Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the state of Gujarat, India. It provides habitat for the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard, making it an important site for the conservation of this species. This is one of two sanctuaries in Gujarat in which the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard can still be found.
Nestled within a distinctive grassland ecosystem, Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary offers a remarkable and diverse habitat for various species of flora and fauna. The sanctuary's distinctive ecosystem includes a sweet water lake and the meandering river Khari, contributing to its ecological richness.
Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary's strategic location along the Indo-Asian migratory flyway renders it a vital stopover for numerous migratory bird species. Notably, the sanctuary serves as a seasonal home to a variety of migratory birds, including pelicans, spot-billed ducks, flamingoes, demoiselle cranes, and common cranes. These feathered visitors make the sanctuary an essential hub for avian enthusiasts and researchers.
While renowned for its avian inhabitants, Gaga Sanctuary also provides a home for various wild mammal species. Wolves, jackals, mongooses, jungle cats, and the blue bull are among the terrestrial residents, contributing to the sanctuary's dynamic ecological dynamics.
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Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary Location
Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary is situated near the village Gaga in Kalyanpur Taluka of Devbhumi Dwarka district in the state of Gujarat, India. It is located on the Indo-Asian migratory flyway, making it a significant route for migratory birds.
The sanctuary is approximately 22 kilometers away from the Range headquarters Bhatiya and about 11 kilometers away from a bifurcation on the Jamnagar Dwarka state highway.
Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary is the Jamnagar Airport, which is located approximately 100 kilometers away.
Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary is the Bhatia Railway Station, which is situated about 20 kilometers away.
Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary History
Establishment of Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary: Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary was officially established in the year 1988. This establishment was carried out under the legal provisions of Section 18 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary Area
Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 332.87 hectares, which is equivalent to about 3.33 square kilometers. This relatively compact area encompasses the unique grassland ecosystem, sweet water lake, river Khari, and diverse flora and fauna that make Gaga Sanctuary a significant and ecologically valuable site for both resident and migratory species.
Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary River
Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary is traversed by the river Khari. The sanctuary's area includes a portion of the river's course, contributing to the diverse ecosystem of the sanctuary.
The presence of the river Khari enhances the ecological significance of Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary and provides a suitable environment for various plant and animal species, including migratory birds and other wildlife.
Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary Lake
Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses a sweet water lake within its boundaries. This lake adds to the diverse habitat of the sanctuary, attracting various species of flora and fauna, including migratory birds and other wildlife.
The combination of grasslands, wetlands, and the sweet water lake creates a dynamic and ecologically valuable environment that supports a range of species and contributes to the overall biodiversity of Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary.
Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary consists of a diverse mix of grasslands and saline scrubs, creating a unique habitat for various plant species. Some of the specific plant species that can be found in this intermixed ecosystem include:
Prosopis chilensis: This tree species is part of the mesquite family and is known for its ability to thrive in arid and saline conditions.
Kerdo (Capparis spp.): These shrubs are adapted to the local environment and contribute to the sanctuary's vegetation.
Gorad (Acacia senegal): A species of acacia that can tolerate varying levels of salinity.
Piloo (Salvadora spp.): These shrubs are likely part of the saline scrub vegetation.
The presence of these plant species indicates the sanctuary's adaptation to the local conditions and the unique ecosystem that has developed as a result of the interplay between grasslands and saline scrubs. This combination of vegetation types supports a wide range of wildlife and contributes to the overall biodiversity of Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary.
Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse array of fauna, including both resident and migratory species. Here are some of the notable animal species that can be found within the sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Wolf
- Jackal
- Jungle Cat
- Blue Bull (Nilgai)
- Indian Hare
- Indian Fox
- Indian Gerbil
- Indian Flying Fox
- Indian Pangolin
- Black-naped Hare
- Indian Gray Mongoose
Birds:
- Great Indian Bustard
- Houbara Bustard
- Flamingoes
- Sand Grouses
- Indian Darter
- Lesser Flamingo
- Houbara Bustard
- Dalmatian Pelican
- Spot-billed Ducks
- Demoiselle Cranes
- Common Cranes
Reptiles:
- Snakes
- Lizards
Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. In which district is Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary?
A. Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Devbhumi Dwarka district of Gujarat, India.
Q. How many square kilometers of the Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat is protected area ?
A. The Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area covering approximately 3.33 square kilometers or 332.87 hectares.
Q. What is Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat, India, is famous for several reasons:
(i) Migratory Birds: The sanctuary is renowned for being situated along the Indo-Asian migratory flyway, making it an important stopover for numerous migratory bird species. It hosts a diverse array of migratory birds, including pelicans, flamingoes, cranes, and more, especially during the winter months.
(ii) Avian Biodiversity: Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a significant number of avian species, both resident and migratory. This diversity has made it a popular destination for bird enthusiasts and researchers.
(iii) Endangered and Rare Species: The sanctuary supports globally rare and endangered flora and fauna, including species like Commiphora mukul and Urochondra setulosa. It also provides a habitat for the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard.
(iv) Grassland Ecosystem: The sanctuary's unique combination of grasslands, wetlands, and saline scrubs contributes to its distinctive ecosystem, supporting a variety of plant and animal life.
(v) Natural and Biological Significance: Despite its relatively small area, Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary holds natural and biological significance due to its diverse habitats, which include a sweet water lake, river, grasslands, and more.
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