Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is situated around the Churdhar Peak, which is the highest peak in the outer Himalayas and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. The sanctuary is named after this peak and was established primarily to conserve the diverse flora and fauna of the region.
The sanctuary is home to a variety of plant and animal species. It provides habitat to a range of wildlife, including species like the Himalayan black bear, ghoral, barking deer, monal pheasant, koklas pheasant, and more.
The sanctuary boasts a diverse range of vegetation, including dense forests of oak, pine, and deodar trees, along with alpine meadows and grasslands.
The sanctuary has been established with the aim of protecting the local ecosystem and biodiversity. It plays a crucial role in conserving the unique flora and fauna of the region, as well as maintaining the delicate ecological balance of the Himalayas.
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Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary Location
Churdhar Sanctuary is located in Sirmaur district of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated in the western Himalayas and encompasses the Churdhar Peak, which is the highest peak in the outer Himalayas.
Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary is Jubbarhatti Airport, also known as Shimla Airport. It is located in Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. The airport is approximately 75-80 kilometers (about 47-50 miles) away from Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary. From the airport, you can continue your journey by road to reach the sanctuary.
Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest major railway station to Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary is Kalka Railway Station. Kalka is well-connected by trains to various cities in India. From Kalka, you can take a road journey to Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary. The distance between Kalka Railway Station and the sanctuary is approximately 140-150 kilometers (about 87-93 miles).
Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary History
Establishment and Notification: Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary was officially established and notified on 15th November 1985. This significant milestone marked the formal recognition of the sanctuary's ecological importance and the initiation of conservation efforts in the region.
Cultural and Religious Significance: Churdhar Peak, located within the sanctuary, holds deep cultural and religious significance. It is revered as the abode of Lord Shiva and attracts pilgrims during the annual Churdhar pilgrimage. This spiritual connection has added to the sanctuary's overall importance and recognition.
Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary Area
Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 56.16 square kilometers. The sanctuary area encompasses diverse landscapes, including forests, meadows, and alpine habitats. The protected area is aimed at conserving the rich biodiversity of the region, including various plant and animal species that are native to the Himalayan ecosystem.
Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary Hills
Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the hilly terrain of the outer Himalayas. The sanctuary encompasses a range of hills, valleys, and diverse landscapes that contribute to its ecological significance and scenic beauty. Some of the notable hills and features within or near the sanctuary include:
Churdhar Peak:
The sanctuary is named after Churdhar Peak, which is the highest point in the outer Himalayas. It rises to an elevation of approximately 3,647 meters (11,965 feet) above sea level. The peak is not only a prominent geographical feature but also holds religious significance and is a popular trekking destination.
The Churdhar Peak serves as a popular trekking destination, attracting adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. The trek to the peak offers a chance to experience the beauty of the region and witness its biodiversity up close.
Religious Significance: Apart from its ecological importance, the Churdhar Peak also holds religious significance. It is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva and is visited by devotees, especially during the annual Churdhar pilgrimage.
Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse flora, which includes a variety of plant species adapted to the Himalayan ecosystem. The sanctuary's vegetation ranges from lower altitude forests to higher altitude alpine meadows.
Here are some of the notable types of flora found within the sanctuary:
(1) Coniferous Forests:
The lower altitude areas of Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary are covered with coniferous forests, dominated by trees such as deodar (Cedrus deodara), pine (Pinus spp.), and fir (Abies spp.). These forests provide important habitat for various wildlife species.
(2) Deciduous Forests:
Mixed with the coniferous forests, you can find deciduous trees like oak (Quercus spp.) and maple (Acer spp.). These forests are characteristic of the transition zones between lower and higher altitudes.
(3) Alpine Meadows:
As you ascend in altitude, you'll come across alpine meadows and grasslands. These areas are characterized by a diverse range of grasses, herbs, and wildflowers that thrive in the cooler and harsher conditions of higher elevations.
(4) Rhododendrons:
The sanctuary is home to various species of rhododendrons, including the beautiful and iconic Himalayan rhododendron (Rhododendron arboreum). These flowering shrubs add vibrant colors to the landscape during their blooming season.
(5) Medicinal and Aromatic Plants:
The Himalayan region is known for its rich diversity of medicinal and aromatic plants. Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary likely contains various species that have been traditionally used for their therapeutic properties.
(6) Mosses, Lichens, and Ferns:
The sanctuary's moist and humid conditions, especially in shaded areas, support the growth of mosses, lichens, and ferns, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the ecosystem.
Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
Which animals are found in Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary?
Mammals:
- Canine-Toothed Musk Deer
- Himalayan Black Bear
- Barking Deer
- Langur
- Leopards
Birds:
- Himalayan Monal
- Koklass Pheasant
- Kaleej Pheasant
Reptiles:
- Himalayan Pit Viper
- Lizards and Skinks
Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. In which state is Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary situated?
A. Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is located in the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh, which is known for its picturesque landscapes and rich biodiversity. The sanctuary is nestled in the Himalayan region and is recognized for its diverse flora, fauna, and natural beauty.
Q. What is Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for several reasons:
(i) Biodiversity: The sanctuary is renowned for its rich biodiversity, housing a diverse range of plant and animal species that are native to the Himalayan ecosystem. This includes various mammal species, birds, and other wildlife.
(ii) Himalayan Black Bear and Musk Deer: Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary is known for being home to the endangered Himalayan black bear and the elusive canine-toothed musk deer, both of which inhabit the higher forests of the sanctuary.
(iii) Himalayan Monal: The sanctuary is a habitat for the stunning Himalayan monal, which is the state bird of Himachal Pradesh. This colorful and iconic bird attracts birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
(iv) Scenic Landscapes: Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary offers breathtaking scenic beauty with its lush forests, alpine meadows, and panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
(v) Trekking Destination: The sanctuary's Churdhar Peak is a popular trekking destination, offering adventure enthusiasts the opportunity to hike to the highest point in the outer Himalayas and enjoy stunning vistas.
(v) Cultural and Religious Significance: Churdhar Peak is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, and the annual Churdhar pilgrimage attracts devotees who embark on a spiritual journey to the peak.
(vi) Conservation: The sanctuary plays a crucial role in conserving the Himalayan ecosystem and protecting the unique flora and fauna of the region.
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