Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. Covering an area of approximately 132 square kilometers, this sanctuary is a crucial habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna.
Among the sanctuary's mammalian inhabitants are tigers, leopards, jungle cats, jackals, striped hyenas, and several herbivores such as nilgai, blackbuck, chinkara, and chital. Kheoni Sanctuary also supports an array of avifauna, with approximately 125 bird species documented, including the Indian paradise flycatcher and plum-headed parakeet.
The sanctuary's importance extends beyond its boundaries as it serves as a corridor connecting the Satpura Tiger Reserve and the Melghat Tiger Reserve, facilitating wildlife movement and gene flow.
Moreover, Kheoni is the source of the Jamner and Balganga rivers, contributing to the water supply for the sanctuary's inhabitants. To counter water scarcity during summers, the forest department has implemented small ponds with solar-powered pumps for water conservation.
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Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary Location
Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Kannod Tehsil of Dewas district and parts of Sehore district in Madhya Pradesh, India. The sanctuary is in the central part of India, within the southern tropical dry deciduous region.
Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India. It is approximately 75-80 kilometers away from Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary.
Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
Indore Junction is the nearest major railway station to Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary. It is located in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India. The distance from Indore Junction to Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary is approximately 80-85 kilometers.
Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary History
Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary was established in the year 1974. The sanctuary has had nearly five decades of existence, serving as a protected area for wildlife conservation and biodiversity preservation in the region. Over the years, it has likely played a crucial role in providing a safe habitat for various plant and animal species, as well as contributing to the conservation efforts of endangered species in the area.
Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary Area
Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of approximately 132 square kilometers. With an area of 132 square kilometers, Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary provides a significant habitat for various wildlife species. The diverse flora and fauna within this protected area contribute to the conservation efforts and preservation of biodiversity in the region.
Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary River
Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary is the origin of two rivers: Jamner and Balganga. These two rivers are tributaries of the Narmada River. The sanctuary serves as the starting point for the flow of Jamner and Balganga rivers, which eventually join the Narmada River.
These rivers are crucial for providing water to the wildlife in the sanctuary, especially during the dry summer months when water sources may become scarce. Additionally, the presence of rivers contributes to the overall biodiversity and ecological significance of the sanctuary, as they support various aquatic and terrestrial species and create diverse habitats for wildlife.
Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary is characterized by a dry deciduous forest dominated by various plant species typical of the southern tropical dry deciduous region of India. Some of the key flora found in the sanctuary include:
Teak (Tectona grandis): Teak is a valuable timber tree and one of the dominant species in the dry deciduous forests of Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary.
Tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon): Tendu, also known as ebony tree, is another important tree species in the sanctuary. It is known for its leaves, which are used for making traditional Indian bidi (a type of cigarette).
Bamboo: Bamboo species are common in the sanctuary and play a vital role in providing food and shelter to various wildlife species.
Salai (Boswellia serrata): Also known as Indian frankincense, Salai is a deciduous tree found in the dry forests of India, including Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary.
Dhawda (Anogeissus pendula): Dhawda is a deciduous tree found in dry regions of India and is likely present in the sanctuary.
Amla (Phyllanthus emblica): Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, is a small tree or shrub known for its edible fruit and medicinal properties.
Harra (Terminalia chebula): Harra, or black myrobalan, is a medium to large deciduous tree that is found in the dry forests of India.
Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana): Ber, or Indian jujube, is a small tree that produces edible fruit and is found in the dry regions of India, including Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary.
Bel (Aegle marmelos): Bel, also known as Bengal quince, is a deciduous tree that produces fruit used in traditional medicine and religious rituals.
Palash (Butea monosperma): Palash, or flame of the forest, is a small to medium-sized tree known for its striking orange-red flowers during the blooming season.
Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna, including various mammals, birds, and other wildlife species. Here are some of the notable fauna found in the sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Tigers
- Leopards
- Jungle Cats
- Jackals
- Striped Hyenas
- Nilgai
- Blackbuck
- Chinkara
- Chital
- Sambar
- Wild Boar
- Barking Deer
- Four-Horned Antelope
- Palm Civet
Birds:
- Indian Paradise Flycatcher
- Plum-headed Parakeet
- Eurasian Collared Dove
- Laughing Dove
- Chestnut-shouldered Petronia
- Common Crow
- Black Drongo
Reptiles:
- Indian Rock Python
- Russell's Viper
- Common Cobra
- Indian Monitor Lizard
- Common Indian Skink
- Fan-throated Lizard
- Indian Chameleon
- Indian Garden Lizard
Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. Indore to Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary/Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary from Indore?
A. The distance between Indore and Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary is approximately 80-85 kilometers.
To reach Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary from Indore, you can follow these general directions:
By Road: The most convenient way to travel from Indore to Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary is by road. You can take a private vehicle or hire a taxi from Indore to reach the sanctuary. The journey usually takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
By Train: There is no direct railway station at Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary. The nearest major railway station is Indore Junction, which is well-connected to various cities in India. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or use local transportation to reach the sanctuary.
By Air: The nearest airport to Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary is Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport in Indore. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use other transportation options to travel to the sanctuary.
Q. Bhopal to Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary Distance?
A. The distance between Bhopal and Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary is approximately 185-190 kilometers.
To travel from Bhopal to Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary, you can consider the following transportation options:
By Road: The most common way to reach Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary from Bhopal is by road. You can take a private vehicle, hire a taxi, or use public transportation like buses to travel to the sanctuary. The journey usually takes around 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
By Train: There is no direct railway station at Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary. The nearest major railway station is Indore Junction, which is well-connected to Bhopal and other cities. From Indore Junction, you can hire a taxi or use local transportation to reach the sanctuary.
By Air: The nearest airport to Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary is Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport in Indore. If you prefer air travel, you can fly from Bhopal to Indore and then use a taxi or other transportation options to reach the sanctuary.
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