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Monday, August 21, 2023

Karanja Sohol Wildlife Sanctuary

Karanja Sohol Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

The Karanja Sohol Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the state of Maharashtra, India. The sanctuary was established in the year 2000 with the primary objective of preserving the blackbuck population and conserving the biodiversity of the region.


The sanctuary is associated with the catchment area of the Aadan reservoir, providing an aquatic habitat for various floral and faunal species.


The sanctuary is situated in a tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forest ecosystem. It is home to various plant species, including Teak, Coromandel Ebony, Axlewood, Lagerstroemia parviflora, Gmelina arborea, and more.


The sanctuary is inhabited by a diverse range of wildlife species, including Blackbuck, Chinkara (Indian Gazelle), Wolf, Indian Fox, and more.


The Karanja Sohol Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its contribution to the conservation of blackbucks and other wildlife species, as well as its role in maintaining local biodiversity and supporting winter migratory bird populations. It provides a protected environment for both flora and fauna to thrive. 


Table of Contents

  • Karanja Sohol Wildlife Sanctuary Location
  • Karanja Sohol Wildlife Sanctuary History
  • Karanja Sohol Wildlife Sanctuary Area
  • Karanja Sohol Wildlife Sanctuary River
  • Karanja Sohol Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
  • Karanja Sohol Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna
    • Mammals
    • Birds
    • Reptile
  • Karanja Sohol Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions


Karanja Sohol Wildlife Sanctuary Location

The Karanja Sohol Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Karanja talukas of Washim district in the state of Maharashtra, India. 


Karanja Sohol Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

The nearest major airport to Karanja Sohol Wildlife Sanctuary is Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur, Maharashtra. The airport is located approximately 225 kilometers away from the sanctuary. From Nagpur Airport, you can use road transport to reach the sanctuary.


Karanja Sohol Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Karanja Sohol Wildlife Sanctuary is Murtizapur Railway Station. Murtizapur is a town in the Akola district of Maharashtra. It is a significant railway junction and is located relatively close to the sanctuary. You can use road transportation from Murtizapur Railway Station to reach the sanctuary.




Karanja Sohol Wildlife Sanctuary History

Establishment: The Karanja Sohol Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in the Washim district of Maharashtra, India, came into existence in the year 2000. 


Purpose: Its establishment was primarily driven by the imperative to safeguard the blackbuck population and uphold the region's biodiversity. This sanctuary was conceived as a dedicated protected area to ensure the survival of various wildlife species, with a particular emphasis on the preservation of the blackbuck, an indigenous antelope species of the Indian subcontinent.




Karanja Sohol Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The Karanja Sohol Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 18.32 square kilometers. This protected area is dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and their habitats. 


The relatively compact size of the sanctuary reflects its role in providing a safe haven for various species, particularly the blackbuck, and preserving the biodiversity of the region.




Karanja Sohol Wildlife Sanctuary River

Aadan River flows through the Karanja Sohol Wildlife Sanctuary. This river likely contributes to the sanctuary's water resources, aquatic habitats, and overall ecosystem. 




Karanja Sohol Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

The Karanja Sohol Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of plant species that contribute to the biodiversity and ecosystem of the area. Here are some of the notable flora found within the sanctuary:


Teak (Tectona grandis): Teak is a valuable hardwood tree known for its strong and durable wood. It's commonly used in furniture, construction, and other applications.


Coromandel Ebony (Terminalia alata): This tree species is known for its dense and dark heartwood, which is often used for carving and ornamental purposes.


Axlewood: Axlewood refers to trees that have strong and durable wood suitable for making axles, wheels, and other heavy-duty applications.


Lagerstroemia parviflora: Also known as Crape Myrtle, this flowering tree produces vibrant and colorful blooms, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the sanctuary.


Gmelina arborea: Gmelina is a fast-growing tree species that is used for timber and various traditional purposes.


Mitragyna parviflora: Also known as Kra Thum Khok, this tree is native to Southeast Asia and is used in traditional medicine.


Indian Rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia): Indian Rosewood is valued for its attractive wood, which is used in furniture making and musical instrument production.


Pterocarpus marsupium: This tree species is known for its medicinal properties, particularly the gum resin extracted from it.




Karanja Sohol Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Karanja Sohol Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

The Karanja Sohol Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of wildlife species that inhabit its protected ecosystem. Here are some of the notable fauna found within the sanctuary:


Mammals:

  • Blackbuck
  • Chinkara
  • Wolf
  • Indian Fox
  • Spotted Deer
  • Sambar
  • Neelgai
  • Barking Deer
  • Wild Boar
  • Porcupine
  • Hyena
  • Jungle Cat


Birds:

  • Bay-backed Shrike
  • Peafowl
  • Gray Heron
  • Black Ibis
  • Brahmini Duck
  • Common Sandpiper
  • Blue Rock Pigeon
  • Indian Ring Dove
  • Alexandrine Parakeet
  • White breasted Kingfisher
  • Small Green Bee-eater
  • Indian Roller

Reptiles:

  • Snakes
  • Lizards




Karanja Sohol Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. Where is Karanja Sohol Wildlife Sanctuary?

A. The Karanja Sohol Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Karanja talukas of the Washim district in Maharashtra, India. 



Q. What is the Karanja National Park famous for?

A. The Karanja Sohol Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Washim district of Maharashtra, India, is known for its conservation efforts and its role in protecting the blackbuck population. The sanctuary was established in 2000 with the primary aim of preserving the blackbuck species, which is a type of antelope native to the Indian subcontinent. The sanctuary also contributes to the protection of various other wildlife species, supports biodiversity, and provides a safe habitat for flora and fauna.

Karanja Sohol Wildlife Sanctuary

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