Nawegaon National Park UPSC

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
Lake
Flora
Fauna
UPSC Questions

Nawegaon National Park Location

Nawegaon National Park is located in the Arjuni Morgaon subdivision of Gondia district in state of Maharashtra, India. The park is situated at southern part of Gondia district. It is located in eastern part of Maharashtra state.

Navegaon National Park, commonly known as Navegaon Bandit, is about 150 Km from Nagpur.

Nearest Airport:

Nearest airport is at Nagpur, Maharashtra.

Nearest Railway Station:

Devalgaon Railway station (3 km).

Nawegaon National Park History

Nawegaon National Park has a rich history that dates back to the pre-independence era of India. Here is a brief overview of the history of Nawegaon National Park:

1. Early history: The region where Nawegaon National Park is located has a significant historical and cultural background. It was ruled by various dynasties and kingdoms, including the Mauryas, Satavahanas, Vakatakas, and Gond Kingdom.

2. Establishment: In 2000, Nawegaon National Park was officially established as a national park. The purpose was to protect and preserve the region's biodiversity and provide a safe habitat for wildlife.

3. Tiger Reserve: In 2013, Nawegaon National Park become a part of Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger. Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve comprised of the notified area of Nawegaon National Park, Nawegaon Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary, New Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary and Koka Wildlife Sanctuary.

Nawegaon National Park Area

Nawegaon National Park covers an area of approximately 133.78 Sq.Km (51.64 square miles). This expansive area includes a variety of landscapes such as dense forests, grasslands, meadows, and a beautiful lake.

Nawegaon National Park Lake

Nawegaon National Park is known for its beautiful lake called Nawegaon Lake. It is a man-made lake located within the park's boundaries. Nawegaon Lake stretches over an area of 11 sq. km. The lake is one of the prominent features of the park and adds to its scenic beauty.

Nawegaon Lake serves as a vital water source for the park's flora and fauna, attracting a variety of bird species and other wildlife. The serene and tranquil environment around the lake makes it a popular spot for visitors to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Boating is a popular activity on Nawegaon Lake, allowing visitors to explore the lake and enjoy the panoramic views of the park. The park authorities provide boating facilities, and visitors can rent paddle boats or rowboats to navigate the lake.

Nawegaon National Park Flora

What is the common flora of Navegaon National Park?

Nawegaon National Park is home to a diverse range of flora, encompassing various types of vegetation that contribute to the park's biodiversity. The park's flora comprises both native and introduced plant species.

Here are some of the prominent flora found in Nawegaon National Park:

(1) Dry Deciduous Forests:

The park is predominantly covered with dry deciduous forests, characterized by trees that shed their leaves during the dry season. These forests consist of species such as teak, ain, tendu, moha, haldu, and palas.

(2) Bamboo Groves:

Nawegaon National Park features dense bamboo groves, primarily consisting of Dendrocalamus strictus and Bambusa arundinacea species. These bamboo thickets provide shelter and food for several animal species.

(3) Medicinal Plants:

The park is also known for the presence of various medicinal plants. Species like Acorus calamus, Emblica officinalis, Tinospora cordifolia, and Terminalia chebula can be found here, which have been traditionally used for their therapeutic properties.

(4) Grasslands:

Along with forests, Nawegaon National Park includes vast grassland areas. These grasslands provide grazing habitats for herbivores and support a diverse range of grass species.

(5) Aquatic Vegetation:

Nawegaon Lake within the park supports aquatic vegetation, including species like water lilies, lotus, and various submerged aquatic plants that thrive in the water environment.

Nawegaon National Park Fauna (Nawegaon National Park Animals)

Navegaon National Park is famous for which animal?

Nawegaon National Park is renowned for its diverse fauna, with a wide range of animal species inhabiting the park. The park's varied habitats, including forests, grasslands, and water bodies, support a rich biodiversity.

Here are some of the prominent fauna found in Nawegaon National Park:

Mammals:

Tiger
Leopard
Panther
Wild Dog
Hyena
Wolf
Sambar
Gaur (Bisons)
Barking Deer
Four-horned Antelope
Sloth Bear
Chital
Nilgai
Jungle Cat
Small India Civet
Palm Civet
Jackals

Birds:

Greylag Goose
Red-crested Pochard
Northern Pintail
Garganey
Eurasian Curlew
Black-tailed Godwit
Common Redshank
Common Greenshank
Little Stint
Curlew Sandpiper
Pallid Harrier

Reptiles:

Indian Pythons
Cobras
Russell's Viper
Rat Snakes
Monitor Lizards
Tortoises