Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India. It's known for its rich biodiversity and lush natural landscapes. The Kali River flows through the sanctuary, adding to its natural beauty.
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful and viable habitat for approximately 200 species of birds. The most famous among these are the Malabar pied hornbill and the great hornbill (great Indian hornbill or great pied hornbill). Apart from birds, the sanctuary is inhabited by animals like tigers, leopards, elephants, deer, sloth bears, and more.
A unique attribute of this sanctuary is that it is the only known place in the country which reports frequent sightings of the extremely rare and elusive black panther.
The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is contiguous with the Anshi National Park, forming a larger protected area for wildlife conservation. Together, they provide a larger habitat for various animal and plant species.
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Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary Location
The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Uttara Kannada district of the state of Karnataka, India. It is situated in the Western Ghats region of southern India. The sanctuary covers a vast area that includes parts of the Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve.
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is the Hubli Airport (also known as Hubballi Airport), located in Hubli city, Karnataka, India. The distance between Hubli Airport and Dandeli is approximately 72 kilometers by road.
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
As for the nearest railway station, the Hubli Railway Station is often considered the closest one to Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary.
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary History
The history of Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary dates back to the mid-20th century. Here is an overview of its historical development:
Establishment: The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary was established on August 10, 1956. It was originally set up as a game sanctuary to protect wildlife and conserve the biodiversity of the region.
Recognition and Expansion: Over time, the sanctuary gained recognition for its rich flora and fauna. In 1975, it was designated as a wildlife sanctuary under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. The sanctuary expanded to its current size over the years, encompassing various habitats and ecosystems within the Western Ghats.
Integration with Anshi National Park: The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is contiguous with the Anshi National Park. Together, they form the Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve, which was declared a Project Tiger Reserve in 2007 to focus on the conservation of the endangered tiger species.
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary Area
The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 886.41 square kilometers (342.12 square miles). It is situated in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India. The sanctuary is known for its diverse ecosystems, including dense forests, riverine habitats, and diverse wildlife.
It is contiguous with the Anshi National Park, forming the larger Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve, which covers an even larger area for wildlife conservation. The combined reserve area serves as a crucial habitat for various plant and animal species, including some endangered ones.
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary River
The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is bordered by the Kali River (also known as the Kali Nadi). The river is a significant feature of the sanctuary and plays a crucial role in shaping the ecosystem and supporting the diverse wildlife within the area.
The Kali River originates in the Western Ghats and flows through the Dandeli region before eventually joining the Arabian Sea. It provides water for the flora and fauna of the sanctuary and creates a variety of habitats along its course, including riverine ecosystems, wetlands, and riparian forests.
The presence of the Kali River also makes the sanctuary an attractive destination for water-based activities such as white-water rafting, kayaking, and boating. Additionally, the river serves as a natural boundary for parts of the sanctuary, adding to its natural beauty and enhancing the overall experience for visitors and wildlife enthusiasts.
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
What is the flora of Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary?
The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is characterized by a rich and diverse range of flora, owing to its location in the Western Ghats, which is one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. The sanctuary's varied habitats, including evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, deciduous forests, and riverine ecosystems, contribute to its diverse plant life.
Here are some of the notable flora found in the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary:
(1) Evergreen and Semi-Evergreen Forest Species:
These forests are characterized by dense vegetation that remains green throughout the year. Species like rosewood, teak, bamboo, and various types of climbers are commonly found in these forests.
(2) Deciduous Forest Species:
Deciduous forests shed their leaves during specific seasons. Trees like jackfruit, honeyleaf, and tamarind are common in these areas.
(3) Medicinal Plants:
The sanctuary is home to several medicinal plants that have been traditionally used by local communities for various purposes. These plants have cultural and economic significance.
(4) Bamboo Species:
Bamboo is an important component of the sanctuary's ecosystem. It is used by both wildlife and local communities for various purposes.
(5) Riparian Plant Species:
Along the banks of the Kali River, you can find a variety of riparian plants that are adapted to water-rich environments.
(6) Aquatic Plants:
The sanctuary's water bodies support a range of aquatic plants that provide food and habitat for aquatic animals.
(7) Endemic and Rare Species:
The Western Ghats is known for its endemic species—plants that are found nowhere else in the world. Some of these species can also be found in the Dandeli Sanctuary.
(8) Grasses and Understory Plants:
Various grasses, shrubs, and understory plants contribute to the diversity of the sanctuary's ecosystems.
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for which animal?
The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for its diverse and vibrant fauna, owing to its location in the Western Ghats, which is one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. The sanctuary is home to a wide range of animal species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and more.
Here are some of the notable fauna found in the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Tiger
- Leopards
- Black Panther
- Elephant
- Gaur
- Sloth Bear
- Wild Boar
- Bonnet Macaque
- Gray Langur
- Gray Slender Loris
- Barking Deer
- Mouse Deer
- Sambar
- Spotted Deer
- Wild Dog
- Jackal
- Jungle Cat
- Leopard Cat
- Small Indian Civet
Birds:
- Ceylon Frogmouth
- Fairy Bluebird
- Great Hornbill
- Malabar Pied Hornbill
Reptiles:
- King Cobra
- Mugger Crocodile
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is in which state?/Where is Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary located?
A. The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Karnataka, India. It is situated in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, which is in the southern part of the country. The sanctuary is known for its diverse flora and fauna and is a popular destination for ecotourism and wildlife enthusiasts.
Q. Is Dandeli a National Park or wildlife sanctuary?
A. Dandeli is a wildlife sanctuary, not a national park. The area is officially known as the "Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary." It covers a diverse range of habitats and ecosystems and is home to a variety of plant and animal species.
Q. When was Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary established?
A. The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary was officially established on August 10, 1956. It was set up to protect the diverse flora and fauna of the region and provide a safe haven for various wildlife species. Over the years, the sanctuary has gained recognition for its biodiversity and has become a popular destination for ecotourism and nature enthusiasts.
Q. Which endangered animals are found in Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary?/What are the endangered species in Dandeli?
A. The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is home to several endangered and vulnerable species due to its location in the biodiversity-rich Western Ghats region. While the status of certain species can change over time, some of the endangered animals that have been reported to inhabit or pass through the sanctuary include:
(i) Indian Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris): Tigers are considered endangered and are found in the Western Ghats, including the Dandeli region. Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve, which includes the sanctuary, aims to protect this majestic species.
(ii) Black Panther (Melanistic Leopard): These rare black leopards are a color variant of regular leopards. The Western Ghats, including Dandeli, is one of the habitats where black panthers have been reported.
(iii) Indian Elephant (Elephas maximus indicus): Elephants are found in the sanctuary and are listed as endangered due to habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict.
(iv) Gaur (Indian Bison) (Bos gaurus): Gaurs are the largest wild cattle species and are vulnerable due to habitat loss and fragmentation. They are found in the Western Ghats and the sanctuary.
(v) Malabar Giant Squirrel (Ratufa indica): This large, vibrantly colored squirrel is endemic to the Western Ghats and is considered near threatened due to habitat loss.
(vi) Slender Loris (Loris): The slender loris species found in the Western Ghats, including Dandeli, are listed as vulnerable due to habitat loss and pet trade.
Q. What is Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for several reasons, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, and adventure seekers. Some of the key aspects that contribute to the sanctuary's fame include:
(i) Biodiversity: The sanctuary is located in the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot. It is known for its rich and diverse flora and fauna, including rare and endemic species. The sanctuary provides a habitat for a wide range of animals, birds, plants, and insects.
(ii) Tiger Conservation: The sanctuary is part of the Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve, which is dedicated to the conservation of the endangered Indian tiger. It plays a role in protecting this iconic and majestic big cat species.
(iii) Adventure Tourism: Dandeli has gained popularity as an adventure tourism destination. The presence of the Kali River offers opportunities for activities like white-water rafting, kayaking, canoeing, and river crossing. The lush forests also provide opportunities for trekking and camping.
(iv) Ecotourism: The sanctuary attracts nature enthusiasts and ecotourists who want to experience the beauty of the Western Ghats, observe wildlife, and explore diverse ecosystems.
(v) Birdwatching: The sanctuary is a haven for birdwatchers, as it's home to a variety of bird species, including various species of hornbills, woodpeckers, eagles, and more.
(vi) Scenic Beauty: The natural landscapes of the sanctuary, including the Kali River, lush forests, and rolling hills, make it a picturesque destination for visitors seeking a tranquil and scenic environment.
(vii) Local Culture: The surrounding areas are inhabited by indigenous communities, contributing to the cultural richness of the region.
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