Cauvery North Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
The Cauvery North Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 2014 by the Government of Tamil Nadu under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
The sanctuary is named after its location, situated above the north bank of the Cauvery River in Tamil Nadu. It is connected to the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka, with the southern bank of the Cauvery River forming the boundary.
The sanctuary falls under the Melagiri Hill ranges, which serve as a crucial wildlife corridor at the confluence of the Eastern and Western Ghats.
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Cauvery North Wildlife Sanctuary Location
The Cauvery North Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts of Tamil Nadu, India. The sanctuary is situated above the north bank of the Cauvery River in Tamil Nadu.
It forms a boundary with the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary in the state of Karnataka, with the southern bank of the Cauvery River connecting the two sanctuaries.
Cauvery North Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to the Cauvery North Wildlife Sanctuary is Bangalore Airport, located approximately 145 kilometers away.
Cauvery North Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station is Dharmapuri Railway Station.
Cauvery North Wildlife Sanctuary History
Declaration and Establishment: The Cauvery North Wildlife Sanctuary was officially declared on March 12, 2014, by the Government of Tamil Nadu. This declaration was made under clause (b) of sub-section (1) of Section 26-A of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. The sanctuary was established with the objective of protecting and conserving the diverse flora and fauna in the region.
Role as a Wildlife Corridor: The Melagiri Hill ranges, of which the Cauvery North Wildlife Sanctuary is a part, serve as a vital wildlife corridor in the confluence of the Eastern and Western Ghats. This corridor links various protected areas, including the MM Hills, BR Hills, Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. This ecological connectivity is essential for the movement of wildlife species across different landscapes and habitats.
Cauvery North Wildlife Sanctuary Area
The Cauvery North Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 504.33 square kilometers. The significant size of the sanctuary contributes to its role as a habitat for various plant and animal species and its importance as a wildlife corridor connecting different ecological regions.
Cauvery North Wildlife Sanctuary Hills
The Cauvery North Wildlife Sanctuary is situated within the Melagiri Hill ranges. These hills are significant in terms of their ecological and geographical importance. The Melagiri Hill ranges serve as a crucial wildlife corridor at the confluence of the Eastern and Western Ghats. This corridor facilitates the movement of various plant and animal species between different protected areas and habitats.
The presence of the Melagiri Hill ranges enhances the biodiversity of the Cauvery North Wildlife Sanctuary and supports the sanctuary's role as a habitat for a variety of wildlife species. The hills provide diverse habitats, including tropical dry-deciduous forests and semi-evergreen forests, which contribute to the sanctuary's ecological richness.
The Melagiri Hill ranges, of which the Cauvery North Wildlife Sanctuary is a part, also play a vital role in connecting other protected areas such as the Male Mahadeshwara Hills, BR Hills, Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. This connectivity is essential for the survival and movement of wildlife species across different landscapes.
The combination of the sanctuary's location within the Melagiri Hill ranges and its connection to other protected areas highlights its significance in regional and landscape-level conservation efforts.
Cauvery North Wildlife Sanctuary River
The Cauvery North Wildlife Sanctuary is located above the north bank of the Cauvery River in Tamil Nadu, India. The sanctuary's name itself is derived from its geographical location relative to the Cauvery River. The Cauvery River is one of the major rivers in southern India, and it holds significant importance for the region's ecology, culture, and economy.
In the context of the Cauvery North Wildlife Sanctuary, the river not only contributes to the water sources and habitats within the sanctuary but also forms a natural boundary between the sanctuary in Tamil Nadu and the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka. The southern bank of the Cauvery River connects these two sanctuaries, further highlighting the importance of this river in creating a contiguous habitat for wildlife.
The presence of the Cauvery River in proximity to the sanctuary enhances its ecological value and contributes to the overall biodiversity of the region.
Cauvery North Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
The Cauvery North Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora that thrives within its varied habitats, including tropical dry-deciduous forests and semi-evergreen forests. Here are some of the notable plant species that can be found in the sanctuary:
Albizia Amara: Also known as Indian Siris, this tree species is commonly found in the sanctuary's habitat. It belongs to the legume family and can grow to a significant size.
Hardwickia Binata: Also known as the Anjan tree, this species is recognized for its distinctive leaves and attractive flowers. It is often found in dry deciduous forests.
Zizyphus Species: Zizyphus trees, commonly known as jujube or ber, are found in various parts of the sanctuary. They bear edible fruit that is used for both culinary and medicinal purposes.
Choroxylon Species: Choroxylon, also known as blackwood or black sandalwood, is a valuable timber tree. It belongs to the rosewood family and is known for its dark-colored heartwood.
Swietenia: This genus includes species of mahogany trees, known for their durable timber and ornamental value.
Azadirachta Indica: Commonly referred to as neem, this tree has numerous medicinal and ecological benefits. Its leaves, bark, and seeds are used for various purposes.
Vitex Altissima: Also known as white cedar or white teak, this tree species is appreciated for its quality timber and is used in carpentry and construction.
Cauvery North Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Cauvery North Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
What animals are in the Cauvery North Wildlife Sanctuary?
The Cauvery North Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse array of fauna, ranging from mammals to reptiles and birds. Here are some of the notable animal species that can be found within the sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Asian Elephant
- Gaur
- Leopard
- Four-horned Antelope
- Spotted Deer
- Mouse Deer
Birds:
- Indian Peafowl
- Black Drongo
- House Crow
- Common Myna
- Greater Coucal
- Indian Roller
- Spotted Dove
- Black Kite
Reptiles:
- Mugger
- Indian Rock Python
- Rat Snake
- Garden Lizard
- Common Monitor Lizard
- Spectacled Cobra
- Checkered Keelback
- Common Krait
Cauvery North Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
A. The Cauvery North Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts of Tamil Nadu, India. It is situated on the north bank of the Cauvery River in Tamil Nadu and shares a boundary with the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka, with the southern bank of the Cauvery River connecting the two sanctuaries.
The sanctuary falls within the Melagiri Hill ranges and covers portions of the Palacode taluk of the Dharmapuri forest division and the Denkanikottai taluk of the Hosur forest division in northern western Tamil Nadu.
Q. What is Cauvery North Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. The Cauvery North Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its rich biodiversity, diverse ecosystems, and its role as an important wildlife corridor connecting the Eastern and Western Ghats. Here are some key aspects for which the sanctuary is renowned:
(i) Biodiversity: The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, including charismatic mammals like the Asian elephant, gaur, leopard, and four-horned antelope. The presence of diverse habitats, from tropical dry-deciduous forests to semi-evergreen forests, contributes to its remarkable biodiversity.
(ii) Wildlife Corridor: Situated within the Melagiri Hill ranges, the sanctuary plays a vital role as a wildlife corridor that links various protected areas such as the MM Hills, BR Hills, Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. This corridor facilitates the movement of wildlife species across different landscapes, supporting genetic diversity and population dynamics.
(iii) Connectivity of Ghats: The sanctuary's location at the confluence of the Eastern and Western Ghats makes it an ecologically significant area. It serves as a bridge between these two major mountain ranges, allowing for the exchange of species and ecological interactions.
(iv) Scenic Beauty: The Melagiri Hill ranges, where the sanctuary is situated, offer picturesque landscapes characterized by lush greenery, diverse vegetation, and varied terrain. This makes the sanctuary a destination of interest for nature enthusiasts, researchers, and visitors seeking to appreciate its natural beauty.
(v) Cultural Significance: The Cauvery River holds cultural significance in the region, and the sanctuary's location along the river's north bank adds to its cultural and historical value.
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