Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park dates back to ancient times. The region where the park is located has been associated with wildlife and conservation for centuries. Here is a brief overview of the history of the national park:

1. Ancient Times: The area around Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park is believed to have been part of the ancient kingdom of Vijayanagara, which flourished during the 14th to 16th centuries. The region was known for its rich biodiversity and was likely used as hunting grounds for the royals.

2. Hunting Reserve: During the Nizam rule in Hyderabad, the region was declared a hunting reserve for the ruling elite. It was used for recreational hunting activities, including hunting blackbucks, which were prized for their meat and antlers.

3. Wildlife Sanctuary: In 1975, recognizing the need to protect the dwindling population of blackbucks, the government of Andhra Pradesh declared the area as a wildlife sanctuary. It was named Mahavir Harina Vanasthali Wildlife Sanctuary (As a tribute to the 2500th anniversary of Mahavir’s nirvana) , combining the name of the 24th Jain Tirthankara, Mahavir, with "Harina," meaning deer.

4. National Park Status: In 1994, the sanctuary was upgraded to the status of a national park, and it became known as Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park.

Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park Area

The Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park covers an area of approximately 14.59 square kilometers (5.633 square miles). This area is dedicated to the conservation and protection of various wildlife species, with a particular emphasis on the preservation of the endangered blackbuck population.

Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park Flora

What is the flora of Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park?

Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park is home to a variety of flora that contribute to the park's ecosystem. The park's vegetation mainly consists of open grasslands, shrublands, and scattered patches of forests.

Here are some of the prominent flora species found in the national park:

(1) Trees:

There are several tree species scattered throughout the park, providing shade and shelter. Some of the common tree species include Sandalwood, rosewood, palas, amalthas, albizzias, acacias, teak.

(2) Grasses:

The park's grasslands are dominated by various grass species such as Cenchrus ciliaris, Dichanthium annulatum, Chrysopogon fulvus, and Heteropogon contortus. These grasses form the primary vegetation in the park and provide grazing grounds for herbivores.

(3) Shrubs and Bushes:

The park also features various shrubs and bushes, adding to the diversity of the flora. Species like Ziziphus mauritiana, Capparis decidua, Carissa carandas, and Lantana camara can be found in different parts of the park.

(4) Medicinal Plants:

Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park is known to house some medicinal plant species as well. These include Aloe vera, Pergularia daemia, Phyllanthus niruri, and Andrographis paniculata, among others.

The park's flora plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall ecosystem balance, providing food and habitat for wildlife, and contributing to the park's natural beauty.

Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park Fauna (Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park Animals)

What animals are in Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park?

Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park is home to a diverse range of fauna, including several notable wildlife species. The park's conservation efforts primarily focus on protecting the endangered blackbuck population, which is the highlight of the park. However, there are other animal species found within the park as well.

Here are some of the prominent fauna species in Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park:

Mammals:

Blackbucks
Porcupines
Indian Hare
Wild Boar
Indian Gray Mongoose

Birds:

Short-toed Eagles
Indian Pond Herons
Egrets
Kingfishers
Cormorants

Reptiles:

Water Monitors