Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary located in the Bihar state and Jharkhand state in east-central India. It was established in 1976 and covers an area of 259 square kilometers. Prior to becoming a wildlife sanctuary, the area served as a private hunting reserve.
The sanctuary is situated in the Lower Gangetic Plains moist deciduous forests and Chota Nagpur dry deciduous forests ecoregions. The diverse plant communities within the sanctuary include dry and moist sal (Shorea robusta) forests, ravine thorn forest, and tropical dry riverine forest.
As for the wildlife, the sanctuary is home to a variety of animal species, including tigers, leopards, wolves, sloth bears, chitals (spotted deer), chinkaras, and numerous bird species.
Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary plays a crucial role in preserving the biodiversity of the region and providing a protected habitat for various wildlife species.
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Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary Location
The Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary is located in two states in east-central India: Gaya district of Bihar and Koderma district of Jharkhand. The sanctuary is situated at the border of Bihar and Jharkhand, covering parts of both states.
Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
Gaya Airport is the closest airport to the sanctuary, and the distance may vary depending on the specific entry point to the sanctuary. It is approximately 30 to 40 kilometers away from the sanctuary.
Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
Gaya Junction railway station is the nearest major railway station to the sanctuary. It is approximately 30 to 40 kilometers away from the sanctuary.
Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary History
The history of Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary is rooted in its transformation from a private hunting reserve to a protected area for wildlife conservation. Here is an overview of its history:
Private Hunting Reserve: Before becoming a wildlife sanctuary, the area now known as Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary served as a private hunting reserve. Such reserves were common during colonial times and were often used for recreational hunting by the ruling elite and British officials.
Establishment as a Wildlife Sanctuary: In 1976, recognizing the importance of preserving the area's biodiversity and protecting its wildlife, the Indian government took a significant step by declaring the region as a wildlife sanctuary. This decision aimed to conserve the diverse flora and fauna found in the region and provide a protected habitat for various animal and plant species.
Over the years, the sanctuary has become an important ecological hotspot in east-central India, attracting nature enthusiasts, researchers, and conservationists who are interested in studying and safeguarding the region's rich biodiversity.
Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary Area
The Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 259 square kilometers. This sanctuary is located at the border of Gaya district in Bihar state and Koderma district in Jharkhand state, India.
The sanctuary is situated within the geographical regions of Lower Gangetic Plains moist deciduous forests and Chota Nagpur dry deciduous forests, which contribute to the rich biodiversity found within its boundaries.
Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
The Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora due to its location at the border of the Lower Gangetic Plains moist deciduous forests and Chota Nagpur dry deciduous forests ecoregions. The sanctuary's varied habitats support a mix of plant communities, and some of the prominent flora found within its boundaries include:
(1) Sal (Shorea robusta):
Sal forests are one of the dominant vegetation types in the sanctuary. Sal trees are tall, deciduous trees and are considered economically valuable for their timber.
(2) Other Deciduous Trees:
The sanctuary also houses various other deciduous tree species like teak (Tectona grandis), Indian rosewood (Dalbergia sissoo), banyan (Ficus benghalensis), and peepal (Ficus religiosa).
(3) Dry Riverine Forest:
The sanctuary has tropical dry riverine forests along the riverbanks, featuring trees like Indian drypetes (Drypetes roxburghii) and flame-of-the-forest (Butea monosperma).
(4) Thorn Forest:
Some areas within the sanctuary support thorn forests, characterized by trees and shrubs adapted to arid conditions. Species such as acacia (Acacia spp.) and Ziziphus (Ziziphus mauritiana) can be found here.
(5) Bamboo Groves:
Bamboo species, like Dendrocalamus strictus and Bambusa arundinacea, are found in the sanctuary, providing important habitats for various wildlife.
(6) Grasslands:
Open grasslands are also part of the sanctuary's landscape, providing grazing areas for herbivores and attracting various bird species.
(7) Riparian Vegetation:
Along the water bodies and streams in the sanctuary, you can find riparian vegetation, including reeds and aquatic plants.
Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
The Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse and rich array of fauna, including various mammal, bird, and reptile species. The sanctuary's location in the Lower Gangetic Plains moist deciduous forests and Chota Nagpur dry deciduous forests ecoregions provides a suitable habitat for a wide range of wildlife.
Some of the important fauna found in the sanctuary are as follows:
Mammals:
- Tigers
- Leopards
- Sloth Bears
- Indian Elephants
- Chitals (Spotted Deero)
- Chinkaras
- Common Langurs
- Wild Dogs (Dholes)
- Giant Squirrels
- Barking Deer
- Hyenas
- Nilgai (Blue Bulls)
- Sambars
- Wild Pigs
- Jackals
- Foxes
- Pangolins
- Porcupines
- Indian Tree Shrew
- Indian Giant Flying Squirrel
Birds:
- Vultures
- Eagles
- Peafowl (Indian Peafowl)
- Red Jungle Fowl
- Pheasants
- Indian Roller
- Golden Oriole
- Red-vented Bulbul
- Indian Tree Pie
- Brahminy Myna
- Crested Serpent Eagle
- Lesser Whistling Duck
- Painted Stork
- Grey Heron
- Indian Pitta
- Alexandrine Parakeet
- White-rumped Vulture
- Greater Coucal
Reptiles:
- Chameleons
- Indian Rock Python
- Common Indian Monitor
- Checkered Keelback
- Indian Chameleon
- Indian Cobra
- Common Krait
- Russell's Viper
Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. Where is Gautam Buddha wildlife sanctuary located?/Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary is located in/situated in which district?
A. Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Gaya district of Bihar state and Koderma district of Jharkhand state in east-central India.
Q. Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its rich biodiversity and diverse range of flora and fauna. It serves as an essential habitat for various endangered and vulnerable species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. The sanctuary's significance lies in its role in wildlife conservation, providing a protected area for the survival and thriving of these species.
Some of the reasons why Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary is famous include:
(i) Tiger and Leopard Conservation: The sanctuary is known for being home to populations of tigers (Panthera tigris) and leopards (Panthera pardus), which are charismatic big cat species and attract wildlife enthusiasts and researchers.
(ii) Avian Diversity: The sanctuary boasts a diverse range of bird species, including various eagles, vultures, pheasants, peafowls, and other colorful birds.
(iii) Eco-Tourism: Due to its diverse wildlife and natural beauty, the sanctuary attracts eco-tourists and nature lovers who come to observe and appreciate the region's biodiversity.
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