Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India, is a haven for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. The sanctuary was established as part of India's commitment to protect and conserve its rich biodiversity.

The sanctuary's name, derived from the Hindi words "Bagh" (Tiger) and "Dara" (Home), reflects its significance as the "home of tigers." Bagdara is renowned for its diverse flora, encompassing deciduous forests, grasslands, and riverine vegetation, as well as hosting medicinal plants and flowering trees.

Among its most notable features is the abundance of wildlife, including iconic species such as tigers, panthers, deer, and hyenas. The sanctuary's rich avian diversity attracts birdwatchers, offering glimpses of various bird species thriving within the protected area.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
Flora
Fauna
UPSC Questions

Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary Location

Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Sidhi district of the Madhya Pradesh, India.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to the Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary is the Varanasi Airport (Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport), which is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It is approximately 190-220 kilometers away from the Sidhi district, depending on the specific location within the district.

Nearest Railway Station:

The closest railway station to the Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary is the Rewa Railway Station in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh. Rewa is a major city in the region and is approximately 90-120 kilometers away from the Sidhi district.

Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary History

1. Establishment: The Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary was established in the year 1978. During this period, India had already launched Project Tiger, an initiative aimed at conserving the country's tiger population and preserving their natural habitats. Recognizing the urgency to safeguard tigers and their ecosystems, the Government took steps to establish this sanctuary.

2. Etymology: The name Bagdara is derived from two Hindi words: "Bagh," which means tiger, and "Dara," which translates to home. Therefore, the sanctuary's name conveys its significance as the "home of tigers."

Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary covers an expansive area of approximately 478 square kilometers.

Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

The Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary boasts a rich and diverse flora, creating a thriving ecosystem that supports a variety of plant life. Within its sprawling expanse of approximately 478 square kilometers, the sanctuary is home to an array of vegetation, including:

(1) Deciduous Forests:

Dominated by teak, sal, and bamboo, the deciduous forests form a significant portion of the sanctuary's landscape. These forests shed their leaves during the dry season, offering a unique spectacle of changing colors throughout the year.

(2) Moist Mixed Deciduous Forests:

These areas feature a blend of both dry and moist deciduous tree species, contributing to the sanctuary's ecological balance.

(3) Grasslands:

Scattered grasslands provide essential grazing areas for herbivores and add to the overall biodiversity of the sanctuary.

(4) Riverine Vegetation:

The presence of rivers and streams within the sanctuary supports lush riverine vegetation, creating a vital habitat for various plant species.

Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

The Bagdara Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for its diverse and vibrant wildlife, featuring a remarkable array of both common and rare animal species. Some of the prominent wild animals found within the sanctuary include:

Mammals:

Tiger
Panther
Sambhar
Chinkara
Cheetal
Black Buck
Wild Boar
Hyenas

Birds:

Indian Peafowl
Indian Roller
Indian Vulture
Sarus Crane
Oriental Magpie-Robin
Indian Pitta
Indian Paradise Flycatcher
White-throated Kingfisher

Reptiles:

Indian Python
Common Monitor Lizard
Russell's Viper
Indian Cobra
Indian Chameleon
Indian Rock Python