Sardarpur Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

The Sardarpur Wildlife Sanctuary located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is a protected area established with a primary focus on conserving the critically endangered Lesser Florican (Sypheotides indica).

The sanctuary area comprises a mosaic of grasslands and agricultural fields, providing crucial breeding and nesting grounds for the Lesser Florican during its breeding season from June to November.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
Flora
Fauna
UPSC Questions

Sardarpur Wildlife Sanctuary Location

The Sardarpur Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh, India. Dhar district is situated in the western part of Madhya Pradesh and the sanctuary lies within this district.

Nearest Airport:

Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, is the nearest airport to the Sardarpur Wildlife Sanctuary. It is located approximately 100-120 kilometers away from the sanctuary, depending on the specific entry point.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest major railway station to the Sardarpur Wildlife Sanctuary is Indore Junction in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. It is well-connected to various cities across India.

Sardarpur Wildlife Sanctuary History

1. Preliminary Survey and Discovery: Before the sanctuary's establishment, a comprehensive survey was conducted in 1981 by P. M. Lad, the then Director of Van Vihar National Park in Bhopal, on the recommendations of Sálim Ali. The survey revealed the presence of the Lesser Florican in approximately 14 villages near Sardarpur taluka in the Dhar district, confirming the area's significance for this endangered species.

2. Establishment and Purpose: The Sardarpur Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh, India, was declared a sanctuary in 1983 with the primary objective of conserving the critically endangered bird species called the Lesser Florican (Sypheotides indica). The establishment of this sanctuary was based on the recommendations of the renowned Indian ornithologist, Sálim Ali.

Sardarpur Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The Sardarpur Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of up to 348 square kilometers. This extensive area provides valuable habitat for various wildlife species, including the critically endangered Lesser Florican (Sypheotides indica), which is the primary focus of conservation efforts within the sanctuary.

The sanctuary's size allows for the maintenance of a mosaic of grasslands and agricultural fields, providing essential breeding and nesting grounds for the Lesser Florican and other avian and mammalian inhabitants.

Sardarpur Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

(1) Grasslands:

Grasslands are a prominent feature of Sardarpur Wildlife Sanctuary and play a crucial role in supporting various wildlife species, especially Lesser Florican.

(2) Trees and Shrubs:

Sardarpur Wildlife Sanctuary typically have a mix of tree and shrub species that provide important habitats and food sources for a variety of animals.

(3) Moist Deciduous Forests:

Sardarpur Wildlife Sanctuary have patches of moist deciduous forests, which are characterized by trees that shed their leaves during the dry season. Species like Sal (Shorea robusta), Teak (Tectona grandis), and Terminalia are often found in such forests.

Sardarpur Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Sardarpur Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

The Sardarpur Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna (animal life).

Here are some of the notable fauna that can be found in the sanctuary:

Mammals:

Golden Jackal
Indian Fox
Common Langur
Striped Hyena
Chital (Spotted Deer)
Sambar Deer
Wild Boar
Indian Pangolin
Indian Hare
Indian Porcupine

Birds:

Lesser Florican (Sypheotides indica)
Various species of raptors like Eagles, Hawks, and Vultures
Indian Roller
Common Hoopo
Painted Stork
Sarus Crane
Indian Peafowl
Various species of parakeets and other small birds
Different species of waterfowl (ducks, geese, etc.)

Reptiles:

Indian Rock Python
Common Indian Monitor Lizard
Indian Cobra
Russell's Viper
Common Krait