Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary is a significant conservation area located in the state of Jharkhand, India. The sanctuary is situated in the Chhotanagpur plateau region.
Established in 1978, the sanctuary holds a rich historical background. Formerly under the control of local landlords, the government assumed authority in 1924. In 1953, it became a private protected forest before being declared a wildlife sanctuary to safeguard its abundant flora and fauna.
Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for its varied flora, including the dominant sal trees, mahua, bamboo, and neem, supporting a diverse ecosystem. It is home to a plethora of remarkable mammals such as tigers, bison, elephants, leopards, and spotted deer, along with numerous bird species, including peafowls, hornbills, and vultures. Various reptiles, including snakes and monitor lizards, also thrive within the sanctuary's boundaries.
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Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary Location
Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Lawalong CD block in the Chatra subdivision of the Chatra district in the state of Jharkhand, India. It is situated to the southwest of Hazaribagh in the Chhotanagpur plateau area.
The sanctuary is surrounded by the Amanat River in the south, the Chako River in the west, and the Lilajan River in the northeast.
Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary is Ranchi Airport, which is located about 145 kilometers away. Ranchi Airport (Birsa Munda Airport) is the main airport serving the capital city of Jharkhand, Ranchi, and it is well-connected with various domestic destinations.
Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary is Tori Railway Station, situated at a distance of about 66 kilometers. Tori is located on the Daltonganj-Ranchi-Muri-Jamshedpur-Gomoh railway line and serves as the closest railhead to Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary. From Tori Railway Station, you can access the sanctuary by road through various transport options.
Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary History
Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary has an interesting history that dates back to the early 20th century. Here is a summary of its historical background:
Prior Ownership: In earlier times, Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary was under the control of the Raja of Ramgarh and other local landlords in the area. The sanctuary's forests were owned by the Tikait of Kunda Estate, who organized hunting ("shikar") expeditions, attracting hunters from different parts of the country.
Government Control: The government took charge of the sanctuary's forests in 1924. Initially, in 1947, it was designated as a private protected forest, and the ownership vested with the Government of Bihar in 1953.
Ban on Hunting: The presence of abundant wildlife in the region attracted large-scale hunting, but this changed with the enactment of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. The act brought about a complete ban on hunting and helped protect the rich biodiversity of the area.
Establishment of Wildlife Sanctuary: Owing to the high density of wildlife in the region, Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary was formally notified as a protected area on August 7, 1978. The sanctuary was established to conserve the diverse flora and fauna found in the Chhotanagpur plateau area.
Rights and Privileges: The sanctuary area includes 64 villages, and the people residing in these villages have certain rights and privileges within the sanctuary, such as grazing cattle and collecting firewood.
Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary Area
Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 211 square kilometers (80 square miles). The sanctuary's terrain is undulating and dissected by rivers and streams, making it a suitable habitat for a diverse range of wildlife. The sanctuary's significant size and varied landscape contribute to its importance as a conservation area in the Chhotanagpur plateau region.
Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary River
Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary is surrounded by several rivers, which add to the diverse ecosystem of the sanctuary. The main rivers that border the sanctuary are:
(1) Amanat River:
The Amanat River flows to the south of Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary.
(2) Chako River:
The Chako River flows to the west of the sanctuary.
(3) Lilajan River:
The Lilajan River runs to the northeast of the sanctuary.
These rivers contribute to the undulating and dissected terrain of the sanctuary, creating various habitats for wildlife and supporting the diverse flora and fauna found in the region. The presence of these rivers provides a vital water source for the wildlife and enhances the overall biodiversity of Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary.
Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary is characterized by the Northern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests, which are typical of the Chhotanagpur plateau region. The sanctuary's flora consists of a diverse range of plant species adapted to the dry and deciduous climate.
Some of the common flora found in Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary include:
Sal (Shorea robusta): Sal trees are one of the dominant tree species in the sanctuary. These large deciduous trees are prized for their valuable timber and play a crucial role in providing habitat and food for various wildlife.
Mahua (Madhuca longifolia): Mahua is a significant tree species found in the sanctuary, known for its edible flowers and seeds. It is an essential source of food for many animals, including birds and mammals.
Bamboo: Different species of bamboo can be found in the sanctuary. Bamboo is an important plant for various wildlife, including elephants, which use it as a food source.
Terminalia species: Several species of Terminalia trees, such as Terminalia arjuna and Terminalia chebula, are found in the sanctuary. These trees provide food and shelter for animals and birds.
Neem (Azadirachta indica): Neem trees are common in the sanctuary and are known for their medicinal properties.
Other tree species: Apart from the mentioned species, Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary is home to various other tree species like Indian rosewood (Dalbergia sissoo), palas (Butea monosperma), amla (Phyllanthus emblica), tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon), and more.
Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna, including several mammal, bird, and reptile species. The sanctuary's varied habitat, which includes forests, rivers, and undulating terrain, supports a rich biodiversity.
Some of the notable fauna found in Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary includes:
Mammals:
- Tiger
- Indian Bison (Gaur)
- Elephant
- Leopard
- Spotted Deer (Chital)
- Wild Boar
- Sambar Deer
- Sloth Bear
- Hyena
- Dhole (Indian Wild Dog)
- Rhesus Macaque
- Common Langur
- Jungle Cat
- Common Mongoose
- Barking Deer
- Indian Pangolin
- Indian Hare
Birds:
- Peafowl (Indian Peafowl)
- Partridges
- Quails
- Hornbills
- Vultures
- Serpent Eagles
- Paradise Flycatchers
- Kingfishers
- Bee Eaters
- Swifts
- Babblers
- Black Drongos
- Woodpeckers
- Lapwings
- Pond Herons
- Egrets
Reptiles:
- Indian Python
- King Cobra
- Russell's Viper
- Indian Monitor Lizard
- Indian Skink
- Indian Chameleon
Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. Where is Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary located?
A. Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Lawalong CD block in the Chatra subdivision of the Chatra district in the state of Jharkhand, India. It is situated to the southwest of Hazaribagh in the Chhotanagpur plateau area. The sanctuary is surrounded by the Amanat River in the south, the Chako River in the west, and the Lilajan River in the northeast.
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