Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary

Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

The Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, India. 

The Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse flora and fauna. It is primarily composed of moist deciduous forests, grasslands, and marshes. The sanctuary provides a habitat for various wildlife species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. 

The sanctuary is home to a variety of avian species, making it a haven for birdwatchers. It is known for its resident and migratory birds.

Table of Contents Location History Area Flora Fauna UPSC Questions

Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary Location

Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Shravasti, Balrampur and Gonda districts of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is situated in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, near the border with Nepal. The sanctuary is approximately 170 kilometers (105 miles) north-east of Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary is the Lucknow Airport (Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport) in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. It is approximately 170 kilometers (105 miles) away from the sanctuary.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary is the Balrampur Railway Station, which is located in Balrampur district, Uttar Pradesh. It is approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) away from the sanctuary.

Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary History

Establishment: The Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1988 with the aim of conserving the biodiversity of the Terai region in Uttar Pradesh, India. 

Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 452 square kilometers (175 square miles). The sanctuary area comprises a diverse landscape consisting of moist deciduous forests, grasslands, and marshes, which provide a suitable habitat for a variety of wildlife species. 

Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

The Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary is indeed rich in diverse flora, as you have mentioned. Here is some additional information about the flora found in the sanctuary:

(1) Tree Species:

The sanctuary is home to several tree species, including Sal, Asna, Khair, and Teak. Other important tree species found in the sanctuary include Black Sheesham, Jamun, Haldu, Faldu, Zigna, Harra, Bahera, and Rohani.

(2) Medicinal Plants:

The Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its rich collection of medicinal plants. Some of the notable medicinal plant species found in the sanctuary include White Musali, Black Musali, Piper longum, Adhatoda vasica, Tinospora cordifolia, Swertia chirayita, Holarrhena antidysenterica, Acorus calamus, Lantana camara, Nyctanthes arbortristis, Withania somnifera, Rauvolfia serpentina, Murraya koenigii, and Asparagus racemosus.

Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

The Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Here are some notable species found in the sanctuary:

Mammals:

• Tigers
• Leopards
• Elephants
• Spotted Deer
• Sambar Deer
• Wild Boars
• Sloth Bears
• Jackals 
• Foxes
• Langurs 
• Nilgai

Birds:

• Indian Cormorant
• Little Cormorant
• Darter
• Indian Pond Heron
• Cattle-egret
• Great-egret
• Little-egret
• Common Teal
• Spot-Billed Duck
• Black-Shouldered Kite
• Black Kite
• Greater Spotted Eagle
• Long-Billed Vulture
• White Rumped Vulture
• Grey Francolin
• Sarus Crane
• Water Cock
• Common Moorhen
• Purple Moorhen
• Pheasant-Tailed Jacana
• Bronze-Winged Jacana

Reptiles:

• Indian Python 
• King Cobra 
• Indian Cobra 
• Common Krait

Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. In which state is the Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary?

A. Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Shravasti, Balrampur and Gonda districts of Uttar Pradesh, India.