Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the state Madhya Pradesh, India.

Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary provides a safe habitat for various wildlife species, including the rare 'Kharmour' bird and serves as a significant stop for migratory birds. It is recognized as one of the breeding habitats of the Lesser Florican (Kharmour) in India.

This sanctuary holds significant historical value as Sailana was once the capital of the Sailana State, and remnants of the past include a fort belonging to the former royal family, which now houses the renowned Cactus Garden. The Kedareshwar temples dedicated to Lord Shiva are another notable attraction nearby.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
Flora
Fauna
UPSC Questions

Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary Location

Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the district of Ratlam, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. Ratlam is a city in the northwestern part of Madhya Pradesh, and Sailana is a town within the Ratlam district.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary is Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The airport is approximately 150 kilometers (about 93 miles) away from Sailana.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest major railway station to Sailana is Ratlam Junction Railway Station. Ratlam Junction is well-connected to various cities across India through the Indian Railways network. The railway station is located approximately 32 kilometers (about 20 miles) away from Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary.

Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary History

1. Establishment: Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1983 with the aim of preserving and protecting the unique flora and fauna of the region.

2. Historical Significance: Sailana, the town where the sanctuary is located, has a rich historical background. It was once the capital of the Sailana State, a princely state in India. The area still houses a fort that belonged to the former royal family, which now contains the famous Cactus Garden. The Kedareshwar temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is another notable shrine situated nearby.

3. Ornithologist Salim Ali: One of the significant historical connections of Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary is its association with the renowned Indian ornithologist, Salim Ali. He visited the sanctuary and documented around 89 species of birds, which later became the basis for his book about the birds of Sailana. Salim Ali's contributions to the study of Indian birds have been invaluable, and his work has had a lasting impact on ornithology in India.

Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary Area

Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary covers a relatively smaller area of 13 square kilometers.

Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

The Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary, being part of the Kathiawar-Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion, is likely to have a variety of tree species typical of this particular ecosystem. Dry deciduous forests are characterized by trees that shed their leaves during the dry season to conserve water.

Here are some tree names commonly found in the Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary:

Teak (Tectona grandis)
Sal (Shorea robusta)
Babul (Acacia nilotica)
Neem (Azadirachta indica)
Jamun (Syzygium cumini)
Banyan (Ficus benghalensis)
Peepal (Ficus religiosa)
Indian Tamarind (Tamarindus indica)
Anogeissus pendula (Gum Arabic Tree)
Indian Kino (Pterocarpus marsupium)

Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse fauna, including various species of animals and birds. Here are some examples of the fauna that can be found in the sanctuary:

Mammals:

Chital (Spotted Deer)
Sambar Deer
Nilgai (Blue Bull)
Wild Boar
Indian Hare
Langur (Gray Langur)
Rhesus Macaque
Indian Fox
Hyena
Jackal
Indian Porcupine

Birds:

Kharmour Bird (Lesser Florican)
Peafowl (Indian Peacock)
Indian Roller
Indian Vulture
Indian Robin
Indian Cormorant
Indian Paradise Flycatcher
Indian Grey Hornbill

Reptiles:

Indian Rock Python
Indian Cobra
Common Monitor Lizard
Fan-throated Lizard
Indian Chameleon
Indian Garden Lizard