Aner Dam Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
The Aner Dam Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the state of Maharashtra, India. The Aner Dam, from which the sanctuary derives its name, is an essential water reservoir that provides water for various purposes in the region.
The sanctuary's ecosystem includes Southern moist deciduous forests, scrublands, wooded patches, and water bodies, making it a habitat for a range of plant and animal species.
The establishment of the Aner Dam Wildlife Sanctuary has contributed to the conservation of biodiversity and the protection of the unique ecosystem in the region. It offers a safe habitat for wildlife and plays a significant role in maintaining the ecological balance of the area.
|
Table of Contents
|
Aner Dam Wildlife Sanctuary Location
The Aner Dam Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Shirpur taluka of Dhule district in the state of Maharashtra, India. It spreads over the southwestern side of the Satpura hill ranges and encompasses the catchment area of the Aner River, particularly around the Aner Dam.
The sanctuary shares a common boundary with the Yawal Wildlife Sanctuary in Jalgaon district and the forest area of Khargone district in the state of Madhya Pradesh.
Aner Dam Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to the Aner Dam Wildlife Sanctuary is Chikkalthana Airport, also known as Aurangabad Airport. It is located in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India. The distance between Chikkalthana Airport and the sanctuary is approximately 190-200 kilometers.
Aner Dam Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to the Aner Dam Wildlife Sanctuary is Chalisgaon Junction Railway Station. It is situated in Chalisgaon, Maharashtra, India. The distance between Chalisgaon Junction Railway Station and the sanctuary is approximately 60-70 kilometers.
Aner Dam Wildlife Sanctuary History
Establishment and Notification: The Aner Dam Wildlife Sanctuar was officially designated as a wildlife sanctuary on October 10, 1986. This crucial step was taken to ensure the preservation and safeguarding of the unique ecosystem, flora, and fauna present in the region.
Conservation Objectives: The primary aim of establishing the sanctuary was to protect and conserve the diverse range of plant and animal species found within its boundaries. By designating the area as a wildlife sanctuary, authorities aimed to provide a safe haven for indigenous wildlife and contribute to the broader efforts of biodiversity conservation in the region.
Aner Dam Wildlife Sanctuary Area
The Aner Dam Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 85.07 square kilometers. The significant land area designated as a sanctuary demonstrates its importance in preserving the ecosystem, flora, and fauna present in the area.
Aner Dam Wildlife Sanctuary Hills
The Aner Dam Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the southwestern side of the Satpura hill ranges. These hills contribute to the unique landscape and ecosystem of the sanctuary. The sanctuary's location in the hilly terrain enhances its ecological significance by providing varied habitats for different plant and animal species.
The hills within the sanctuary's vicinity offer shelter, foraging grounds, and diverse microenvironments that contribute to the biodiversity of the area. The presence of hills also has an impact on water flow, soil composition, and vegetation distribution, creating a complex and dynamic ecosystem.
Aner Dam Wildlife Sanctuary River
The Aner Dam Wildlife Sanctuary is closely associated with the Aner River, as the sanctuary's name suggests. The Aner River is a significant water body that runs through the sanctuary and plays a crucial role in shaping the local ecosystem. The sanctuary encompasses the catchment area of the Aner River, particularly around the Aner Dam.
The presence of the Aner River within the sanctuary's boundaries adds to the overall ecological importance of the area and contributes to the diverse range of habitats that support various species of flora and fauna.
Aner Dam Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
The Aner Dam Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of flora, contributing to its diverse ecosystem. The sanctuary's flora is adapted to the specific habitat conditions of the region, which includes the catchment area of the Aner River and the surrounding hills.
Here are some of the notable plant species that can be found in the sanctuary:
Acacia Catechu (Khair): A common tree species in the sanctuary, Khair is known for its durable wood and is used for various purposes, including timber and traditional medicine.
Acacia Leucophloea (Hiwar): Also known as the "safed siris," this tree is valued for its shade and its nitrogen-fixing properties that enrich the soil.
Acacia Nilotica (Babul): Babul is recognized for its thorny branches and provides fodder for animals. It's also used for its medicinal properties.
Aegle Marmelos (Bel): The Bel tree produces a fruit called Bael or wood apple, which has cultural, medicinal, and culinary significance.
Albizia Lebbek: Commonly known as the "siris" tree, Albizia lebbek is valued for its timber and as a shade-providing species.
Butea Monosperma (Palas): Palas, also known as the Flame of the Forest, is known for its vibrant orange-red flowers and is used in traditional medicine.
Anogeissus Latifolia (Dhawda): Dhawda is a sturdy tree with strong wood that's used for various purposes, including construction and fuel.
Terminalia Species: Various species of the Terminalia genus might be present in the sanctuary. These trees are known for their multiple uses, including medicinal properties.
Ficus Species: Different species of fig trees, known for their aerial roots and distinctive fruit structures, might be found in the sanctuary.
Other Shrubs and Understory Plants: The sanctuary also likely contains various shrubs and understory plants, including Vites negundo, zizyphus species, Cassia auriculata (tarwad), Carissa carandas, and Helicteres isora (Murudsheng).
Aner Dam Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Aner Dam Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
The Aner Dam Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse array of fauna, including various animal species that inhabit its unique ecosystem. The sanctuary provides a protected habitat for these species to thrive. Here are some of the notable fauna found in the sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Barking Deer
- Chinkara
- Hare
- Porcupine
- Jungle Cat
- Striped Hyaena
- Jackal
- Wolf
- Wild Boar
Birds:
- Leafs
- Quails
- Partridges
- Egrets
- Herons
- Cormorants
- Corts
- Spot Bils
- owls
- Brahminy Ducks
- Cranes
- Stokes
- Waders
- Spotbill
Reptiles:
- Monitor Lizard
Aner Dam Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. Which district is the Aner Dam in?
A. The Aner Dam is located in the Dhule district of Maharashtra, India. The dam is situated in the Shirpur taluka within the Dhule district. The Aner Dam is an important water storage structure that contributes to irrigation, water supply, and other related activities in the region. It's also closely associated with the Aner Dam Wildlife Sanctuary, which encompasses the catchment area of the Aner River and the surrounding ecosystem.
No comments:
Post a Comment