Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC (Black Buck Sanctuary Abohar)
The Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Punjab, India. It is a protected area known for its rich biodiversity and conservation efforts. The Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary earned its status as a sanctuary in 1975 and was subsequently renotified in 2000 under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
The sanctuary is particularly famous for its efforts in conserving the Black Buck, which holds cultural and religious significance, especially for the Bishnoi community native to the area.
Unlike many other wildlife sanctuaries, Abohar is a private nature reserve owned and managed by individuals and panchayats associated with the Bishnoi community. Members of this community play a crucial role in guarding the animals against poaching and other threats.
The sanctuary's habitat includes semi-arid plains, tropical dry mixed deciduous forests, agricultural fields, scattered sand dunes, and mounds. It hosts a variety of plant species that contribute to the ecosystem's health and diversity.
The Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary serves as an example of successful community-driven conservation and showcases the importance of preserving both biodiversity and cultural heritage.
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Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary Location
The Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the city of Abohar, which falls within the Fazilka District of Punjab, India. It is located approximately 8 kilometers away from the city of Abohar.
Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to the Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary is Sri Guru Ramdas Ji International Airport, located in Amritsar, Punjab, India. This airport is approximately 230 kilometers away from Fazilka, the district where the sanctuary is situated. Additionally, there are other domestic airports relatively closer to Abohar, such as Bathinda Airport (approximately 77 kilometers away) and Ludhiana Airport (approximately 213 kilometers away).
Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary is the Abohar railway station. Additionally, the Bathinda railway junction is also relatively close to Abohar, at a distance of approximately 75 kilometers. These railway stations provide transportation options for those visiting the Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary by train.
Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary History
The history of Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary is as follows:
Initial Declaration: The sanctuary was first declared as a Wildlife Sanctuary by the Punjab Government through a notification numbered No. 1914-Ft-III-75/24837 dated August 27, 1975. This initial declaration granted it the status of a protected area under the relevant provisions.
Subsequent Notifications: The sanctuary's protected status was renewed through subsequent notifications. It was again notified for a period of five years via notification no. 34/22/Ft-IV-80/7402 dated April 7, 1988. Further renewals were made through notification no. 40/4/98-Ft-IV/10595 dated August 20, 1998, and the final notification for the sanctuary's status was issued by the Punjab Government under no. 40/4/98-Ft-IV/11505 dated September 7, 2000.
Eco-Sensitive Zone: In 2016, the central government, under the Environment (Protection) Rules of 1986, declared an eco-sensitive zone around the boundary of the Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary. This move aimed to protect the sanctuary's ecosystem and maintain its ecological balance.
Throughout its history, the sanctuary has evolved from its initial declaration to achieving renewed protected status, and measures such as the declaration of an eco-sensitive zone have been taken to ensure its preservation and conservation. The Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary continues to be an important habitat for various flora and fauna, especially the Black Buck, and plays a vital role in the local ecosystem.
Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary Area
The Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of over 186.5 km² (18,650 hectares) of land. This substantial expanse provides a habitat for various wildlife species and contributes to the preservation and protection of the ecosystem within the sanctuary's boundaries.
The whole area is private land and all the rights of local people except hunting, shooting, killing or capturing of wild animals and wild birds have been allowed to continue under section 24(c) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
What is the flora of Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary?
The Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary boasts a unique and diverse range of flora within its ecosystem. The sanctuary's habitat consists of semi-arid plains, tropical dry mixed deciduous forests, agricultural fields, scattered sand dunes, mounds, and ridges.
Here are some of the flora species that can be found in the Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary:
Trees:
- Arjun
- Ber (Beri)
- Bohar
- Bahera
- Bel
- Dhak (Flame)
- Hins
- Jand/Khejri
- Kikar
- Kala siris
- Karaunda
- Khajoor
- Lasura
- Mesquite
- Mulberry (Toot)
- Neem
- Phalahi
- Pipal
- Rehru
- Safeda or Mysore gum
- Shisham (Tahli)
- Simbal
- Teak (Sagwan)
Shrubs:
Here are some shrub names found in the Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary:
- Ak
- Bathu
- Bhang
Weed:
- Kaui
- Karaunda
- Puthkanda
- Mallah
- Giloe
Grasses:
Here are some grass species found in the Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary:
- Anjan
- Dib
- Khabbal
- Kahi
Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
What animals are in the Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary?
Mammals:
- Black Buck
- Nilgai
- Jackal
- Common Mongoose
- Common Indian Hare
- Common House rat
- Common Squirrel
- Fruit Bat
- Indian Crested Porcupine
- Jungle Cat
- Rhesus Monkey
- Smaller Indian Civet
Birds:
- Pond Heron
- Cattle Egret
- Black Wings
- Brahminy Kite
- Shikra
- Scavenger Vulture
- Black Partridges
- Grey Partridges
- Peafowl
- Red Wattled Lapwing
- Indian Ring Dove
- Spotted Dove
- Large Indian Parakeet
- Rose-Ringed Parakeet
- Black Drongo
- Pied Myna
- Bank Myna
- House Crow
- Indian Robin
- Red Vented Bulbul
- Common Babbler
- Jungle Babbler
- Magpie Robin
- Purple Sunbird
- Indian Weaver Bird
- Red Munia
- Brahminy Mynah
- Tailor Bird
- Koel
- Hoopoe
- Cuckoo
- Pariah Kite
Reptiles:
- Water Snake
- Natrix
- Indian Cobra
- Indian Rat Snake
- Monitor Lizard
Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. In which city is Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary located?/ Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which state?/Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in district of Punjab?
A. The Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the city of Abohar, which falls within the Fazilka District of the state of Punjab, India.
Q. What is the Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. The Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for being a preservation hotspot for the Black Buck (Antilope cervicapra). It is also renowned for its efforts in conserving and protecting this sacred animal, particularly revered by the local Bishnoi community.
The sanctuary's significance extends beyond just its wildlife; it is a private nature reserve owned and managed by individuals and panchayats associated with the Bishnoi community. This unique approach to conservation and involvement of the local community makes the Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary noteworthy.
The sanctuary's diverse ecosystem, which includes semi-arid plains, tropical dry mixed deciduous forests, agricultural fields, and more, further contributes to its fame as a valuable natural habitat in the region.
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