Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
The Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary is a well-known wildlife sanctuary in India. It is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh and is named after the Gandhi Sagar Dam, which is situated on the Chambal River.
The Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse flora and fauna. It provides a natural habitat for various species of animals, including Gharial, chinkara (Indian gazelle), blackbuck, Indian wolf, fox, wild boar, and more. The avian population is also abundant, with several migratory and resident bird species found here.
Besides the sanctuary, the surrounding area boasts several places of interest like Chaurasigarh, Chaturbhujnath temple, Bhadkaji rock paintings, Narsinghjhar Hinglajgarh fort, Taxakeshwar temple etc.
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Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary Location
The Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Mandsaur and Nimach districts in Madhya Pradesh, India. The sanctuary surrounds the Gandhi Sagar Dam, which is constructed on the Chambal River.
Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, is the closest airport to the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary. It is approximately 180 to 200 kilometers away from the sanctuary, depending on the specific entry point. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use other modes of transportation to reach the sanctuary.
Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest major railway station to the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary is the Mandsaur Railway Station, located in the town of Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh. It is situated at a distance of around 45 to 60 kilometers from the sanctuary, depending on the specific entry gate. From Mandsaur Railway Station, you can hire local transportation to reach the sanctuary.
Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary History
Establishment: The Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary was officially notified in the year 1974. The government recognized the need for a protected area to conserve and safeguard the diverse flora and fauna found in this region.
Expansion of the Sanctuary: In 1983, the sanctuary underwent an expansion, with more area being added to enhance its scope for wildlife conservation. This expansion further strengthened its capacity to support a variety of animal and plant species.
Announcement for Cheetah Conservation: In a recent announcement made in 2023, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh revealed plans to develop the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary as a second home for cheetahs. This decision comes as a response to expert suggestions indicating that Kuno National Park (KNP) lacks sufficient space to accommodate all the cheetahs.
Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary Area
Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary spread over an area of 368.62 km2 (142.32 sq mi).
Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary River
The Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary is primarily associated with the Chambal River. The Chambal River passes through the sanctuary dividing it into two parts. The western part is in Nimach district and eastern part is in Mandsaur district. The Chambal River originates from the Vindhya Range in Madhya Pradesh and flows through Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh before eventually joining the Yamuna River.
The Chambal River is essential for the ecology of the sanctuary as it supports a diverse range of aquatic and semi-aquatic wildlife. The river provides a source of water for various animal species, including fish, crocodiles, and several species of turtles. The surrounding riverbanks and sandbars create suitable habitats for numerous bird species and support various terrestrial wildlife that depend on the river for water and food.
The Chambal River is known for its relatively clean and unpolluted waters, making it a critical sanctuary for several endangered species, including the critically endangered Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) and the endangered Indian Skimmer (Rynchops albicollis). These species find refuge in the sanctuary and its river, contributing to the conservation efforts in the region.
Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
What is the flora of Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary?
The Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse flora, consisting of various plant species that contribute to the richness of the ecosystem. The sanctuary's location along the Chambal River and its surrounding landscape supports a mix of vegetation types.
Here are some of the key flora found in the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary:
(1) Dry Deciduous Forests:
The Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary is characterized by dry deciduous forests, which are dominated by trees that shed their leaves during the dry season. Trees such as teak (Tectona grandis), sal (Shorea robusta), saja (Terminalia tomentosa), tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon), and khair (Acacia catechu) are commonly found in these forests.
(2) Grasslands:
Along the riverbanks and in certain areas of the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, grasslands can be observed. These open spaces are essential for supporting various herbaceous plants and providing grazing grounds for herbivores like chinkara and blackbuck.
(3) Riverine Vegetation:
The vegetation along the Chambal River includes plants adapted to semi-aquatic environments. Species like reeds, grasses, and aquatic plants thrive in this habitat, providing shelter and food for aquatic wildlife.
(3) Thorny Scrub:
In some areas of the sanctuary, thorny scrub vegetation is prevalent. This type of vegetation includes species like acacia, Prosopis juliflora (also known as mesquite), and other shrubs with thorny adaptations.
(4) Flora Along Ravines:
The sanctuary's topography includes ravines, and these areas support unique flora adapted to the rugged terrain. You may find plants like banyan trees (Ficus benghalensis) and other hardy species in these regions.
Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
What is the fauna of Gandhi Sagar wildlife sanctuary?
Mammals:
- Chinkara (Indian Gazelle)
- Blackbuck
- Spotted Deer
- Indian Wolf
- Nilgai (Blue Bull)
- Indian Fox
- Wild Boar
- Indian Leopard
- Striped Hyena
- Jackal
Birds:
- Indian Skimmer
- Sarus Crane
- Painted Stork
- Various Species of Vultures
- Eagles
- Migratory Birds
Reptiles:
- Mugger Crocodile
- Gharial
- Various Species of Turtles
- Other Aquatic and Semi-Aquatic Reptiles
Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. In which state is Gandhinagar Wildlife Sanctuary located?
A. The Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is situated in the districts of Mandsaur and Neemuch in the northwestern part of the state.
Q. What is Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its diverse wildlife and rich biodiversity. It is a renowned conservation area in Madhya Pradesh, India, known for providing a protected habitat for various animal and plant species. The sanctuary is especially famous for its population of chinkara (Indian gazelle) and blackbuck, two iconic antelope species found in the region. Additionally, it is home to the critically endangered gharial, a long-snouted crocodilian species, and supports a significant population of Indian skimmers, an endangered bird species.
The sanctuary's location along the Chambal River makes it an important corridor for the conservation of various aquatic and semi-aquatic wildlife, including mugger crocodiles and various species of turtles. The diverse avian population, including migratory birds, also adds to the sanctuary's fame as a prime destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
Overall, the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its efforts in wildlife conservation, providing a haven for endangered and vulnerable species, and offering a unique opportunity to witness and appreciate the rich biodiversity of central India.
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