Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

The Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas and is part of the larger Corbett Tiger Reserve.

The Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity and serves as an important wildlife corridor between the Corbett Tiger Reserve and the Rajaji National Park.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
River
Flora
Fauna
UPSC Questions

Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary Location

The Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Nainital and Pauri Garhwal districts of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is the Pantnagar Airport. It is situated in Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, and is approximately 120 to 130 kilometers (about 75 to 81 miles) away from the sanctuary, depending on the specific entry gate.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is Ramnagar Railway Station. It is situated in Ramnagar town, which is around 30 to 35 kilometers (approximately 19 to 22 miles) away from the sanctuary, depending on the specific entry gate.

Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary History

The history of the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is closely linked with the larger context of conservation efforts in the region and the establishment of the Corbett Tiger Reserve.

1. Early Conservation Efforts: The region that now comprises the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary was once extensively forested and inhabited by a variety of wildlife species, including tigers, elephants, and various other fauna. As human settlements expanded and economic activities grew, these forests faced increasing threats from deforestation, hunting, and habitat destruction.

2. Creation of Corbett National Park: In 1936, the famous Jim Corbett National Park (earlier known as Hailey National Park) was established in the area. Named after the legendary hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett, the park was India's first national park and aimed to protect the endangered Bengal tiger and other wildlife species.

3. Expansion and Formation of Corbett Tiger Reserve: In 1973, the Indian government launched "Project Tiger," a conservation initiative aimed at protecting the endangered tiger species. Under this project, the Corbett National Park was declared a tiger reserve, and its boundaries were expanded to include the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary.

4. Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary: In 1987, the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary was established to serve as a buffer zone for the Corbett Tiger Reserve. The sanctuary covers an area of approximately 301.18 square kilometers and helps provide a safe passage for wildlife between Corbett National Park and the Rajaji National Park, further enhancing biodiversity conservation in the region.

Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary Area

Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 301.18 square kilometers (about 116.22 square miles). This sanctuary is part of the larger Corbett Tiger Reserve.

Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary River

The Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is named after the Sonanadi River, which flows through its territory. The river is an essential water source for the sanctuary and plays a vital role in sustaining the diverse flora and fauna found in the area.

The Sonanadi River is a tributary of the Ramganga River, which is one of the major rivers in the Corbett Tiger Reserve and the surrounding region. The Ramganga River is crucial for the ecosystem's balance, as it provides water to the wildlife and supports the growth of vegetation in the sanctuary.

In addition to the Sonanadi River, the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is also traversed by two perennial streams called Palain and Mandal. These streams are essential water sources for the sanctuary and contribute to the sustenance of the rich biodiversity found in the region.

Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

The Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary boasts a diverse range of flora due to its location in the foothills of the Himalayas and its proximity to the Terai region. The sanctuary's varying elevations and topography contribute to the presence of different vegetation types.

Here are some of the prominent flora species found in the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary:

(1) Sal Forests:

Sal (Shorea robusta) is one of the dominant tree species in the sanctuary. Sal forests are typically found in the lower altitudes and form dense, moist deciduous forests.

(2) Mixed Deciduous Forests:

The sanctuary is also characterized by mixed deciduous forests, where you can find a variety of trees, including mahua (Madhuca longifolia), tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon), axlewood (Anogeissus latifolia), and many others.

(3) Bamboo Groves:

Bamboo species like Dendrocalamus strictus and Bambusa arundinacea are present in some parts of the sanctuary, forming bamboo groves.

(4) Grasslands:

The sanctuary features patches of grasslands and open areas, which are vital for various herbivores and support a diverse array of grass species.

(5) Riparian Vegetation:

Along the banks of the Sonanadi River, Palain, and Mandal streams, you can find a variety of vegetation known as riparian vegetation. These areas have a unique ecological importance, providing habitat and food for several animal species.

(6) Medicinal Plants:

The sanctuary is also home to various medicinal plants, which have been traditionally used by local communities for their healing properties.

(7) Epiphytes and Orchids:

The sanctuary's lush and diverse forests support a variety of epiphytes (plants that grow on other plants without harming them) and orchids, adding to the overall biodiversity.

Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

The Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a rich and diverse array of fauna, making it a vital habitat for numerous animal species. As part of the larger Corbett Tiger Reserve, the sanctuary contributes significantly to the conservation of wildlife in the region. Some of the notable fauna species found in the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary include:

Mammals:

Bengal Tiger
Indian Elephant
Indian Leopard
Sambhar
Cheetal
Barking Deer
Wild Boar
Goral
Otter
Porcupine
Yellow-Throated Marten
Sloth Bear
Himalayan Black Bear

Birds:

Great Hornbill
Pallas's Fish Eagle
Wall Creeper
Changeable Hawk Eagle
Emerald Dove
Himalayan Bearded Vulture
White-Rumped Vulture
Falcon
Brown Fish Owls

Reptiles:

Python
Monitor Lizard
King Cobra
Gharials
Mugger