Bir Gurdialpura Wildlife Sanctuary

Bir Gurdialpura Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

Bir Gurdialpura Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Punjab, India. The River Gaggar runs through the sanctuary, dividing it into two parts.

The sanctuary was first declared a protected sanctuary in 1952 by the Patiala and East Punjab State Union Government. The designation was made under the Preservation of Faunae of Patiala Act of 1896.

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

Bir Gurdialpura Wildlife Sanctuary Location

Bir Gurdialpura Wildlife Sanctuary is situated within the jurisdiction of the Patiala Forest Division (Wildlife) in the Samana tehsil of the Patiala district in the state of Punjab, India.

 The sanctuary is located to the east of the state boundary, adjacent to Haryana. It is about 15 kilometers from Samana, the tehsil headquarters, and approximately 45 kilometers from Patiala, the district headquarters.

Bir Gurdialpura Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Bir Gurdialpura Wildlife Sanctuary is likely to be Chandigarh International Airport. Chandigarh International Airport is the major airport serving the region and is located in Mohali, Chandigarh, which is approximately 70-80 kilometers (about 43-50 miles) from Bir Gurdialpura Wildlife Sanctuary. From the airport, you can take road transportation to reach the sanctuary.

Bir Gurdialpura Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:

As for the nearest railway station, the Samana Railway Station is the closest option. Samana Railway Station is located in the town of Samana, which is the tehsil headquarters for Bir Gurdialpura Wildlife Sanctuary. 

It's important to note that the connectivity of Samana Railway Station might be limited, and you may need to consider other nearby railway stations, such as Patiala Railway Station, which is located in Patiala, the district headquarters, and is about 45 kilometers (28 miles) from the sanctuary. From these railway stations, you can take road transportation to reach Bir Gurdialpura Wildlife Sanctuary.

Bir Gurdialpura Wildlife Sanctuary History

Bir Gurdialpura Wildlife Sanctuary has an interesting history that dates back to its origins as a hunting reserve and its subsequent transformation into a protected sanctuary. Here's a brief overview of its history:

Origins as a Hunting Reserve: Bir Gurdialpura Wildlife Sanctuary was initially used as a hunting ground by the erstwhile rulers of Patiala city. The region's ecological attributes and biodiversity made it a preferred location for hunting activities. In the past, hunting reserves were often established for the entertainment of royalty.

Post-Independence Shift: Following India's independence, there was a changing perspective towards wildlife conservation. The focus shifted from hunting and exploitation to the protection and preservation of natural habitats and species. This change in perspective was influenced by the growing awareness of the importance of maintaining biodiversity and ecosystems.

Protected Area Designation: The sanctuary's journey from a hunting reserve to a protected area involved legal designations and government initiatives. Initially, Bir Gurdialpura was declared a protected area under the Fauna of Patiala Act. Subsequently, it gained the status of a wildlife sanctuary under the provisions of the Indian government.

Legal Declarations: Bir Gurdialpura Wildlife Sanctuary was formally declared a protected sanctuary for the first time in 1952 by the Patiala and East Punjab State Union Government. This declaration was made under the Preservation of Faunae of Patiala Act of 1896, indicating a significant step towards conservation efforts.

Eco-Sensitive Zone Declaration: A significant milestone was achieved on July 1, 2016, with the issuance of Notification No. S.O. 2275(E). This notification marked the declaration of an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Bir Gurdialpura Wildlife Sanctuary. The establishment of the ESZ further reinforced the commitment to protect and sustain the sanctuary's fragile ecosystem, fostering a harmonious balance between human activities and the preservation of nature.

Bir Gurdialpura Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The total area of Bir Gurdialpura Wildlife Sanctuary is approximately 1533 acres, which is equivalent to approximately 620.53 hectares. This area encompasses the habitat and ecosystems within the sanctuary's boundaries, where various plant and animal species reside and thrive. 

The sanctuary's relatively small size contributes to its unique biodiversity and makes it an important conservation area within the Patiala district of Punjab, India.

Bir Gurdialpura Wildlife Sanctuary River

Bir Gurdialpura Wildlife Sanctuary is crisscrossed by the Ghaggar River (also known as the Sarasvati River). The Ghaggar River is a seasonal river that flows through northern India, including parts of Punjab and Haryana. It serves as a significant natural feature within the sanctuary's landscape, contributing to the diversity of habitats and ecosystems found in the area.

The presence of the Ghaggar River adds to the sanctuary's ecological value, providing water sources and supporting various forms of aquatic life and vegetation. It also plays a role in shaping the surrounding environment and influencing the distribution of wildlife within the sanctuary.

Bir Gurdialpura Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

The flora of Bir Gurdialpura Wildlife Sanctuary is characterized by a variety of plant species that thrive in its diverse ecosystems. The sanctuary's location in the semi-arid plains of Punjab contributes to its unique plant composition. 

Here are some of the notable plant species found within the sanctuary:

Kikar (Acacia nilotica): Also known as the Indian gum arabic tree, Kikar is a prominent tree species in the sanctuary. It is well-adapted to arid conditions and provides important habitat and food for various wildlife species.

Phalahi (Acacia modesta): Phalahi, another type of acacia tree, is found in the sanctuary. Its leaves and pods are a valuable food source for many animals.

Reru (Acacia leucophloea): Reru is a deciduous tree species known for its distinctive white bark. It is important for soil improvement and provides fodder for herbivores.

Safeda (Eucalyptus spp.): Eucalyptus trees are often found in the sanctuary. They have been introduced for their fast growth and wood production, but they can also influence the local ecosystem.

Neem (Azadirachta indica): Neem is a versatile tree known for its medicinal properties. It offers shade and acts as a host for various insects that form an essential part of the food chain.

Prosopis juliflora: Also known as mesquite, Prosopis juliflora is a hardy and drought-resistant shrub or small tree that plays a vital role in the ecosystem.

Delbergia sissoo (Shisham): Shisham is a deciduous tree that is valued for its timber. It is found near water bodies within the sanctuary.

Albizia lebbeck (Siris): Albizia lebbeck is a deciduous tree with feathery leaves and fragrant flowers. It provides food and shelter for various wildlife species.

Bir Gurdialpura Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Bir Gurdialpura Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

Bir Gurdialpura Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna, showcasing the richness of its ecosystem. The sanctuary provides habitat and protection for various animal species, contributing to its importance as a conservation area. 

Here are some of the notable wildlife species found within the sanctuary:

Mammals:

• Blue Bull (Nilgai)
• Hog Deer
• Jungle Cat
• Jackal
• Rhesus Monkeys
• Indian Hare
• Wild Boar
• Indian Palm Squirrel
• Small Indian Civet
• Common Mongoose

Birds:

• Peafowl (Indian Peafowl)
• Black and Grey Partridges
• Spotted Owlet
• Indian Roller
• Eurasian Collared Dove
• Laughing Dove
• Indian Robin
• Indian Bush Lark
• Pied Kingfisher 
• Red-wattled Lapwing

Reptiles:

• Indian Rock Python
• Common Monitor Lizard
• Common Indian Skink
• Common Indian Krait
• Common Rat Snake 

Bir Gurdialpura Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. In which district is Bir Gurdialpura Wildlife Sanctuary?

A. Bir Gurdialpura Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Patiala district of Punjab, India. It falls within the jurisdiction of the Patiala Forest Division (Wildlife) and is situated in the Samana tehsil of the Patiala district.