Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary

Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary UPSC

The Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary is a protected area located in the state of Karnataka, India. It is a small birds sanctuary comprising a section of Ghataprabha River and over 20 islands in it. The sanctuary is primarily known for being a habitat for various species of birds and is an important site for birdwatching and conservation.

The sanctuary provides a suitable environment for both resident and migratory bird species. It's a seasonal wetland that attracts a wide variety of water birds, especially during the winter months when migratory birds from different parts of the world arrive in search of suitable breeding and feeding grounds.

The Gokak waterfalls located in the eastern part of the Sanctuary is the major tourist attraction. Visitors to the Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary can enjoy birdwatching, nature photography, and a serene environment that's conducive to appreciating the beauty of the natural world. It's important to note that the availability of birds can vary depending on the season.

Table of Contents Location History Area River Flora Fauna UPSC Questions

Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary Location

The Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary is located in the Gokak and Hukkeri Taluks of Belgaum district, Karnataka, India. 

The sanctuary is centered around the Ghataprabha River, and it covers a diverse landscape of wetlands, forests, and water bodies that provide a suitable habitat for a wide variety of bird species. 

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary is the Belgaum Airport (also known as the Belagavi Airport or Sambra Airport). It is located in Belgaum (Belagavi), which is approximately 60-70 kilometers away from the sanctuary. The airport serves domestic flights and is the closest air travel option for those visiting the Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary is the Gokak Road Railway Station, which is located in Gokak town itself. The sanctuary is approximately 10-15 kilometers away from the Gokak Road Railway Station. 

Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary History

The history of Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary dates back to its establishment as a protected area to conserve and protect the diverse bird species that inhabit the region. Here's a brief overview of its history:

1. Formation and Recognition: In 1974, the Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary was established to safeguard the rich avian diversity in the region. The area's significance for bird conservation led to its declaration as a sanctuary by the Karnataka State Government. The sanctuary was recognized for its importance in providing a habitat for both resident and migratory bird species.

2. Tourism and Education: Over the years, the Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary has gained popularity among birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, and researchers. The sanctuary's serene environment, diverse birdlife, and natural beauty have made it a destination for ecotourism, birdwatching, and education. Visitors have the opportunity to observe and learn about various bird species and their behaviors in their natural habitat.

Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary Area

The Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 29.78 square kilometers (11.5 square miles). This area encompasses a diverse range of habitats, including wetlands, water bodies, marshes, and forested areas along the banks of the Ghataprabha River. 

Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary River

The Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary is centered around the Ghataprabha River, which is a significant watercourse in the region. With the Ghataprabha river flowing through a part of it, the Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary, is a lively and exuberant landscape comprising of over 20 islands.

The sanctuary takes its name from this river. The Ghataprabha River is a tributary of the Krishna River and flows through the state of Karnataka in India.

The river and its associated wetlands, marshes, and water bodies create an ideal habitat for a diverse range of bird species, both resident and migratory. The presence of water and suitable nesting and feeding grounds along the Ghataprabha River attracts a variety of water birds, making the sanctuary a prime location for birdwatching and conservation efforts.

The river's flow and the availability of water are crucial factors that contribute to the ecosystem's health and support the birdlife in the Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary. The water also sustains other forms of wildlife and vegetation in the area, contributing to the overall biodiversity and ecological balance of the sanctuary.

Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary Flora

The Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora, including various types of vegetation that provide habitat, food, and shelter for the bird species that inhabit the area. The sanctuary's landscape is characterized by wetlands, water bodies, marshes, and forested areas along the banks of the Ghataprabha River. 

Here are some examples of the flora found in the sanctuary:

(1) Aquatic Plants:

The wetlands and water bodies in the sanctuary support a variety of aquatic plants, such as water lilies, lotuses, and other floating and submerged vegetation. These plants offer important breeding and feeding grounds for many water bird species.

(2) Marsh and Wetland Plants:

Reeds, rushes, and grasses are common in the marshy areas of the sanctuary. These plants help stabilize the wetland ecosystem and provide cover for smaller birds and other wildlife.

(3) Riverine Forests:

Along the banks of the Ghataprabha River, you can find riverine forests consisting of trees such as teak, banyan, ficus, and various types of palms. These forests provide nesting sites and shelter for birds and other animals.

(4) Deciduous Trees:

The sanctuary's landscape includes patches of deciduous forests with trees like neem, jamun, tamarind, and various types of acacias. These trees contribute to the overall biodiversity and provide habitat for a range of bird species.

(5) Grasslands:

Open grassy areas are also part of the sanctuary's ecosystem. These areas host ground-nesting bird species and attract birds that feed on insects and seeds.

(6) Wetland Vegetation:

The wetlands and marshes are home to vegetation adapted to waterlogged conditions. Plants like bulrushes, sedges, and various wetland grasses thrive in these areas.

(7) Common Species:

The common species (with local name) found are-

• Acacia arabica - Karijali
• Albizzia amara - Tugli
• Albizzia lebbek - Bage
• Albizzia odoratissima - Godda hunsi
• Artocarpus integrifolia - Halasu
• Azadirachta indica - Bevu
• Bambusa arundinacea - Dowga
• Cassia fistula - Kakke
• Carissa caranda - Kawli
• Ficus species - Atti, Ala, Arali
• Hardwickia binata - Kamara
• Inga dulce - Ilati Hunse
• Imperata cylindrica - Elephant grass
• Holoptelia integrifolia - Tapsi
• Pongamia pinnata - Hulgal
• Prosopis juliflora - Ballari jali
• Randia dumetorum - Kari
• Syzygium species - Nerale
• Shorea talura - Salari
• Streblus asper - Mittal
• Terminalia arjuna - Holematti
• Zizyphus species - Bare, pargi, etc.

Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary Fauna (Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary Animals)

The Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna, including various bird species as well as other animals that inhabit the area's ecosystems. Here are some examples of the fauna found in the sanctuary:

Mammals:

• Gray Langur
• Mongoose
• Spotted Deer
• Barking Deer
• Jungle Cat
• Jackals
• Mongoose
• Wild Boars
• Hares

Birds:

• Demoiselle Crane
• Baya Weaver Bird
• Black-capped Kingfisher
• Blue Rock Pigeon
• Black Drongo
• Cattle Egret
• Common Myna
• Darter or Snake Bird
• European White Stork
• Fish Owls
• Grey Partridge
• House Crow
• House Sparrow
• Jerdon's Double-banded Courser
• Jungle Crow
• Koel
• Little Egret
• Large Egret
• Large Indian Parakeet
• Little Cormorant
• Lesser Pied Kingfisher
• Large Pied Wagtail
• Open-billed Stork
• Pond Heron
• Peacock
• Red-wattled Lapwing
• Stork-billed Kingfisher
• Spoonbill
• White Ibis
• White Rock-Thrush

Reptiles:

• Green Snakes
• Rat Snakes
• Cobras
• Pythons
• Viper

Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. Where is Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary located?/In which district Ghataprabha bird sanctuary is situated?

A. The Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary is located in the Gokak and Hukkeri Taluks of Belgaum district, Karnataka, India. The sanctuary encompasses a diverse range of habitats along the banks of the Ghataprabha River and its associated wetlands, making it a haven for various bird species and a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Q. What is Ghattaprabha Bird Sanctuary famous for?

A. The Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary is primarily famous for being a haven for various bird species, both resident and migratory. It's renowned as a significant birdwatching destination in the state of Karnataka, India. The sanctuary's diverse habitats, including wetlands, water bodies, marshes, and forests along the Ghataprabha River, provide a suitable environment for numerous bird species to thrive.

Key aspects that make Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary famous include:

(i) Avian Diversity: The sanctuary hosts a wide variety of bird species, including water birds, raptors, migratory birds, and more. It's a paradise for birdwatchers who come to observe and study these avian creatures in their natural habitats.

(ii) Migratory Birds: During the winter months, the sanctuary attracts a significant number of migratory birds that travel from different parts of the world. These migratory species add to the bird diversity and make the sanctuary a prime spot for birdwatching.

(iii) Eco-Tourism: The sanctuary's popularity among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts has contributed to the growth of eco-tourism in the region. Visitors flock to the sanctuary to experience the natural beauty, tranquility, and diverse wildlife.

(iv) Conservation Efforts: Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary plays a vital role in conserving the bird species that depend on its habitats. Conservation initiatives and awareness campaigns are often conducted to protect the sanctuary's biodiversity.