Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve UPSC

Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve, also known as Sanjay-Dubri National Park, is a wildlife sanctuary and tiger reserve located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is situated in the eastern part of the state, near the border with Chhattisgarh.

Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to a wide range of flora and fauna. The reserve is particularly famous for its population of tigers, which are the main attraction for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
River
Flora
Fauna

Mammals
Birds
Reptiles

UPSC Questions

Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve Location

Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve is located in Sidhi and Shahdol districts of Madhya Pradesh in India. It is situated on the north eastern part of the state of MP and is bordered by the Guru Ghasidas National Park on south, of which it was a part before formation of Chattisgarh in the year 2000.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve is the Bamrauli Airport (Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh. The airport is located approximately 157 kilometers away from the reserve.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve is the Sidhi Railway Station, located in the town of Sidhi in Madhya Pradesh, India. The Sidhi Railway Station is approximately 40 kilometers away from the tiger reserve.

Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve History

Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve, formerly known as Sanjay National Park, has an interesting history that spans several decades. Here's a brief overview:

1. Establishment: In 1975, the reserve was established as a wildlife sanctuary. Its purpose was to protect the unique flora and fauna of the region.

2. Expansion and Renaming: In 1981, the wildlife sanctuary was expanded and merged with the nearby Dubri Wildlife Sanctuary, resulting in the formation of Sanjay Dubri National Park. The merger aimed to provide a larger protected area for wildlife and promote conservation efforts.

3. Tiger Reserve Status: In 2008, Sanjay Dubri National Park was granted the status of a tiger reserve.

Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve Area

The Sanjay-Dubri tiger reserve is spread over an total area of 1674.511 sq. km. and consists of Sanjay National Park and Dubri Sanctuary along with buffer areas taken from Sidhi and Shahdol districts.

Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve covers a total area of 1674.511 square kilometers (646.551 square miles). This includes the core or critical tiger habitat, which spans 812.581 square kilometers (314.025 square miles), and the buffer area, which covers 861.930 square kilometers (332.526 square miles).

Core/ critical tiger habitat : 812.581 sq.km.
Buffer area : 861.930 sq.km.
Total : 1674.511 sq.km.

Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve River

Several perennial rivers flow through the Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve, adding to its ecological significance and providing water resources for the flora and fauna within the reserve.

Here are some of the rivers that flow through or near the Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve:

(1) Gopad River:

The Gopad River passes through the reserve and contributes to the water supply in the area. It is one of the important rivers within the reserve.

(2) Banas River:

The Banas River is another significant river that flows through or near the tiger reserve. It adds to the water availability and supports the diverse ecosystems within the reserve.

(3) Mawai River:

The Mawai River is yet another perennial river that runs through the Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve. It provides water and sustenance to the flora and fauna in the area.

(4) Mahan River:

The Mahan River is one of the major rivers in the region and is located near the Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve. Though it doesn't flow directly through the reserve, it contributes to the overall water resources in the area.

(5) Kodmar River:

The Kodmar River is another notable river that is in close proximity to the tiger reserve. It plays a role in the hydrological dynamics of the region.

(6) Umrari River:

The Umrari River is another river that flows through or near the Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve. Its waters contribute to the ecological balance and support the wildlife in the area.

Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve Flora

The Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve is known for its diverse flora, which includes a variety of tree species, shrubs, grasses, and climbers. While the predominant vegetation type is deciduous forest, the reserve exhibits a range of ecosystems and plant communities.

Here are some key elements of the flora found in the reserve:

1. Sal Forests: Sal (Shorea robusta) is one of the dominant tree species in the reserve. It forms dense, moist deciduous forests and provides essential habitat for numerous wildlife species.

2. Other Tree Species: Alongside sal, the reserve encompasses a mix of other tree species such as mahua (Madhuca longifolia), tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon), teak (Tectona grandis), bija (Pterocarpus marsupium), saja (Terminalia tomentosa), and various species of figs (Ficus spp.). These trees contribute to the overall biodiversity and create a diverse forest canopy.

3. Bamboo: Bamboo is also present in the reserve, primarily as scattered patches or bamboo stands. It provides cover and forage for wildlife species such as elephants and supports the overall ecosystem.

4. Understory and Shrubs: The forest floor and understory comprise various shrubs, bushes, and grasses. These include species like lantana (Lantana camara), Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica), kachnar (Bauhinia variegata), and wild grasses that contribute to the overall vegetation composition.

5. Climbers and Vines: The reserve is home to a variety of climbers and vines, which add vertical diversity to the vegetation. These include species such as monkey ladder (Bauhinia vahlii), morning glory (Ipomoea spp.), and various other climbers that thrive in the forested areas.

Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve Fauna (Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve Animals)

Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve is home to a rich and diverse fauna, with a variety of mammal, bird, reptile, and amphibian species. The reserve's diverse habitats, including forests, hills, and rivers, support a wide range of wildlife.

Here are some notable fauna species found in the tiger reserve:

Mammals:

Tiger
Elephant
Sloth bear
Leopard
Panther
Chital
Spotted deer
Chinkara
Sambar
Barking Deer
Four-horned Antelope
Wild Pig
Nilgai (Blue-bull)
Dhole (Wild Dog)
Jungle Cat
Hyena
Porcupine
Jackal
Fox
Indian Wolf

Note- The world famous white tigers “MOHAN” was found and rescued from the forest of Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve landscape by Maharaja of Rewa in 1951.

Birds:

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

Reptiles:

Indian Python
Cobras
Vipers
Turtles