Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary UPSC
The Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary is located in the state of Karnataka, India. It was established with the primary goal of conserving and protecting the sloth bear (locally known as KARADI) population and their natural habitat. It is the First Sloth Bear Sanctuary in India and Asia.
The sanctuary is home to a substantial population of Sloth Bears (Melursus ursinus). These bears are known for their distinct appearance, with a shaggy coat and a white 'V' or 'Y' shaped mark on their chest. There are eight species of Bears in the world. Indian Sloth Bear is confined to India and Sri Lanka only.
The sanctuary's landscape consists of rocky terrain, caves, and boulders, which provide suitable habitats for the sloth bears. These natural features serve as shelter and den sites for the bears.
The sanctuary is managed by the Karnataka Forest Department. It serves as a protected area where sloth bears and other wildlife can live without disturbances. Conservation efforts also include educating local communities about the importance of wildlife conservation and sustainable practices.
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Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary Location
The Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary is located in the Bellary district of the state of Karnataka, India. It is near the village of Daroji, which is situated in the southeastern part of Karnataka.
The village of Daroji is the gateway to the sanctuary, and the surrounding area's rocky landscape and boulders provide an ideal habitat for sloth bears and other wildlife.
It is about 50 km from Ballari and about 15 km from the World Heritage Site Hampi.
Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to the Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary is the Jindal Vijayanagar Airport, also known as Vidyanagar Airport. It's located in Toranagallu, Bellary district, Karnataka, India. The airport is approximately 42 kilometers (26 miles) away from the sanctuary and serves as the closest air link for visitors traveling to the area.
Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
As for the nearest railway station, the Hospet Junction Railway Station is commonly used by visitors traveling to the Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary. The Hospet Junction Railway Station is situated in Hospet, which is around 15 kilometers (9 miles) from the sanctuary. It's a major railway station in the region and provides convenient access for those arriving by train. From Hospet, you can arrange local transportation to reach the sanctuary.
Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary History
The Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary has an interesting history that dates back to the efforts of conservationists and local authorities to protect the Indian sloth bear population and their habitat. Here's a brief overview of the sanctuary's history:
Discovery of the Site: The area around Daroji in the Bellary district of Karnataka, India, was recognized as a suitable habitat for sloth bears due to its rocky terrain, caves, and boulders. These natural features provided shelter and den sites for sloth bears, making it an ideal location for their conservation.
Initiation of Conservation Efforts: In 1990s, there were growing concerns about the decline in the sloth bear population due to habitat degradation, poaching, and conflicts with humans. To address these issues, the Karnataka Forest Department, along with conservation organizations and local communities, began exploring the possibility of establishing a protected area for sloth bears.
Declaration as a Sanctuary: In 1994, the Karnataka Forest Department officially declared the area as the Daroji Bear Sanctuary, with the objective of conserving the sloth bear population and their habitat. The sanctuary was established under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
First Sloth Bear Sanctuary: Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary is the first Sloth Bear Sanctuary in India and Asia. It is dedicated to the conservation and protection of sloth bears and their habitat
Habitat Management: The sanctuary authorities focused on habitat management and protection. They worked to minimize human disturbances, control poaching, and raise awareness among local communities about the importance of wildlife conservation.
Recognition and Success: Over the years, the Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary gained recognition for its successful efforts in sloth bear conservation. The sanctuary became a model for the coexistence of wildlife and human communities, emphasizing the importance of maintaining ecological balance.
Research and Monitoring: Research and monitoring programs were established to study the behavior, ecology, and population dynamics of sloth bears in the sanctuary. These efforts helped guide conservation strategies and improve understanding of the species' requirements.
Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary Area
The Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary encompasses an area of approximately 82.72 square kilometers (31.92 square miles). The sanctuary's landscape, characterized by rocky terrain, caves, and boulders, provides an ideal habitat for sloth bears and other wildlife species.
In October 1994, the Government of Karnataka, declared 55.87 square kilometers of the Bilikallu Forest Reserve as Daroji Bear Sanctuary. 15 years later, in October 2009, the government added 26.85 square kilometers of the Bukkasagara Forest Reserve to the sanctuary. This resulted in the overall area to increase from 55.87 square kilometers to 82.72 square kilometers.
Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary Hills
The Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary is characterized by a landscape that includes rocky hills, boulders, and caves, providing an ideal habitat for sloth bears and other wildlife. The rocky terrain and hills in the sanctuary offer natural shelters and den sites for sloth bears, allowing them to thrive in their native environment.
These features are an essential part of the sanctuary's ecosystem and contribute to the conservation of sloth bears and the biodiversity of the region. Visitors to the sanctuary can also witness the bears' unique behavior as they navigate the rocky hills and terrain.
Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary Flora
The flora of the Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary is primarily dry deciduous scrub and Southern thorn forests. It is adapted to the rocky landscape and arid climate of the region.
Some of the common plant species you can find in the sanctuary include:
- Acacia latronum (Donnejali)
- Aerua lanata
- Alangium lamarckii
- Albizzia odoratissima
- Canthium Species
- Capparia divaricata
- Capparis horrida
- Cardiospermum halicacabum
- Cassia absus (Kaduhuliga)
- Chloroxylon swietenia (Mashiwal)
Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary Fauna (Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary Animals)
The Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of wildlife species, beyond its primary focus on sloth bears. Here is a list of some of the fauna that can be found in the sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Sloth Bears
- Leopards
- Hyena
- Jackals
- Wild Boars
- Porcupine
- Pangolins
- Mongoose
Birds:
- Yellow-throated Bulbul
- Painted Spur Fowl
- Sand Grouse
- Rock Bush Quail
- Pea Fowls
- Partridges
Reptiles:
- Star Tortoise
- Monitor Lizard
Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. The Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary is located in which state?
A. The Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary is located in the state of Karnataka, India. Specifically, it is situated in the Bellary district of Karnataka.
Q. In which Taluk Daroji Bear Sanctuary is found?
A. The Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary is located in the Hospet taluk of the Bellary district in the state of Karnataka, India.
Q. Which is India's first sloth bear sanctuary?
A. India's first sloth bear sanctuary is the Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary, located in the Bellary district of Karnataka. It was established with the primary purpose of conserving and protecting the Indian sloth bear population and their natural habitat.
Q. What is Daroji Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. The Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary is famous for several reasons:
(i) Sloth Bear Conservation: It is primarily renowned for its conservation efforts focused on the Indian sloth bear (Melursus ursinus). The sanctuary is home to a significant population of sloth bears and is dedicated to their protection and preservation.
(ii) Unique Rocky Terrain: The sanctuary's landscape is characterized by rocky terrain, caves, and boulders, making it a unique and picturesque habitat for wildlife. Visitors can witness sloth bears navigating this rocky terrain, which is not commonly seen in other wildlife sanctuaries.
(iii) First Sloth Bear Sanctuary: Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary holds the distinction of being the first sloth bear sanctuary not only in India but in all of Asia. It has set a precedent for the conservation of this iconic species.
(iv) Wildlife Tourism: The sanctuary has become a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and tourists interested in observing sloth bears in their natural habitat. Controlled and responsible tourism activities allow visitors to witness these bears up close during specific times of the day.
(v) Conservation Model: Daroji serves as a successful model for wildlife conservation and community engagement. It demonstrates the coexistence of wildlife and local communities, emphasizing the importance of conserving biodiversity.
(vi) Diverse Fauna: While sloth bears are the main attraction, the sanctuary is also home to a variety of other wildlife species, including leopards, pangolins, and a range of bird species.
(vii) Natural Beauty: Beyond its wildlife, the sanctuary offers scenic views of the rocky landscape and unique geological formations, making it a visually appealing destination for nature lovers.
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