Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary

Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is a protected area known for its diverse ecosystems and wildlife.


The sanctuary forms the core area of the Mukundra Hills National Park, playing a crucial role in conserving biodiversity, including the Bengal tiger, as it is designated as a Tiger Reserve.


The sanctuary offers opportunities for eco-tourism and wildlife observation. Visitors can experience the natural beauty of the region while contributing to conservation efforts.


Table of Contents

  • Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary Location
  • Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary History
  • Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary Area
  • Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary Hills
  • Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary River
  • Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
  • Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna
    • Mammals
    • Birds
    • Reptile
  • Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions


Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary Location

The Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Kota district of Rajasthan, India. It is situated on the Mukundra Hills range, which is an extension of the Aravalli Range. The sanctuary spans between two parallel mountains, Mukundra and Gagrola, covering a length of about 80 km from Murlipura to Rawatbhata.


Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary is the Kota Airport (also known as Kota Airport - Aerodrome), located in Kota city, Rajasthan, India. The airport is approximately 50 kilometers away from the sanctuary.


Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary is the Kota Junction Railway Station, also situated in Kota city, Rajasthan. It serves as a major railway hub in the region and provides connectivity to various cities across India.




Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary History

The Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary has a rich history that dates back to its establishment and its use by various groups over the years. Here's an overview of its history:


Historical Use: The region that encompasses the Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary was historically used as a strategic pass or route by different groups during times of conflict. The name "Darrah" itself means "pass" in the local language, indicating its historical significance as a passage through the hills.


Hunting Grounds: The sanctuary used to be the preferred hunting grounds of the royal family of Kota. Before its declaration as a wildlife reserve, it was a place where hunting and other recreational activities took place for the nobility.


Wildlife Reserve Declaration: In 1955, the Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary was officially declared a wildlife reserve, marking its transition from a hunting area to a protected space for the conservation of wildlife and natural habitats.


Mukundra Hills National Park: In 2004, the Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary became part of the larger Mukundra Hills National Park, which was established to provide enhanced protection to the biodiversity of the region. This consolidation of protected areas allowed for more comprehensive conservation efforts.


Tiger Reserve Status: In 2013, the Mukundra Hills National Park, including the Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary, was notified as a Tiger Reserve. This designation underscores the importance of the area for the conservation of the endangered tiger species and their habitats.




Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary, spanning an area of approximately 80.75 square kilometers (about 31.18 square miles), forms the core area of the Mukundra Hills National Park.

 

The sanctuary area plays a vital role in the conservation efforts of the larger national park, contributing to the preservation of the region's rich biodiversity and providing a protected habitat for a variety of wildlife species.




Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary Hills

The Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary is nestled within the Mukundra Hills range in the Kota district of Rajasthan, India. It serves as the core area of the Mukundra Hills National Park and boasts a diverse landscape characterized by these hills. 


Notably, the sanctuary is home to the Mukundra Hills National Park's highest peak, the Darrah Peak, which reaches an impressive elevation of 1164 meters (3819 feet) above sea level. This prominent peak stands as a testament to the sanctuary's natural beauty and contributes to its significance in both ecological conservation and the overall appeal of the Mukundra Hills region.




Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary River

The Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary is bordered by several rivers that contribute to the diverse ecosystems within the sanctuary. Four rivers form the boundary of the sanctuary's valley, adding to its natural beauty and ecological significance. These rivers play a crucial role in sustaining the sanctuary's flora and fauna. The rivers that define the boundary of the Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary are:


  • Ramzan River
  • Ahu River
  • Kali River
  • Chambal River


These rivers not only provide water sources for the sanctuary's inhabitants but also contribute to the overall biodiversity and ecological balance of the region. Their presence adds to the sanctuary's appeal and importance as a protected area for wildlife and natural habitat conservation.




Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

The Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora, contributing to the rich ecological landscape of the sanctuary and supporting its diverse wildlife population. Here are some examples of the flora found within the sanctuary:


  • Babul
  • Imli
  • Banyan
  • Ber
  • Dhak
  • Dhok
  • Kadam
  • Khajur
  • Khair
  • Karel
  • Khejda
  • Kakera
  • Mohua
  • Neem




Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

What animals are in the Daranghati Wildlife Sanctuary?

The Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse array of fauna, including a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, and other wildlife species. The sanctuary's unique habitats and ecosystems provide a safe haven for these creatures. 


Here are some examples of the fauna found within the Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary:


Mammals:

  • Tiger
  • Leopard
  • Sloth Bear
  • Grey Wolf
  • Chinkara
  • Spotted Deer
  • Wild Boar
  • Sambar
  • Bluebull
  • Golden Jackal
  • Striped Hyaena
  • Jungle Cat


Birds:

  • Indian Peafowl
  • Grey Partridge
  • Crested Serpent
  • Eagle
  • Golden-backed Woodpecker 


Reptiles:

  • Indian Rock Python 
  • Indian Monitor Lizard
  • Common Garden Lizard




Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. In which state Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary is located?

A. The Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is situated within the Kota district of Rajasthan, which is known for its diverse landscapes, historical sites, and natural habitats. The sanctuary's location within this state makes it an important conservation area for the region's wildlife and biodiversity.



Q. What is the other name of Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary?

A. Darrah wildlife Sanctuary also known as Mukundra National Park.



Q. What are the endangered species of Darrah National Park?

A. Bengal Tiger.



Q. What is Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?

A. The Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Mukundra Hills range within the Kota district of Rajasthan, India, is famous for several reasons:


(i) Biodiversity: The sanctuary is renowned for its rich and diverse biodiversity, including a variety of wildlife species such as leopards, sloth bears, grey wolves, chinkaras, sambar deer, and many others. It provides a protected habitat for these animals, contributing to their conservation.


(ii) Tiger Reserve: The sanctuary is part of the larger Mukundra Hills National Park, which is designated as a Tiger Reserve. This means that it plays a significant role in the conservation of the endangered Bengal tiger and its habitat.


(ii) Historical Significance: The sanctuary has a historical past as a preferred hunting ground for the royal family of Kota. Its name "Darrah," meaning "pass" in the local language, reflects its historical use as a strategic passage during wars.


(iv) Scenic Beauty: The sanctuary is located amidst the picturesque Mukundra Hills range, an extension of the Aravalli Range. Its natural beauty, landscapes, and unique ecosystems attract nature enthusiasts, researchers, and tourists alike.

Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary

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