Gudekote Sloth Bear Sanctuary UPSC
The Gudekote Sloth Bear Sanctuary is situated in the state of Karnataka, India. It is renowned for being the second sloth bear sanctuary in India and Asia, exclusively designated for the protection and conservation of the Indian sloth bear (Melursus ursinus).
While the sanctuary's primary focus is on sloth bear conservation, it is home to various other wildlife species, including Indian leopards, pangolins, Indian foxes, Indian jackals, jungle cats, small civet cats, palm civet cats, wild boars, and more.
The sanctuary boasts a rich avian diversity, with over 130 species of birds documented. Birdwatchers can spot hawk eagles, flycatchers, Indian rollers, and various other bird species.
The sanctuary is unique in that it contains prehistoric sites, rock paintings, natural caves, and old temples within its boundaries, adding a historical and cultural dimension to its conservation efforts.
The sanctuary's establishment and expansion demonstrate a commitment to protecting the region's biodiversity. It provides a safe haven for sloth bears and other wildlife, helping to mitigate threats such as habitat loss and poaching.
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Gudekote Sloth Bear Sanctuary Location
The Gudekote Sloth Bear Sanctuary is located in the Ballari district of Karnataka, India. It encompasses the Kudligi and Sandur taluks within the Ballari district.
The sanctuary is situated in the southern part of India and is dedicated to the protection and conservation of sloth bears and other wildlife species.
Gudekote Sloth Bear Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Gudekote Sloth Bear Sanctuary is Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru (Bangalore), Karnataka, India. It's located at a distance of approximately 268 kilometers (166 miles) from the sanctuary.
Gudekote Sloth Bear Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Gudekote Sloth Bear Sanctuary is Bellari Junction Railway Station, which is situated in the city of Bellari, Karnataka, India. The railway station is approximately 54 kilometers (33.5 miles) away from the sanctuary.
Gudekote Sloth Bear Sanctuary History
The Gudekote Sloth Bear Sanctuary has a history rooted in conservation efforts and the need to protect the unique wildlife of the region, especially the Indian sloth bear. Here's a brief overview of the sanctuary's history:
Background: The sanctuary was officially established to safeguard the Indian sloth bear (Melursus ursinus) and its habitat. Sloth bears are native to the Indian subcontinent and are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species due to habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflicts.
Establishment: In November 2013, the Government of Karnataka declared a portion of the Gudekote Forest Reserve, Gudekote Extension Forest Reserve, and Halsagara Reserve Forests as the Gudekote Sloth Bear Sanctuary. This declaration was made through a Gazette Notification, with the initial area of the sanctuary being 38.48 square kilometers.
Expansion and Conservation: Over time, the sanctuary's area was expanded to increase its conservation impact. In September 2016, the sanctuary's area was increased to 47.54 square kilometers through a notification.
Gudekote Extension Sloth Bear Sanctuary: Additionally, in May 2019, an additional 120.04 square kilometers of reserved forest was declared as the Gudekote Extension Sloth Bear Sanctuary, significantly increasing the total area of the sanctuary to 167.59 square kilometers.
Gudekote Sloth Bear Sanctuary Area
Gudekote Sloth Bear Sanctuary is spread over a total area of 167.59 square kilometers (64.71 square miles). This area includes the Gudekote Forest Reserve, Gudekote Extension Forest Reserve, and Halsagara Reserve Forests.
The sanctuary was expanded through various government notifications to increase its conservation impact and provide a larger protected habitat for wildlife, especially the Indian sloth bear.
- The initial area of the sanctuary was 38.48 square kilometers.
- In September 2016, the sanctuary's area was increased to 47.54 square kilometers.
- In May 2019, an additional 120.04 square kilometers added.
Gudekote Sloth Bear Sanctuary Flora
The Gudekote Sloth Bear Sanctuary is home to a variety of flora that contribute to the diverse ecosystem of the sanctuary. The types of flora found within the sanctuary are typical of the dry deciduous and thorn scrub forests that dominate the region.
Here are some examples of the flora you might find in the Gudekote Sloth Bear Sanctuary:
(1) Fruit-Bearing Trees:
The sanctuary is known to have fruit-bearing trees like custard apple and jamun (Indian blackberry), which provide important food resources for wildlife, including sloth bears.
(2) Deciduous Trees:
Dry deciduous trees, adapted to the arid conditions of the region, might include species like neem, tamarind, and banyan.
(3) Thorn Scrub Vegetation:
Thorny shrubs and bushes are common in the scrubby landscapes of the sanctuary. These plants are adapted to conserve water and thrive in the semi-arid environment.
(4) Grasses and Herbs:
The sanctuary is likely to have various types of grasses and herbaceous plants that provide food and cover for smaller animals and contribute to the overall ecosystem.
Gudekote Sloth Bear Sanctuary Fauna (Gudekote Sloth Bear Sanctuary Animals)
The Gudekote Sloth Bear Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna, including both flagship and lesser-known species. The sanctuary's efforts to protect and conserve these animals contribute to the overall biodiversity of the region.
Here are some examples of the fauna you might find in the Gudekote Sloth Bear Sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Indian Sloth Bear
- Indian Leopard
- Pangolins
- Indian Fox
- Indian Jackal
- Jungle Cat
- Small Civet Cats
- Palm Civet Cats
- Wild Boars
- Porcupines
- Striped Hyena
- Indian Grey Wolf
Birds:
- Hawk Eagles
- Flycatchers
- Indian Peafowls
- Painted Francolins
- Indian Rollers
- Peafowls
- Quails
- Partridges
- Sunbirds
- Shrikes
- Drongos
- Owls (Various Species)
Reptiles:
- Vipers
- Kraits
- Cobras
- Red Sand Boa
- Indian Star Tortoise
- Monitor Lizards
- Various Lizard Species
Gudekote Sloth Bear Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. Gudekote Sloth Bear Sanctuary which district?
A. The Gudekote Sloth Bear Sanctuary is located in the Ballari district of Karnataka, India. The sanctuary is situated within the Kudligi and Sandur taluks (administrative subdivisions) of the Ballari district. This district is known for its diverse landscapes, which range from rocky terrain to scrublands, making it an important habitat for various wildlife species, including the Indian sloth bear.
Q. What is Gudekote Sloth Bear Sanctuary famous for?
A. The Gudekote Sloth Bear Sanctuary is famous for being the second sloth bear sanctuary in India and Asia. It is exclusively dedicated to the protection and conservation of the Indian sloth bear (Melursus ursinus), a vulnerable species native to the Indian subcontinent.
Here are some key points for which the Gudekote Sloth Bear Sanctuary is known:
(i) Sloth Bear Conservation: The sanctuary's primary focus is on the conservation of the Indian sloth bear, which is facing threats due to habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflicts. The sanctuary provides a protected area where these bears can thrive and their habitat can be conserved.
(ii) Diverse Wildlife: In addition to sloth bears, the sanctuary is home to a wide range of other wildlife species, including leopards, pangolins, foxes, jackals, jungle cats, and various bird species. The sanctuary's ecosystem supports a diverse array of flora and fauna.
(iii) Habitat Protection: The sanctuary's establishment and expansion demonstrate the commitment of local authorities to protect and preserve the natural habitat in the region. This contributes to maintaining the ecological balance and supporting various wildlife species.
(iv) Historical and Cultural Significance: The sanctuary is known to contain prehistoric sites, rock paintings, natural caves, and old temples within its boundaries. This historical and cultural significance adds an extra dimension to the sanctuary's value beyond wildlife conservation.
(v) Biodiversity Conservation: The Gudekote Sloth Bear Sanctuary contributes to the overall biodiversity conservation efforts of the region. By safeguarding multiple species and their habitats, the sanctuary helps maintain the health of the local ecosystem.
(vi) Tourism and Education: The sanctuary offers opportunities for eco-tourism and wildlife enthusiasts to learn about and appreciate the unique wildlife of the area. It can also serve as an educational platform to raise awareness about wildlife conservation.
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