Band Baretha Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
The Band Baretha Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the state of Rajasthan, India. The sanctuary features a variety of habitats, including wetlands, water bodies, grasslands, and scrub areas. This diversity supports a wide range of flora and fauna.
The sanctuary is particularly famous for its avian diversity. It hosts over 200 species of birds, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers and ornithologists. The elusive Black Bittern is one of its notable bird species.
The dam's waters have cultural and religious significance, and local traditions involve performing rituals and worship in the holy waters of the dam.
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Band Baretha Wildlife Sanctuary Location
The Band Baretha Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Bayana Tehsil of Bharatpur district of Rajasthan, India. It is situated around the Band Baretha Dam on the Kakund River. It is approximately 60-70 kilometers away from the Bharatpur city.
Band Baretha Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to the Band Baretha Wildlife Sanctuary is the Jaipur International Airport in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. The sanctuary is located at a distance of approximately 160-180 kilometers from Jaipur.
Band Baretha Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to the Band Baretha Wildlife Sanctuary is Bharatpur Junction Railway Station, also known as Bharatpur Railway Station. It is situated around 60-70 kilometers away from the sanctuary.
Band Baretha Wildlife Sanctuary History
The Band Baretha Wildlife Sanctuary has a rich history closely tied to the region's rulers and their efforts to conserve and protect its natural resources. Here is a brief overview of its history:
Construction of the Dam: In 1866, Maharaja Jaswant Singh of Bharatpur initiated the construction of a dam on the Kakund River. The dam was intended to serve various purposes, including providing water for irrigation and creating a water reservoir.
Completion of the Dam: The construction of the dam was completed by Maharaja Ram Singh in 1897. The Band Dam, as it is commonly referred to, became a significant water resource in the area.
Declaration as a Wildlife Sanctuary: Around 200 square kilometers of the region surrounding the Band Dam was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1985. This designation aimed to protect the diverse flora and fauna in the area, creating a safe haven for various species.
Cultural Significance: The sanctuary holds cultural significance as well. Saints and devotees visit the sanctuary to perform rituals and worship in the holy waters of the Band Dam. The water is believed to be sacred and comparable to the Ganges, adding a spiritual aspect to the site.
Band Baretha Wildlife Sanctuary Area
The Band Baretha Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 200 square kilometers. The area's diverse flora and fauna, including various bird species and wildlife, make it a significant conservation site and a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.
Band Baretha Wildlife Sanctuary River/Lake
The Band Baretha Wildlife Sanctuary is located near the Band Baretha Dam on the Kakund River in the state of Rajasthan, India. The sanctuary's ecosystem is closely associated with the water reservoir created by the dam and the Kakund River. The river and the dam play a significant role in supporting the diverse flora and fauna within the sanctuary.
The Kakund River and the Band Dam provide water to the surrounding habitat, creating wetlands, water bodies, and other important ecosystems that attract various bird species and wildlife. The sanctuary's landscape is shaped by the presence of the river and the dam, making it an essential water source for both the ecosystem and the local communities.
Band Baretha Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
The Band Baretha Wildlife Sanctuary is characterized by a diverse range of flora that is well adapted to its semi-arid and wetland habitats. Some of the notable plant species that can be found within the sanctuary include:
(1) Aquatic and Wetland Plants:
The presence of the Band Baretha Dam and its associated water bodies supports the growth of aquatic and wetland plants. These may include various types of aquatic grasses, reeds, and water lilies.
(2) Grasslands:
The sanctuary features grassland areas with a mix of grass species that are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions.
(3) Shrubs and Scrub Vegetation:
The semi-arid landscape of the sanctuary is home to a variety of shrubs and scrub vegetation. These plants have adapted to survive in arid conditions and include species like Prosopis, Acacia, Ziziphus, and others.
(4) Trees:
While the sanctuary may not have dense forests, scattered trees and woody vegetation can be found throughout the area. Species like neem, babool (Acacia nilotica), and khejri (Prosopis cineraria) are commonly found.
(5) Wetland Flora:
Wetland areas around the dam may support plants like Typha (cattails), Phragmites (common reed), and other species that thrive in marshy environments.
Band Baretha Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Band Baretha Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
The Band Baretha Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse array of fauna, including both bird species and various types of mammals. Here are some of the notable species that can be found within the sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Nilgai (Blue Bull)
- Leopard
- Wolf
- Indian Fox
- Chital (Spotted Deer)
- Wild Boar
- Indian Hare
- Mongoose
- Jungle Cat
- Jackal
Birds:
- Black Bittern
- Various Migratory Birds (ducks, geese, herons, egrets, etc.)
- Peafowl (Indian Peafowl)
- Indian Roller
- Common Kingfisher
- Indian Pond Heron
- White-throated Kingfisher
- Indian Grey Hornbill
- Red-wattled Lapwing
- Indian Paradise Flycatcher
Reptiles:
- Indian Python
- Indian Cobra
- Russell's Viper
- Common Monitor Lizard
- Indian Chameleon
- Common Skink
Band Baretha Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. Where is Bandh Baretha Wildlife Sanctuary?
A. The Bandh Baretha Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Bayana Tehsil of Bharatpur district of Rajasthan, India. It is situated near the Bandh Baretha Dam on the Kakund River.
Q. What is Bandh Baretha famous for?
A. The Bandh Baretha Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for several reasons:
(i) Biodiversity: The sanctuary is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including a diverse range of bird species and other wildlife. It is a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts who come to observe and study the various avian species that inhabit the area.
(ii) Black Bittern: The sanctuary is particularly famous for being a habitat for the elusive Black Bittern, a bird species that is challenging to spot in the wild.
(iii) Wetland Ecosystem: The sanctuary's wetlands, water bodies, and dam reservoir provide a vital ecosystem for a variety of aquatic and semi-aquatic plants and animals, making it a unique and important conservation area.
(iv) Cultural Significance: The Bandh Baretha Dam's holy waters are considered sacred by many, and the area has cultural and religious significance. Saints and devotees often gather to perform rituals and worship in the dam's waters, likening them to the holy Ganges River.
(v) Natural Beauty: The sanctuary's scenic landscapes, ranging from wetlands to scrub areas, provide a picturesque setting for visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature and the outdoors.
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