Ghatigaon Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
Ghatigaon Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. The sanctuary is known for its efforts in conserving the Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps), an endangered bird species.
The sanctuary is characterized by a diverse range of flora and fauna. Apart from being home to the Great Indian Bustard, it also supports populations of other avian species, reptiles, and mammals.
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Ghatigaon Wildlife Sanctuary Location
Ghatigaon Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Gwalior district of the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.
Ghatigaon Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Ghatigaon Wildlife Sanctuary is the Gwalior Airport. It is the primary airport serving the city of Gwalior and is located at a distance of approximately 115 kilometers (71 miles) from the sanctuary.
Ghatigaon Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Ghatigaon Wildlife Sanctuary is Gwalior Junction Railway Station. It is a major railway station and well-connected to various cities across India. The railway station is located at a similar distance as the airport, about 115 kilometers (71 miles) from the sanctuary.
Ghatigaon Wildlife Sanctuary History
Ghatigaon Wildlife Sanctuary's history is not extensively documented, but it is known for its efforts in conserving the Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps), an endangered bird species. Here is a general overview of the sanctuary's history:
Establishment: In 1981, Ghatigaon Wildlife Sanctuary was established to protect and conserve the diverse flora and fauna of the region, with a particular focus on safeguarding the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard.
Great Indian Bustard Conservation: The sanctuary gained prominence due to its conservation efforts aimed at the Great Indian Bustard, which was facing a severe decline in population and was at the risk of extinction. This bird species, one of the largest and heaviest flying birds in the world, requires large open grasslands and suitable habitat for breeding and survival. The sanctuary's establishment aimed to provide a safe haven for this magnificent bird and help in its recovery.
Ghatigaon Wildlife Sanctuary Area
Ghatigaon Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of about 511 square kilometers (197.26 square miles). It extends to Tigra Dam, and includes part of the reservoir.
Ghatigaon Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
Ghatigaon Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse flora, which includes a variety of plant species typical of the central Indian region. The sanctuary's vegetation primarily consists of dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and scrublands.
Here are some of the common flora found in Ghatigaon Wildlife Sanctuary:
(1) Dry Deciduous Trees:
The sanctuary is home to various dry deciduous tree species, including teak (Tectona grandis), sal (Shorea robusta), tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon), and mahua (Madhuca longifolia). These trees shed their leaves during the dry season, helping them conserve water and withstand drought conditions.
(2) Grasses and Herbs:
The grasslands of Ghatigaon Wildlife Sanctuary support a variety of grass species that provide essential forage for herbivores. Additionally, numerous herbaceous plants, shrubs, and small flowering plants can be found throughout the sanctuary.
(3) Acacia Species:
Several species of acacia trees, such as Acacia catechu (khair) and Acacia leucophloea (safed babul), are commonly found in the region. These trees play a crucial role in providing food and shelter to various wildlife species.
(4) Bamboo:
Some areas of the sanctuary may also have bamboo thickets, which are significant for biodiversity and can serve as a food source for certain animals.
(5) Shrubs and Undergrowth:
The sanctuary's understory is often composed of various shrubs and undergrowth plants that contribute to the overall biodiversity of the area.
Ghatigaon Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Ghatigaon Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
Ghatigaon Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse array of fauna, which includes a variety of mammal, bird, reptile, and insect species. The sanctuary's unique ecosystem and varied habitats support a rich wildlife population. Some of the notable fauna found in Ghatigaon Wildlife Sanctuary includes:
Mammals:
- Leopard
- Striped Hyena
- Wild Boar
- Sambar
- Chital
- Nilgai or Bluebul
- Chinkara
- Blackbuck
- Grey Wolf
- Golden Jackal
- Indian Fox
Birds:
- Great Indian Bustard
- Indian Vulture
- Indian Peafowl
- Indian Roller
- Crested Serpent Eagle
- Indian Grey Hornbill
- Indian Robin
- Indian Pitta
Reptiles:
- Indian Rock Python
- Russell's Viper
- Indian Cobra
- Monitor Lizard
- Indian Chameleon
- Indian Garden Lizard
Ghatigaon Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. In which state is Ghatigaon Wildlife Sanctuary?
A. Ghatigaon Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Gwalior district of the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.
Q. What is the Ghatigaon Sanctuary famous for?
A. Ghatigaon Wildlife Sanctuary is primarily famous for its efforts in conserving the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps). This majestic bird, also known as "GIB," is one of the heaviest flying birds in the world and is endemic to the Indian subcontinent. It was once widely distributed across various regions of India, but its population has drastically declined due to habitat loss, hunting, and other threats.
The sanctuary's establishment aimed to create a safe and protected habitat for the Great Indian Bustard, providing it with suitable breeding and feeding grounds to help in its conservation and recovery. Ghatigaon Wildlife Sanctuary has become a significant site for the preservation and study of this endangered species.
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