Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary UPSC
Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary located in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It was established to protect and conserve the biodiversity of the region, including various plant and animal species.
The sanctuary is known for its rich and diverse flora and fauna. It provides a habitat for various species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and plants. The area is characterized by dry deciduous forests and grasslands.
The sanctuary offers opportunities for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers to explore the natural beauty of the area. Visitors can engage in activities like trekking, birdwatching, and wildlife photography.
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Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary Location
The Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary is located in the Maharashtra, India. It spans parts of the Aurangabad and Jalgaon districts in the western region of the state. It lies in the Satmala and Ajantha hill ranges of the Western Ghats
The sanctuary is situated at a distance of approximately 60 kilometers from the city of Aurangabad and around 20 kilometers from the town of Chalisgaon.
Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to the Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary is the Aurangabad Airport (Chikkalthana Airport). It's located in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, at a distance of approximately 55-60 kilometers from the sanctuary. This airport has both domestic and limited international flights.
Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to the Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary is Chalisgaon Junction Railway Station. It's located in Chalisgaon, which is around 55 kilometers away from the sanctuary. Chalisgaon Junction is well-connected to various major cities and towns in Maharashtra and neighboring states through the Indian railway network.
Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary History
Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary has an interesting history tied to its establishment and conservation efforts. The sanctuary was established primarily to conserve the biodiversity of the region and protect the natural habitat of various plant and animal species. Here's a general overview of its history:
Establishment: Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary was declared a wildlife sanctuary by the Government of Maharashtra to safeguard the unique flora and fauna found in the area. It was officially notified as a sanctuary on 25th February, 1986.
Origin of the Name: The sanctuary derives its name from two prominent features in its vicinity: "Gautala" and "Autramghat." Gautala refers to a hill in the region, while Autramghat is a mountain pass. These geographical features contribute to the diverse ecosystems found within the sanctuary.
Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary Area
Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 260 square kilometers (100 square miles). This area includes a diverse range of habitats, such as dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and hills, which provide suitable environments for various plant and animal species.
Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary Hills
Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary is situated within the Satmala and Ajanta hill ranges of the Western Ghats. The Western Ghats are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a biodiversity hotspot known for their rich and diverse ecosystems.
The presence of Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary within these hill ranges further emphasizes its ecological significance, as the Western Ghats are home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, many of which are endemic and unique to this region.
The hilly terrain and diverse habitats within the sanctuary contribute to its importance for conservation and the protection of biodiversity.
Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary Flora
The sanctuary is characterized by a variety of plant species that thrive in a southern tropical dry deciduous forest ecosystem. This type of ecosystem typically experiences distinct wet and dry seasons, influencing the types of plants that can survive there.
Here are some of the key plant species you've mentioned that are found in the Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary:
- Khair
- Dhawada
- Arjun
- Chandan
- Euphorbia species
- Teak
- Anjan
- Albizia amara
- Bael
- Amla
- Bhallataka
- Mahua
Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary Fauna (Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary Animals)
The Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and other wildlife species. Here are some of the notable species that can be found in the sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Chinkara
- Sloth Bear
- Bats
- Wild Boar
- Jungle Cat
- Monkey
- Barking Deer
- Fox
- Jackal
- Leopard
- Bluebull
- Wolf
Birds:
- Peafowl
- Cranes
- Spoonbills
- Storks
- Ibis
- Pochards
- Quail
- Partridges
Reptiles:
- Cobra
- Krait
- Python
- Rat Snake
- Monitor Lizard
Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. Where is Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary?/Gautala National Park in which district?/What is the wildlife sanctuary in Gautala?
A. The Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary is located in the Aurangabad and Jalgaon districts of Maharashtra. The sanctuary is situated at a distance of approximately 60 kilometers from the city of Aurangabad and around 20 kilometers from the town of Chalisgaon.
Q. What is Gautala Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. The Gautala Autramghat Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its rich biodiversity and varied ecosystems, making it an important conservation area in Maharashtra, India. Here are some of the key reasons for its fame:
(i) Diverse Flora and Fauna: The sanctuary is renowned for its wide range of plant and animal species. The southern tropical dry deciduous forest ecosystem supports numerous plant species, and the sanctuary is home to various mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
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(ii) Birdwatching: The sanctuary is a haven for birdwatchers due to its rich avian diversity. Bird enthusiasts visit the sanctuary to spot various species of birds, including Indian rollers, Indian peafowls, hornbills, and more.
(iii) Eco-Tourism and Trekking: The sanctuary offers opportunities for eco-tourism and trekking. Nature enthusiasts and adventurers can explore the natural beauty of the area through trekking trails, allowing them to experience the diverse landscapes and ecosystems.
(iv) Connectivity: The sanctuary's location within the Satmala and Ajanta hill ranges of the Western Ghats makes it an important corridor for wildlife movement between different parts of the region.
(v) Cultural Significance: The sanctuary's name is derived from local geographical features, adding cultural and historical significance to the area.
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