Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area situated on the banks of the Ken River in Madhya Pradesh, India. It serves as a crucial buffer zone for the nearby Panna National Park.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
River
Flora
Fauna
UPSC Questions

Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary Location

Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Chhatarpur District, Madhya Pradesh, India. It is situated on the banks of the Ken River. The sanctuary is approximately 38 kilometers south-west of Khajuraho, a well-known tourist destination famous for its ancient temples.

Chhatarpur District is part of the Bundelkhand region in the state of Madhya Pradesh.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Khajuraho. Khajuraho Airport serves as the closest air gateway for visitors who wish to travel to the sanctuary.

Nearest Railway Station:

As for the nearest railway station, Satna Railway Station is the closest railhead to Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary. It is approximately 38 kilometers away from Khajuraho.

Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary History

Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1975.

Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary Area

Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 69 square kilometers. The sanctuary comprises the territorial forests of the present North and South Panna Forest Division.

With an area of 69 square kilometers, Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary serves as an essential buffer for the nearby Panna National Park, helping to maintain ecological connectivity and support wildlife movement between the two protected areas.

Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary River

Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Ken River. The Ken River is a prominent river that flows through the central Indian states of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. It is a tributary of the Yamuna River, which eventually joins the Ganges River.

Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary boasts a diverse range of flora, contributing to the sanctuary's ecological significance and providing essential habitats for various wildlife species. Here an overview of the typical types of flora that may be encountered there:

Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests: The predominant forest type in Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary is tropical dry deciduous forest. These forests shed their leaves during certain seasons, and the trees found here have adapted to the region's dry and arid climate.

Teak Trees: Teak (Tectona grandis) is a prominent tree species in the Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary and is known for its high-quality timber.

Mahua Trees: The mahua tree (Madhuca longifolia) is another common tree species found in the Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary. It produces edible flowers and seeds that are essential food sources for several wildlife species.

Sal Trees: Sal (Shorea robusta) forests are also found in some parts of the Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary. Sal trees are known for their dense foliage and provide important habitat for various animals.

Bamboo: Bamboo (Bambusa arundinacea) thickets are found in certain areas of the Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary. These fast-growing plants are vital for the survival of many animal species.

Grasslands: Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary has grasslands that provide crucial feeding and breeding grounds for various herbivores and support the park's ecosystem.

Riparian Vegetation: The sanctuary's water bodies and riverbanks are home to diverse riparian vegetation, including aquatic plants and shrubs that thrive in the wetter areas.

Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna, including a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, and other wildlife species. Here are some of the notable animal species that may be encountered there:

Mammals:

Striped Hyena
Chital (Spotted Deer)
Sambar Deer
Four-horned Antelope
Nilgai (Bluebull)
Wild Boar
Indian Hare
Indian Gray Mongoose
Sloth Bear
Indian Fox
Jungle Cat
Indian Pangolin

Birds:

Indian Peafowl
Indian Vulture
Indian Roller
Painted Stork
Crested Serpent Eagle
Common Kingfisher
Indian Pitta

Reptiles:

Indian Rock Python
Indian Cobra
Indian Rat Snake
Common Krait
Indian Monitor Lizard