Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
The Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located around Lonar Lake in the state of Maharashtra, India. The Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary was established to protect the unique ecosystem around Lonar Lake. Efforts are made to safeguard the flora, fauna, and overall natural environment of the area.
The sanctuary is home to a variety of plant and animal species, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and researchers. The surrounding forests, wetlands, and the lake itself support a range of flora and fauna, contributing to the area's ecological significance.
The sanctuary attracts visitors interested in experiencing the beauty of nature and exploring the history of the region. Eco-tourism activities like bird watching, nature walks, and exploring archaeological sites are popular.
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Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary Location
The Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated around Lonar Lake in the Buldhana district of Maharashtra, India. Lonar Lake itself was formed by a meteorite impact around 50,000 years ago.
Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to the Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary is Aurangabad Airport (Chikkalthana Airport), located in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. The airport is approximately 140 kilometers away from the sanctuary.
Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to the Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary is Jalna Railway Station, situated in Jalna, Maharashtra. The distance between Jalna Railway Station and the sanctuary is approximately 110 kilometers.
Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary History
The Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary, situated around Lonar Lake in Maharashtra, India, has a history that's closely intertwined with the geological formation of the lake itself. Here's a brief overview of the history of Lonar Lake and its surrounding sanctuary:
Formation of Lonar Lake: Lonar Lake was formed around 50,000 years ago as a result of a meteorite impact. The impact created a crater that eventually filled with water, forming the unique saline and alkaline lake that we see today. This geological event is responsible for the distinct features of the area.
Ecological Evolution: Over time, the surroundings of Lonar Lake developed into an ecosystem rich in biodiversity. The lake and its surrounding forests provided habitats for various plant and animal species, contributing to the development of an ecological balance.
Establishment: The significance of Lonar Lake and its surrounding ecosystem didn't go unnoticed. In 2000, the Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary was officially notified, covering an area of 1.17 square kilometers. This declaration aimed to protect and preserve the diverse flora and fauna in the region.
Ramsar Site Designation: In 2020, Lonar Lake was designated as a Ramsar site. The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty aimed at conserving and promoting the sustainable use of wetlands around the world. This recognition highlights the global importance of Lonar Lake's wetland ecosystem.
Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary Area
The Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 1.17 square kilometers. This sanctuary is situated around the fascinating Lonar Lake in the Buldhana district of Maharashtra, India.
The unique ecological features of the lake and its surrounding region have led to the establishment and preservation of this sanctuary, providing a haven for diverse plant and animal species within its modest expanse.
Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary Lake
The Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary is centered around Lonar Lake, which is the most prominent geographical feature in the area. Lonar Lake is a unique and historic water body located in the Buldhana district of Maharashtra, India. It was formed around 50,000 years ago by a meteor impact, which created a crater that eventually filled with water. Here are some key details about Lonar Lake:
Formation: Lonar Lake was created by a meteorite impact, making it one of the few known hyper-velocity impact craters on basaltic rock anywhere on Earth.
Size: The diameter of Lonar Lake is approximately 1.83 kilometers (1.14 miles).
Characteristics: The lake is unique due to its saline and alkaline nature. It supports diverse microorganisms and is surrounded by distinct vegetation.
Ecological Significance: The lake and its surroundings are home to various plant and animal species, attracting researchers, nature enthusiasts, and tourists.
Conservation: The Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary was established to protect the diverse ecosystems around the lake, including its flora and fauna.
Ramsar Site: In 2020, Lonar Lake was designated as a Ramsar site, recognizing its international importance as a wetland habitat.
Lonar Lake and its surrounding area have geological, ecological, and historical significance, making it a unique destination for those interested in natural wonders and biodiversity.
Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
The Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary boasts a diverse array of flora that contributes to the rich ecosystem around Lonar Lake. The sanctuary's plant life is adapted to the unique environmental conditions of the region, including the alkaline and saline nature of the lake.
While specific species can vary, here are some examples of the types of flora that might be found in the Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary:
(1) Dry Deciduous Forest Species:
The forest around Lonar Lake falls under the category of Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest. Common species in this type of ecosystem include
- Khair
- Hivar
- Sisoo
- Ber
- Karwand
- Alysicarpus bupleurifolius
- Cyathocline purpurea
- Eriocauion Diane
- Merremia Emarginata
- Cucumis Mel
- Cyperus kyllingia
- Striga densiflora
- Mareilea minuta
(2) Aquatic Plants:
Given the presence of the lake, you can find various aquatic plants such as water lilies, lotus, and submerged vegetation that thrive in the lake's alkaline waters.
Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
The Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna, making it a significant habitat for various animal species. The sanctuary's ecosystem encompasses a variety of animals adapted to the unique conditions around Lonar Lake.
Here are examples of the types of fauna that can be found in the Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Striped Hyaena
- Sloth Bear
- Bluebull
- Wolf
- Spotted Deer
- Barking Deer
Birds:
- Orange-headed Ground Thrush
- Indian Pitta
- Crested Tree Swift
- Stone Curlew
- Spotted Dove
- Crested Honey Buzzard
- Paradise Flycatcher
- Bronze-winged Jacana
- Lesser Golden-backed Woodpecker
- Black-naped Blue Flycatcher
- Indian Peafowl
Reptiles:
- Indian Python
- Indian Monitor
- Indian Cobra
- Russell’s Viper
Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. What is Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary in Maharashtra?
A. The Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area situated around Lonar Lake in the Buldhana district of Maharashtra, India. The sanctuary encompasses the region surrounding the historic Lonar Lake, which was formed by a meteorite impact around 50,000 years ago. This impact created a crater that eventually filled with water, resulting in the unique saline and alkaline lake that exists today.
The Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary was officially established to conserve and protect the diverse flora and fauna that inhabit the ecosystem around the lake. The sanctuary serves as a haven for various plant species, mammals, birds, reptiles, and other forms of life that have adapted to the distinct environmental conditions in the area.
Q. What is Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. The Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for several distinctive features and attributes:
(i) Lonar Lake and Crater: The sanctuary is centered around Lonar Lake, a historic water body that was created by a meteorite impact around 50,000 years ago. The impact formed a crater that eventually filled with water, resulting in the unique and beautiful lake that exists today. The lake and its surrounding crater are rare geological features and attract scientists, researchers, and nature enthusiasts interested in understanding its origins and implications.
(ii) Biodiversity: The Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The surrounding forests and wetland areas host various plant species, mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. This diversity of life adds to the ecological significance of the sanctuary and makes it an important area for conservation and research.
(iii) Ramsar Site: Lonar Lake, within the sanctuary, has been designated as a Ramsar site, which is an international recognition of its significance as a wetland of global importance. This designation highlights its ecological value and underscores its role in preserving biodiversity and supporting various species of flora and fauna.
(iv) Eco-Tourism and Nature Exploration: The sanctuary attracts nature enthusiasts, eco-tourists, and travelers interested in exploring and appreciating the natural beauty of the area. The unique geological history, diverse wildlife, and the opportunity to observe migratory and resident birds make it an appealing destination for those seeking an authentic natural experience.
(v) Conservation Efforts: The establishment of the Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary reflects the commitment to preserving the ecosystem around Lonar Lake. The sanctuary serves as a protected area where efforts are made to maintain the delicate balance between human activity and the preservation of the natural environment.
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