Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the state of Maharashtra, India. It is situated near the confluence of the Wardha and Wainganga rivers.
The sanctuary is known for its diverse ecosystems, including moist deciduous mixed forests, occasional grasslands, and riparian zones along the rivers. These habitats support a wide range of plant and animal species, contributing to the region's biodiversity.
Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary is home to various wildlife species, including tigers, leopards, jungle cats, sloth bears, wild dogs, deer, and a variety of birds. The presence of such a diverse range of fauna highlights the sanctuary's importance as a conservation area.
Conservation efforts within the sanctuary aim to protect its natural resources, maintain ecological balance, and safeguard the habitats of the species that inhabit the area. The sanctuary's scenic beauty, along with its role in biodiversity conservation, makes it a potential destination for eco-tourism and nature enthusiasts
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Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary Location
The Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra, India. It is situated near the confluence of the Wardha and Wainganga rivers.
The sanctuary is flanked by the Markhanda and Pedigundam hills to the north-east and south, and the Pranhita River flows along its western boundary.
Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary is Nagpur Airport (Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport), which is approximately 230 kilometers away. Nagpur Airport is a major airport in the region and serves as a transportation hub for travelers coming to this part of Maharashtra.
Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary is Ballarpur Railway Station, which is located in the Chandrapur District of Maharashtra. Ballarpur is the closest railway station to the sanctuary and can be used as a point of access for travelers coming by train. From Ballarpur Railway Station, you can make further arrangements for transportation to reach the sanctuary.
Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary History
The history of Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary dates back to its establishment and recognition as a protected area. Here is some historical information about the sanctuary:
Establishment: Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary was officially notified as a wildlife sanctuary on February 25th, 1986. This notification marked the formal recognition of the area as a protected zone for the conservation of its flora and fauna.
Creation and Purpose: The sanctuary was created with the purpose of preserving the rich biodiversity of the region and providing a safe habitat for various plant and animal species. Wildlife sanctuaries are designated areas where human activities are regulated to ensure the well-being of the wildlife within their boundaries.
Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary Area
The Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary covers an approximate area of 134.78 square kilometers (52.05 square miles). This area encompasses a variety of ecosystems, including dense forests, grasslands, and riparian zones along the Wardha and Wainganga rivers.
The diverse landscape contributes to the sanctuary's ecological richness and provides habitats for a wide range of plant and animal species.
Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary Hills
Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary is flanked by two prominent hills:
(1) Markhanda Hill:
This hill is located to the northeast of the sanctuary. It contributes to the diverse topography of the area and likely influences the microclimates and habitat variations within the sanctuary.
(2) Pedigundam Hill:
Situated to the south of the sanctuary, Pedigundam Hill also plays a role in shaping the landscape and ecological dynamics of the sanctuary. Hills like these can have significant impacts on water flow, vegetation patterns, and the distribution of wildlife.
Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary River
The Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary is bordered by the Pranhita River, which flows along its western boundary. The sanctuary is situated near the confluence of the Wardha and Wainganga rivers, which together form the Pranhita River. These rivers play a significant role in shaping the landscape, hydrology, and ecosystems of the sanctuary.
The confluence of the Wardha and Wainganga rivers creates a dynamic environment that supports a variety of aquatic life, riparian vegetation, and wildlife species. The river and its associated riparian areas provide essential water sources for the flora and fauna within the sanctuary, contributing to the overall biodiversity and ecological health of the region.
During the monsoon season, the river's water levels can swell, affecting the sanctuary's hydrology and potentially bringing in nutrients and sediment that can influence the ecosystem. Rivers like the Pranhita can also serve as natural corridors for the movement of wildlife, facilitating gene flow and maintaining genetic diversity among different populations.
Overall, the presence of the Pranhita River and its tributaries is a vital component of the Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary's ecosystem, contributing to its ecological balance and supporting a variety of life forms.
Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
The Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora, including various plant species that contribute to the richness of its ecosystems. Some of the prominent flora found in the sanctuary's habitats include:
- Teak
- Arjun
- Bija
- Kuda
- Bel
- Kusum
- Mango
- Bamboo
- Kadam
- Ain
Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
The Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse fauna, including a variety of animal species that inhabit its different ecosystems. Here are some of the notable wildlife species that can be found in the sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Tiger
- Leopard
- Jungle Cat
- Sloth Bear
- Wild Dog
- Sambar
Birds:
- Peafowl
- Orange-headed Ground Thrush
Reptiles:
- Indian Cobra
- Russell’s Viper
- Indian Rock Python
- Indian Rat Snake
- Checkered Keelback
- Monitor Lizard
Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. Where is Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary?
A. Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra, India. It is situated near the confluence of the Wardha and Wainganga rivers.
Q. What is the Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity and the conservation of various plant and animal species within its boundaries. Here are some aspects for which the sanctuary is famous:
(i) Diverse Wildlife: The sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife species, including tigers, leopards, jungle cats, sloth bears, wild dogs, deer, and numerous bird species. The presence of these animals makes the sanctuary a significant conservation area.
(ii) Tiger Conservation: The sanctuary's population of tigers contributes to the conservation efforts for this iconic and endangered big cat species. The presence of tigers indicates a healthy ecosystem and showcases the sanctuary's role in protecting such keystone species.
(iii) Flora Variety: Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary features diverse flora, including various types of deciduous trees, shrubs, climbers, and grasses. This contributes to the overall ecological balance and provides habitats for different wildlife species.
(iv) Riparian Ecosystem: The sanctuary's location near the confluence of the Wardha and Wainganga rivers creates a riparian ecosystem that supports a range of aquatic life, including fish and turtles.
(v) Biodiversity Hotspot: The combination of diverse habitats, including deciduous forests, grasslands, and riparian areas, contributes to Chaprala's reputation as a biodiversity hotspot.
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