Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary UPSC
The Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary is located in the state of Gujarat, India. This sanctuary is ecologically significant due to its unique location between desert and forest ecosystems. It was established with the aim of conserving the diverse flora and fauna found in the Aravalli Range region.
One of the highlights of the sanctuary is its role in protecting the Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus), an iconic species of the Indian subcontinent. The sanctuary provides a safe haven for these bears and supports their conservation.
The sanctuary's unique combination of southern dry mixed deciduous forests and desert thorn forests contributes to its ecological importance and makes it a destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Visitors to the Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary have the opportunity to engage in ecotourism activities, explore the varied landscapes, and observe a range of wildlife species.
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Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary Location
The Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary is located in the Aravalli Range, near the town of Jessore, in the Banaskantha district of Gujarat, India.
The sanctuary lies to the south of the Thar Desert, making it an ecologically significant area that bridges the gap between desert and forest ecosystems.
Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary is the Ahmedabad Airport (Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport), located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. It is approximately 140 kilometers away from the sanctuary.
Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary is the Palanpur Railway Station, which is located in Palanpur, Gujarat, India. It is approximately 45 kilometers away from the sanctuary.
Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary History
Establishment and Recognition: The sanctuary was officially established on May 13, 1978, when the government recognized its ecological significance and the need to protect the diverse flora and fauna present in the area. It was named after the Jessore Hills of the Aravalli Range.
Sloth Bear Conservation: One of the notable species found in the sanctuary is the Sloth Bear. The sanctuary provides a safe haven for this bear species, which is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. Sloth bears are known for their shaggy coat, distinct facial markings, and unique dietary habits.
Tourism and Awareness: Over the years, the sanctuary has gained recognition among wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. The opportunity to observe diverse wildlife in their natural habitat, along with activities like trekking to attractions like the Kedarnath Mahadev temple and Muni Ji ki Kutia, has attracted visitors and helped raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation.
Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary Area
The Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 180.66 square kilometers (69.75 square miles). This protected area was established with the aim of conserving the unique biodiversity found in the region and providing a safe habitat for various wildlife species, including the Sloth Bear.
The sanctuary's relatively large size allows for the preservation of a variety of ecosystems, which range from southern dry mixed deciduous forests to desert thorn forests. This diversity of habitats contributes to the sanctuary's ecological significance and supports a wide range of flora and fauna
Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary Hills
The Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary is located in the Aravalli Range hills in the state of Gujarat, India. The sanctuary is situated within the Jessore Hills of the Aravalli Range, and its unique geographical location between desert and forest ecosystems makes it an ecologically significant area.
The Aravalli Range is one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world and stretches across the western part of India. It is known for its diverse landscapes, including hills, valleys, forests, and rocky terrain. The Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary is nestled within this range, providing a protected habitat for wildlife, including the iconic Sloth Bear, and contributing to the conservation of the region's natural biodiversity.
Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary Flora
The Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary is home to a variety of flora that thrive in its unique ecosystem, which bridges the gap between desert and forest landscapes. Here are some of the flora species that can be found in the sanctuary:
- Ber
- Gando Baval (Indian banyan)
- Khair (Catechu)
- Saledi (Indian frankincense)
- Gorad
- Dhav
- Isaraily Baval
- Dudhalo
- Kadaya
- Siras
Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary Fauna (Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary Animals)
The Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna, including various mammals, birds, and reptiles. Here is a list of some of the fauna species that can be found in the sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Sloth Bear
- Striped Hyaena
- Rhesus Macaque
- Grey Langur
- Indian Porcupine
- Indian Civet Cat
- Indian Fox
- Jackal
- Indian Hare
- Indian Wolf
- Nilgai (Bluebull)
Birds:
- Spurfowls
- Cuckoos
- Barbets
- Woodpeckers
- Tree Pies
- Flycatchers
- Shrikes
- Spoonbills
- Storks
- Cranes
- Egrets
Reptiles:
- Snakes (Various species)
- Tortoises
- Lizards
Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. In which district is the famous Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary located?
A. The famous Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary is located in the Banaskantha district of Gujarat, India. It is situated within the Aravalli Range hills of the state.
Q. What is Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary famous for?
A. The Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary, also known as Jessore Wildlife Sanctuary, is famous for several reasons:
(i) Sloth Bear Conservation: The sanctuary is particularly known for being a habitat for the Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus), which is a unique and charismatic species indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. The sanctuary provides a protected environment for these bears and contributes to their conservation.
(ii) Biodiversity: The sanctuary's unique location between desert and forest ecosystems makes it ecologically significant. It is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including various mammal, bird, and reptile species, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers.
(iii) Ecotourism: The sanctuary offers opportunities for ecotourism and wildlife viewing. Visitors can explore the diverse landscapes, trek through dense woods to attractions like the Kedarnath Mahadev temple and Muni Ji ki Kutia, and observe wildlife in their natural habitat.
(iv) Conservation Efforts: Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary plays a crucial role in conservation efforts, helping protect and preserve the natural ecosystems and species in the Aravalli Range region.
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