City Bird Sanctuary

City Bird Sanctuary UPSC

The City Bird Sanctuary, also known as the Parrot Bird Sanctuary, is located in the union territory of Chandigarh, India. This is the first bird sanctuary of the country which is situated within the populated city.

It is dedicated to the conservation and protection of bird species, particularly parrots. It's a notable example of a wildlife sanctuary integrated into an urban environment.

The sanctuary provides a natural haven for birds amidst the city's infrastructure, offering a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to connect with nature and observe avian wildlife.

It stands as a testament to Chandigarh's commitment to preserving urban biodiversity and promoting awareness about the importance of conserving natural habitats within a densely populated area.

Table of Contents Location History Area Flora Fauna UPSC Questions

City Bird Sanctuary Location

The City Bird Sanctuary is located in the union territory of Chandigarh, India. It is situated in Sector 21 of the city of Chandigarh. This sanctuary is situated within the populated city. 

Nearest Airport:

The Chandigarh International Airport serves as the closest aerial gateway to the City Bird Sanctuary. Located just a short distance away, the airport ensures easy access for travelers coming from different parts of the country and beyond.

Nearest Railway Station:

The Chandigarh Railway Station, a major railway hub in the region, stands as a crucial link between the sanctuary and various parts of the country. With its strategic location and efficient connectivity, the railway station provides a convenient means of transportation for visitors who prefer the charm of train travel.

City Bird Sanctuary History

The City Bird Sanctuary, also known as the Parrot Bird Sanctuary, is located in Sector 21 of Chandigarh, India. It is a unique and notable sanctuary that provides a natural habitat for various bird species, with a focus on parrots, within the urban environment of the city. Here is a brief overview of its history:

1. Formation and Notification: The sanctuary came into existence due to the presence of a large number of birds, particularly parrots, in the area. Recognizing the importance of this habitat for bird conservation, the area was officially notified as a bird sanctuary in 1998. The sanctuary was designated to be a place where birds could live, breed, and thrive amidst the urban surroundings.

2. Purpose and Significance: The primary purpose of the City Bird Sanctuary is to provide a safe and suitable environment for bird species, with a specific emphasis on parrots. As urbanization and development continue to impact natural habitats, such sanctuaries become crucial for the preservation of biodiversity and the well-being of bird populations. The sanctuary also plays a role in raising awareness about bird conservation among the local population and visitors.

City Bird Sanctuary Area

The City Bird Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 2.9 hectares (0.029 square kilometers). Within this relatively compact area, a diverse range of bird species, with a particular emphasis on parrots, find a natural habitat to live, breed, and thrive. 

Despite its modest size, the sanctuary plays a crucial role in preserving urban biodiversity and providing a peaceful haven for both birds and visitors in the heart of the city.

City Bird Sanctuary Flora

The City Bird Sanctuary, also known as the Parrot Bird Sanctuary, located in Sector 21 of Chandigarh, India, features a variety of flora that contributes to the habitat for bird species, particularly parrots. Here is some information about the flora present in the sanctuary:

Tree Species:

• Acacia catechu (Khair)
• Acacia arabica (Kikar)
• Dalbergia sissoo (Shisham)
• Azadirachta indica (Neem)
• Bombax ceiba (Semal)

Shrubs and Understory:

• Emblica officinalis (Amla)
• Morus alba (Tut)
• Bauhinia racemosa (Kachnar)
• Lannea grandis (Jhingan)

Grasses and Ground Flora:

• Cynodon spp. (Bermuda Grass)
• Dactylotum spp. (Crabgrass)
• Sida Cordifolia and S. Rhombifolia

City Bird Sanctuary Fauna (City Bird Sanctuary Animals)

The City Bird Sanctuary supports a diverse range of fauna beyond its focus on bird species. While the sanctuary is known for providing a habitat for birds, particularly parrots, it also hosts a variety of other wildlife. 

Here are some examples of the fauna that you might find within the sanctuary:

Mammals:

• Leopard
• Sambhar
• Spotted Deer (Chital)
• Pangolin (ant eater)
• Wild Boar
• Jackal
• Small Indian Civet
• Jungle Cat
• Porcupine
• Hanuman Langur
• Rhesus Monkey
• Indian Hare
• Common Mongoose
• Common Rat
• Squirrel

Birds:

• Parrots
• Peacock
• Red Jungle Fowl
• Grey Partridge
• Cuckoos
• Night Jars
• Golden Oriole
• Kingfisher
• Swifts
• Hoopoes
• Hornbills
• Barbets
• Woodpeckers
• Rollers
• Barn Owls
• Doves
• Plovers
• Coots
• Hawks
• Geese
• Swan
• Ducks

Reptiles:

• Cobra
• Rat Snake
• Common Krait
• Russell’s Viper
• Indian Python
• Common Monitor (Gho)

City Bird Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. Where is City Bird Sanctuary?

A. The City Bird Sanctuary is located in Sector 21 of Chandigarh, India. Chandigarh is a well-planned city and the capital of the Indian states of Punjab and Haryana. The sanctuary is situated within this urban environment and serves as a habitat for various bird species, particularly parrots, amidst the city's infrastructure. 

Q. When the city bird sanctuary Chandigarh is established?

A. The City Bird Sanctuary in Chandigarh was established in the year 1998. This sanctuary, situated in Sector 21 of Chandigarh, serves as a habitat for various bird species, with a particular emphasis on parrots, within the urban environment of the city.