Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Maharashtra, India. It is one of the wildlife sanctuaries in the region, known for its diverse flora and fauna. The sanctuary encompasses the Narnala Fort and covers an area of around 12.35 square kilometers.
The sanctuary is situated on the Satpura mountain range and offers a habitat for a variety of wildlife species, including leopard, sambar deer, barking deer, chital, wild boar, and various species of birds. The region's terrain is characterized by hills, dense forests, and water bodies, contributing to its biodiversity.
Visitors to the Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary can explore its natural beauty, engage in bird watching, and experience the serenity of the surrounding landscape.
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Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary Location
Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Akola district of the state of Maharashtra, India. It is situated within the Satpura mountain range and encompasses the Narnala Fort.
Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary is Aurangabad airport. It is around 190 km from Narnala.
Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary is the Akola (70 km).
Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary History
Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the region of the historic Narnala Fort in the Amravati district of Maharashtra, India. The sanctuary, like the fort, has a rich history that dates back to ancient times.
Here's a brief overview of the historical significance of the Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary:
Ancient and Medieval Periods: Narnala Fort, located within the sanctuary, has a history dating back to ancient times. It was originally known as "Shahnur Fort" and was under the control of various dynasties, including the Mauryas, Satavahanas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, and Yadavas. The fort's strategic location on the Satpura mountain range made it a significant stronghold in the region.
Medieval Kingdoms: The fort gained prominence during the medieval period when it was under the control of various powerful dynasties, including the Bahmani Sultanate and later the Mughal Empire. It played a role in the regional politics and defense during these times.
Maratha Rule: The fort came under the control of the Maratha Empire in the 18th century. It was one of the important forts of the Marathas and played a role in their military campaigns and administration.
British Era: The Narnala Fort was captured by the British East India Company in the 19th century after the fall of the Maratha Empire. It was used as a strategic military outpost during the British colonial period.
Wildlife Sanctuary: In 1997, tarea around Narnala Fort was eventually declared a wildlife sanctuary to protect its natural biodiversity. The sanctuary is home to a variety of flora and fauna, and it was established to conserve the region's unique ecosystem.
Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary Area
Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 12.35 square kilometers (around 4.76 square miles). It encompasses the Narnala Fort and is situated in the Satpura mountain range.
Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary Hills
The Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Satpura mountain range in the Amravati district of Maharashtra, India. The sanctuary's terrain is characterized by hills, dense forests, and natural water bodies. The surrounding hills and topography contribute to the diverse ecosystem of the sanctuary, providing habitats for various wildlife species and contributing to its natural beauty.
Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
The Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse flora, which includes a variety of plant species that thrive in the Satpura mountain range's ecosystem.
Here are some examples of flora that you can find in the Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary:
Lagerstroemia parviflora: Also known as the Crepe Myrtle, this is a flowering tree with attractive clusters of pink or white flowers. It's often cultivated for its ornamental value.
Lannea coromandelica: Commonly known as "Wodier Tree" or "Anjan Tree," this species is found in tropical and subtropical regions. It has uses in traditional medicine and its timber is utilized as well.
Emblica officinalis: Known as "Indian Gooseberry" or "Amla," this plant is highly valued for its medicinal and nutritional properties. Its fruit is rich in vitamin C and is used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
Terminalia tomentosa: Also called "Indian Blackberry" or "Saj," this tree is part of the Terminalia genus. It is valued for its timber and various medicinal uses.
Anogeissus latifolia: Commonly known as "Axlewood" or "Dindiga Tree," this species is used for its timber and is also valued for its medicinal properties.
Pterocarpus marsupium: Referred to as "Indian Kino Tree" or "Bijasal," this tree's gum resin is used in traditional medicine. It's also valued for its durable timber.
Butea monosperma: Known as the "Flame of the Forest" or "Palash," this tree is recognizable by its brilliant orange-red flowers. It's culturally significant and has various uses.
Diospyros melanoxylon: Commonly called "Indian Ebony" or "Tendu," this tree produces durable timber and is also used for various purposes including in traditional medicine.
Bombax ceiba: Known as the "Red Silk Cotton Tree," this species has large, showy red flowers and produces cotton-like fibers. It's also used for its timber.
Cassia fistula: Referred to as the "Golden Shower Tree," this species is known for its pendulous clusters of yellow flowers. It's an ornamental tree with various medicinal uses.
Adina cordifolia: Also called "Haldu" or "Indian Walnut," this tree's timber is used for construction and furniture-making. It's found in various forest types.
Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
The Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna that thrives in the varied ecosystems of the Satpura mountain range. Here are some of the animal species that you can find within the sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Tiger
- Leopard
- Sloth Bear
- Dhole
- Jackal
- Sambar
- Gaur
- Barking Deer
- Bluebull
- Spotted Deer
- Chausingha
- Ratel
- Flying Squirrel
- Wild Boar
- Rhesus Macaque
- Porcupine
- Pangolin
- Mouse Deer
- Otter
- Black-naped Hare
Birds:
- Forest Owlet
- Green Avadavat
Reptiles:
- Python
Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. What is Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary in Maharashtra, India, is famous for several reasons:
(i) Rich Biodiversity: The sanctuary is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna. It's home to a variety of animal species, including leopards, sambar deer, barking deer, and numerous bird species, making it an attractive destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
(ii) Narnala Fort: The sanctuary is located around the historic Narnala Fort, which has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The fort and its architectural features are of historical and cultural significance, drawing history buffs and tourists interested in exploring its past.
(iii) Scenic Beauty: The sanctuary's hilly terrain and natural landscapes, including the Satpura mountain range, provide scenic beauty and opportunities for trekking and hiking.
(iv) Nature Conservation: Narnala Wildlife Sanctuary plays a crucial role in the conservation of regional biodiversity. It serves as a protected area to safeguard the local flora and fauna, contributing to the preservation of the ecosystem.
(v) Cultural Significance: The sanctuary's location near the historic trade routes and its association with different dynasties and empires make it culturally significant for those interested in the history of the region.
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