Barda Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the state of Gujarat, India. It is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in the region and is known for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems. The sanctuary is situated in the Barda Hills, a range of hills in the southern part of Gujarat.
In recent years, Barda Wildlife Sanctuary has gained attention due to a proposal to translocate a portion of the Asiatic lion population from Gir National Park. This initiative, part of "Project Lion," aims to create a second home for the lions and reduce population pressures in their current habitat.
The sanctuary's surroundings are home to different ethnic groups, including Maldharis, Bharvads, Rabaris, and Gadhvis, who have traditional connections to the land and wildlife.
The Barda Wildlife Sanctuary serves as an important habitat for wildlife conservation and is managed by the Gujarat Forest Department. It offers opportunities for nature enthusiasts, researchers, and visitors to experience and appreciate the natural beauty and biodiversity of the area.
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Barda Wildlife Sanctuary Location
Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is located 15 km from the coast of Porbandar in the Porbandar district, Gujarat, India. It is located in the southern part of the Indian state of Gujarat. It is situated in the Barda Hills, which is part of the larger Saurashtra region.
Barda Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is the Porbandar Airport. The sanctuary is 20 km from Porbandar airport.
Barda Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is Porbandar Railway Station. Porbandar Railway Station is 15 km from the sanctuary.
Barda Wildlife Sanctuary History
The Barda Wildlife Sanctuary has a history that dates back several decades. The sanctuary was established with the aim of conserving the region's unique biodiversity and providing protection to its wildlife and ecosystems.
Here is an overview of the history of Barda Wildlife Sanctuary:
Establishment: The Barda Wildlife Sanctuary was established on August 24, 1979, under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. The sanctuary was created to safeguard the diverse flora and fauna of the Barda Hills and the surrounding areas.
Conservation Efforts: The sanctuary was set up to protect the various species of wildlife that inhabit the region, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and plants. The area's rugged terrain, mixed deciduous forests, and water bodies contribute to its ecological significance.
Barda Wildlife Sanctuary Lion
Translocation of Asiatic Lions: In March 2023, Barda Wildlife Sanctuary gained renewed attention when the Gujarat government proposed a significant conservation initiative. In response to the overcrowding of the Asiatic lion population in Gir National Park, Barda Sanctuary was identified as a potential site for a second home for these lions. The translocation plan, part of "Project Lion," aimed to move 40 adult and subadult lions from Gir to Barda in order to reduce population pressure and enhance the long-term survival prospects of the species.
Barda Wildlife Sanctuary Area
Barda Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 192 square kilometers (74 square miles). The sanctuary encompasses diverse ecosystems, including mixed deciduous forests, rocky terrain, and water bodies, which collectively contribute to its ecological significance.
Barda Wildlife Sanctuary Hills
The Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Barda Hills, which are a range of hills located in the southern part of Gujarat, India. These hills are an integral part of the sanctuary's landscape and contribute to its unique ecological diversity. The sanctuary's terrain includes not only the hills themselves but also the surrounding valleys, forests, and water bodies, creating a rich and varied habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species.
The Barda Hills provide critical habitats for various wildlife species, and their rocky outcrops, mixed deciduous forests, and other features contribute to the overall biodiversity of the sanctuary. The sanctuary's establishment in this hilly region was intended to protect and preserve the natural heritage of these hills and the ecosystems they support.
Barda Wildlife Sanctuary River
There are two rivers, Bileshvary River and Joghri River, that flow through Barda Wildlife Sanctuary.
(1) Bileshvary River:
The Bileshvary River is one of the rivers that flows through the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary. It contributes to the sanctuary's aquatic habitats and provides water sources for the wildlife and vegetation within the protected area.
(2) Joghri River:
The Joghri River is another river that is part of the sanctuary's landscape. Like the Bileshvary River, it plays a role in shaping the sanctuary's ecosystems and providing crucial water resources.
Barda Wildlife Sanctuary Lake
(1) Khambala Dam:
The Khambala Dam is a significant water infrastructure located near the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary. Dams like Khambala can have important implications for water availability and ecosystem dynamics within the sanctuary.
(2) Fodara Dam:
The Fodara Dam is another dam within the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary. Dams like Fodara can contribute to the regulation of water flow, creating additional habitats that support various species of plants and animals.
Barda Wildlife Sanctuary Tribe
Barda is situated in a part of Saurashtra that is home to people of various ethnic groups: Maldharis, Bharvads, Rabaris, Gadhvis.
(1) Maldharis:
Maldharis are a pastoral community known for their traditional lifestyle of cattle herding and dairy farming. They have a deep connection with their livestock and are often semi-nomadic, moving their herds to find grazing lands. Maldharis are an integral part of the region's rural landscape and are found in various parts of Gujarat, including the Saurashtra region.
(2) Bharvads:
Bharvads are another pastoral community in Gujarat, engaged in animal husbandry, agriculture, and other related activities. They have their own cultural practices and often have a strong bond with animals.
(3) Rabaris:
The Rabari community is known for their vibrant culture, distinctive attire, and skilled embroidery work. They are traditionally nomadic or semi-nomadic herders, moving with their livestock to find suitable grazing grounds.
(4) Gadhvis:
The Gadhvi community has a diverse range of occupations, including agriculture, trade, and other professions. They contribute to the social and economic fabric of the region.
Barda Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
The Barda Wildlife Sanctuary boasts a remarkable variety of plant life, representing several distinct forest types and habitats. These plant communities play a crucial role in shaping the sanctuary's ecosystems and supporting its rich biodiversity.
(1) Forest Types:
The sanctuary encompasses a range of forest types, each contributing to the unique ecological tapestry of the region. These include:
(i) Dry Deciduous Scrub: This type of forest features deciduous trees and shrubs that shed their leaves during the dry season. It's well-adapted to the area's arid climate.
(ii) Northern Tropical Thorn Forest: This forest type is characterized by thorny shrubs and trees adapted to withstand the challenges of the region's climate and soil conditions.
(iii) Dry Bamboo Brakes: These areas are dominated by bamboo stands, which provide important habitat and resources for various species.
(2) Diverse Plant Species:
Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is home to approximately 650 recorded species of plants. Among these, notable species include:
Babul: A common tree in arid and semi-arid regions, Babul (Acacia nilotica) provides food and shelter for various animals.
Jamun: Also known as Indian blackberry, Jamun (Syzygium cumini) produces edible fruits and has cultural and medicinal significance.
Ber: Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana) produces small, sweet fruits and is a valuable resource for both wildlife and local communities.
Gorad: Gorad (Cordia dichotoma) is a valuable timber and fodder tree, often found in dry regions.
Bamboos: Bamboos are a diverse group of grass-like plants that provide habitat, food, and materials for various purposes.
(3) Medicinal and Endangered Plants:
Barda Wildlife Sanctuary harbors numerous medicinal plants, reflecting its importance to local communities. Additionally, the sanctuary hosts several rare and endangered plants, highlighting its significance for conservation efforts. Some of these include Dhav, Rayan, and others mentioned earlier.
Barda Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Barda Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
The Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and other wildlife species. This sanctuary's varied ecosystems provide habitats for numerous species, contributing to its ecological significance and making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers.
Here's an overview of the fauna found within the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Leopard
- Striped Hyaena
- Wolf
- Jackal
- Wild Boar
- Bluebull
- Chinkara
- Blackbuck
Birds:
- Spotted Eagle
- Crested Hawk Eagle
Reptiles:
- Various Snake Species
- Monitor Lizard
- Tortoises and Turtles
Barda Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. In which state is Barda Wildlife Sanctuary?/In which district is Gujarat Barda sanctuary located?
A. Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Porbandar district, Gujarat, India. It is situated in the Barda Hills, which is part of the larger Saurashtra region.
Q. When was the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat established?
A. The Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat, India, was officially established on August 24, 1979. It was created under the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, which aims to conserve and protect the country's wildlife and their habitats. The sanctuary was established to safeguard the diverse flora and fauna of the Barda Hills region and to provide a protected area for various species to thrive.
Q. How many square kilometers of the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat is reserved area?
A. The Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat, India, encompasses a reserved area of approximately 192 square kilometers (74 square miles). This reserved area is designated for the conservation and protection of various plant and animal species, and it serves as an important habitat for wildlife and a site for ecological research and conservation efforts.
Q. What is Barda Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. The Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat, India, is famous for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems. It is known for several key features:
(i) Diverse Flora and Fauna: Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. Its mixed deciduous forests, hills, valleys, and water bodies support a range of wildlife, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and more.
(ii) Conservation Efforts: The sanctuary was established to conserve and protect the region's natural heritage. It plays a vital role in the conservation of several species, including those that may be threatened or endangered.
(iii) Proposed Lion Translocation: The sanctuary gained attention in recent years due to a proposal to translocate a portion of the Asiatic lion population from Gir National Park to Barda Wildlife Sanctuary as part of "Project Lion." This initiative aims to establish a second home for Asiatic lions to alleviate population pressures and ensure the species' survival.
(iv) Scenic Beauty: The sanctuary's diverse landscapes, including hills, forests, and water bodies, contribute to its aesthetic appeal. It offers opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the beauty of the natural surroundings.
(v) Local Communities: The sanctuary's vicinity is home to various ethnic groups, including Maldharis, Bharvads, Rabaris, and Gadhvis, who have traditional connections to the land and its resources.
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