Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary

Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Punjab, India. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1952. The sanctuary covers an area of 661.66 hectares. The sanctuary is characterized by Northern Tropical Dry Mixed Deciduous forest type. The sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife species.

Table of Contents Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary Location Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary History Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary Area Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary Flora Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna Mammals Birds Reptile Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary Location

The Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Patiala district of Punjab, India. It is situated at a distance of approximately 15 km from Patiala on the Patiala-Devigarh road. 

Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to the Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary is the Chandigarh International Airport, which is located in Chandigarh, Punjab, India. It's approximately 70-80 kilometers away from the sanctuary, and it serves as a major airport in the region

Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to the Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary is the Patiala Railway Station . It's located in Patiala, Punjab, India, which is the nearest city to the sanctuary. The distance between the sanctuary and the Patiala Railway Station is around 15 kilometers. This railway station is connected to various major cities in India through the Indian Railways network.

Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary History

The history of Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary dates back to its origins as a hunting reserve for the rulers of Patiala. Over time, this area transitioned into a protected wildlife sanctuary due to its ecological significance and the need for conservation efforts.  Here's a brief overview of its history:

Hunting Reserve: Bir Bhunerheri was once used as a hunting reserve for the rulers of Patiala. In the past, such reserves were often designated for royal hunting activities.

Transition to Wildlife Sanctuary: The area's importance for wildlife and biodiversity led to its transformation from a hunting reserve into a wildlife sanctuary. This transition was formalized under the Preservation of Faunae of Patiala Rules, 1896. The sanctuary was declared through a government notification on February 28, 1952.

Conservation Efforts: The declaration of the sanctuary marked a shift towards conservation and protection of the diverse flora and fauna in the region. The sanctuary's management likely involves the Punjab Forest Department or relevant local authorities.

Eco Sensitive Zone Notification: In 2016, an Eco Sensitive Zone notification (Notification No. S.O. 2277(E) dated July 1, 2016) was issued, highlighting the importance of maintaining a buffer zone around the sanctuary to mitigate potential human-induced impacts on the ecosystem.

Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 661.66 hectares. It is situated near Patiala in the state of Punjab, India. The sanctuary's relatively compact size allows for focused conservation efforts and the preservation of the ecosystem within its boundaries.

Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

The Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary is characterized by Northern Tropical Dry Mixed Deciduous forest type. Here are some of the key flora species that can be found within the sanctuary:

Kikkar (Acacia nilotica): Also known as the Indian gum arabic tree, kikkar is a prominent tree species in the sanctuary. It is well-adapted to dry and arid conditions.

Phalahi (Acacia modesta): Another species of acacia, phalahi, is native to the region and contributes to the diverse flora of the sanctuary.

Reru (Rauvolfia serpentina): Reru, also known as Indian snakeroot, is a medicinal plant found in the sanctuary. It has traditional uses in herbal medicine.

Safeda (Eucalyptus globulus): Safeda, or eucalyptus, is a fast-growing tree species often introduced for afforestation purposes.

Neem (Azadirachta indica): Neem trees are valued for their medicinal properties and are commonly found throughout India.

Prosopis juliflora: This species is commonly known as mesquite and is known for its adaptability to arid conditions.

Delbergia sissoo (Shisham): Shisham is a hardwood tree and an important timber species in the region.

Albizia lebbeck: Also called siris or shirish, this tree species is known for its ornamental and timber value.

Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

The Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of fauna, including mammals, birds, and other wildlife species. Here are some of the notable species that can be found within the sanctuary:

Mammals:

• Hog Deer
• Blue Bull (Nilgai)
• Porcupine
• Black Buck
• Sambar Deer
• Jungle Cat
• Jackal 
• Rhesus Monkey

Birds:

• Peafowl (Indian Peafowl)
• Rose-Ringed Parakeet
• Black and Grey Partridges
• Dove species
• Spotted Owlet

Reptiles:

• Various snake species
• Lizards 

Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. Where is Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary?

A. The Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in th Patiala district of Punjab, India. It is located approximately 15 kilometers from Patiala on the Patiala-Devigarh road.