Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC (Wildlife Sanctuary in Delhi)
Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in Delhi, India.The sanctuary is named after two villages: Asola and Bhatti.
Established in 1986, the sanctuary serves as a vital ecological corridor between the Aravalli hill range and the Indo-Gangetic Plains. It is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it an important hotspot for biodiversity conservation within the urban landscape of Delhi.
The sanctuary is a haven for birdwatchers, hosting a variety of avian species, including peafowls, Indian silverbills, spotted owlets, Indian robins, parakeets, and hoopoes.
Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary offers opportunities for nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and researchers to study and appreciate the natural environment. There are several trails and walking paths within the sanctuary that allow visitors to explore its diverse habitats, including dry scrub forests, rocky terrain, and seasonal water bodies.
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Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary Location
The Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the southern part of Delhi, India. It is situated on the Southern Delhi Ridge of Aravalli hill range on Delhi-Haryana border.
How to reach Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary?
Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi is the nearest major airport to Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary. It is located approximately 15-20 kilometers away from the sanctuary, and travel time can vary depending on traffic conditions.
Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest major railway station is Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station in New Delhi. It is located at a distance of about 20-25 kilometers from the sanctuary, and travel time can vary based on traffic.
Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Metro Station:
The nearest metro station to Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary is the Badarpur Metro Station, which is part of the Delhi Metro's Violet Line. The sanctuary is located at a relatively short distance from the metro station.
Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary History
The Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary has a history that reflects its transformation from a mining site to a protected area for wildlife conservation. Here's a brief overview of its history:
Mining and Quarrying: The area that is now the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary was historically used for mining and quarrying activities, which led to the extraction of minerals and construction materials. These activities had a significant impact on the natural landscape and ecology of the region.
Ecological Concerns: Over time, concerns arose about the environmental degradation caused by mining and the loss of natural habitats for wildlife. The need to conserve the region's biodiversity and restore its ecological balance became apparent.
Creation of a Protected Area: In response to these concerns, the Government of Delhi took steps to protect and rehabilitate the area. In 1986, the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary was established to conserve the unique ecosystem of the region and provide a refuge for various species of flora and fauna.
Conservation Efforts: Since its establishment, the sanctuary has been managed with a focus on conservation and preservation. Efforts have been made to restore and regenerate the natural habitats, including the dry scrub forests and rocky terrains that are characteristic of the Aravalli range.
Biodiversity Importance: The sanctuary's location on the southern edge of Delhi, adjacent to the Aravalli hills, makes it an important corridor for wildlife movement between the hills and the plains. It provides a vital refuge for many plant and animal species that are adapted to this unique ecosystem.
Eco-sensitive Zone Declaration: Recognizing the importance of safeguarding the delicate balance of the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary and its surrounding areas, the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) took a crucial step in declaring an eco-sensitive zone around the sanctuary. In an effort to extend the conservation impact beyond the sanctuary's boundaries, an area of approximately 1 kilometer around the sanctuary, spanning across Gurugram and Faridabad, was designated as an eco-sensitive zone.
Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary Area
The Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of about 32.71 square kilometers (12.62 square miles). This protected area is characterized by its diverse habitats, including dry scrub forests, rocky terrains, and seasonal water bodies, making it an important hotspot for biodiversity conservation within the urban landscape of Delhi.
It is a part of the Sariska-Delhi Wildlife Corridor, which runs from the Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan to Delhi Ridge.
Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary Hills
The Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the southern edge of the Aravalli hill range, which is one of the oldest mountain ranges in India. The sanctuary encompasses a portion of these hills, contributing to its diverse ecosystem and providing a vital corridor for wildlife movement between the hills and the plains.
The Aravalli hills are known for their ecological importance and serve as a crucial geological feature in northern India. They play a significant role in shaping the landscape, hydrology, and biodiversity of the region. The presence of the Aravalli hills within the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary adds to the sanctuary's appeal as a haven for biodiversity and natural beauty.
The hills within the sanctuary area contribute to the varied habitats found within the sanctuary, including dry scrub forests, rocky outcrops, and seasonal water bodies. These diverse habitats support a wide range of plant and animal species that have adapted to the rugged terrain and climatic conditions of the Aravalli hills.
The sanctuary's location adjacent to the Aravalli hills provides a vital wildlife corridor, allowing animals to move between the hills and the surrounding plains. This connectivity is essential for maintaining genetic diversity, facilitating species migration, and ensuring the long-term survival of various wildlife species.
Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
Which flora is found in Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary?
The Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora that thrives in its various habitats, which include dry scrub forests, rocky terrains, grasslands, and seasonal water bodies. Here are some examples of the flora found within the sanctuary:
(1) Dry Scrub Vegetation:
The sanctuary's predominant habitat is dry scrub forest, characterized by hardy plants adapted to arid conditions. Some common species include Prosopis juliflora (mesquite), Acacia species, Ziziphus species, and Salvadora persica (toothbrush tree).
(2) Herbs and Grasses:
Various herbaceous plants and grasses can be found in the grasslands and open areas of the sanctuary. These plants provide food and shelter for different wildlife species.
(3) Native Trees:
Indigenous tree species are also present in the sanctuary, contributing to its biodiversity. Trees like Anogeissus pendula (dhau), Acacia catechu (khair), and Albizia lebbeck (siris) are examples of native tree species found in the sanctuary.
(4) Aquatic and Riparian Plants:
Along the edges of water bodies and seasonal streams, you might find aquatic and riparian plants such as reeds, sedges, and floating vegetation that provide crucial habitats for aquatic life and birds.
(5) Shrubs and Understory Plants:
Shrubs and understory plants play a role in providing cover and habitat for various animals. Species like Berberis aristata (Indian barberry) and Carissa carandas (karonda) can be found in the sanctuary.
Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
What are the three fauna found in Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary?
Mammals:
- Leopards
- Nilgais (Blue Bulls)
- Blackbucks
- Indian Foxes
- Jackals
- Wild Boars
- Porcupines
- Indian Hares
- Small Indian Civets
- Indian Palm Squirrels
Birds:
- Peafowls
- Indian Silverbills
- Spotted Owlets
- Parakeets (Rose-ringed, Plum-headed, etc.)
- Indian Robins
- Hoopoes
- White-throated Kingfishers
- Oriental Magpie-Robins
- Red-vented Bulbuls
- Purple Sunbirds
- Bee-eaters (Green and Blue-tailed)
- Ashy Prinias
- Greater Coucals
- Grey Francolins
Reptiles:
- Indian Rock Pythons
- Cobras
- Vipers
- Common Kraits
- Indian Monitor Lizards
Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which state?/Where is Asola Bhatti Wildlife sanctuary?
A. The Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, India. It is situated in the southern part of Delhi, near the Delhi-Haryana border.
Q. Why is the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary important?
A. The Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary holds several important ecological, conservation, and educational values, making it a significant area within the urban landscape of Delhi:
(i) Biodiversity Conservation: The sanctuary is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, including several species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. It provides a refuge for wildlife in an urban setting and contributes to the conservation of biodiversity, especially in the context of an increasingly urbanized environment.
(ii) Ecosystem Services: The sanctuary plays a role in providing essential ecosystem services such as air purification, water regulation, and carbon sequestration. It helps maintain a healthier environment and contributes to the overall well-being of the region.
(iii) Wildlife Corridor: Positioned adjacent to the Aravalli hill range, the sanctuary serves as a vital wildlife corridor that allows animals to move between the hills and the plains. This connectivity is crucial for maintaining genetic diversity and facilitating the movement of species, helping to prevent genetic isolation.
(iv) Recreational and Eco-Tourism: Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary provides a space for people to connect with nature, enjoy outdoor activities, and appreciate wildlife. The sanctuary's trails, walking paths, and birdwatching opportunities make it a popular destination for recreational activities.
(v) Habitat Restoration: The sanctuary has undergone efforts to restore and rehabilitate degraded habitats, contributing to the enhancement of local ecosystems and the establishment of healthier habitats for native flora and fauna.
(vi) Historical and Cultural Value: The area around the sanctuary is also rich in history, with sites like Neeli Jheel showcasing the historical heritage of the region, adding cultural significance to its conservation efforts.
(vii) Urban Green Space: The sanctuary provides a green lung within the urban sprawl of Delhi, offering residents and visitors a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle.
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