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Saturday, August 26, 2023

Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary

Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the state of Karnataka, India. It was established to protect and conserve the diverse flora and fauna of the region, as well as to restore ecosystems that were previously degraded due to human activities.


The sanctuary is an important component of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, supporting a high density of elephant populations and contributing to biodiversity conservation efforts.


The sanctuary encompasses scrub forests, areas of cultivation near the reservoir, and adjacent degraded dry deciduous forests. The backwaters of the Nugu Dam are also part of the sanctuary.


Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, wild boars, jungle cats, barking deer, spotted deer, leopards, tigers, sloth bears, various bird species, reptiles such as crocodiles and snakes, and more.


The sanctuary's location, diverse habitats, and range of wildlife species make it an important site for both conservation efforts and research into India's natural biodiversity.


Table of Contents

  • Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary Location
  • Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary History
  • Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary Area
  • Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary River/Lake
  • Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
  • Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna
    • Mammals
    • Birds
    • Reptile
  • Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions


Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary Location

Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Heggadadevanakote Taluk of Mysore district in the state of Karnataka, India. It is located to the north of the well-known Bandipur National Park


The backwaters of Nugu dam forms the part of the Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary and lies on the western side of the sanctuary. On the south west side, the area touches Alaganchi State Forest which comes under Bandipur National Park.


The nearest major city to Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary is Mysore, which is around 60 kilometers away.


Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary is Kempegowda International Airport, located in Bangalore, Karnataka, India. It is approximately 210 kilometers away from the sanctuary.


Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary is Nanjangud Railway Station, situated in the town of Nanjangud, Karnataka, India. This railway station is about 30 kilometers away from the sanctuary.




Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary History

Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary has a history rooted in its conservation efforts and ecological significance. Here's a brief overview of its history:


Declaration and Establishment: Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary was officially declared a wildlife sanctuary on June 17, 1974. The sanctuary's declaration was aimed at protecting the diverse flora and fauna present in the region.


Ecological Importance: Situated to the north of the renowned Bandipur National Park, Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary shares similarities with Bandipur in terms of flora and fauna. The sanctuary's ecosystem includes scrub forests, cultivation areas, dry deciduous forests, and the backwaters of the Nugu Dam.


Contributions to Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve: In the year 2003-2004, the area of Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary was added to the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, further enhancing the conservation network and connectivity in the region.




Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary Area

Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 30.32 square kilometers. The sanctuary's landscape includes scrub forests, cultivation areas near the reservoir, and adjacent degraded dry deciduous forests. It is a relatively small but ecologically significant area that supports a diverse range of flora and fauna.




Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary River/Lake

The Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary includes the backwaters of the Nugu Dam, which can be considered a lake or reservoir. These backwaters likely serve as a water source for the sanctuary's flora and fauna. 


The backwaters of the Nugu Dam, being a part of the sanctuary, contribute to the sanctuary's ecological diversity and offer a crucial resource for the resident and migratory wildlife in the area.




Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

Forest type of the sanctuary include Southern Mixed Deciduous Forest and dry deciduous Scrub Forest. The important species found here are;


  • Anogeissus latifolia
  • Emblica officinalis
  • Chloroxylon swietenia
  • Terminalia paniculata
  • Mitragyna parviflora
  • Ficus benghalensis
  • Ficus mysorensis
  • Santalum album
  • Dendrocalamus strictus
  • Terminalia tomentosa
  • Acacia nilotica
  • Diospyos spp.
  • Gmelina arborea
  • Zizyphus spp.
  • Terminalia bellerica
  • Pterocarpus marsupium
  • Cassia fistula
  • Butea monosperma
  • Acacia sundra
  • Albizia amara
  • Albizia lebbeck


Note- The weeds Lantana and Eupatorium are spreading in the sanctuary.




Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

The Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna, contributing to its ecological richness. Here are some of the notable animal species found in the sanctuary:


Mammals:

  • Tiger
  • Leopard
  • Elephant
  • Wild Boar 
  • Jungle Cat
  • Small Indian Civet
  • Barking Deer
  • Spotted Deer
  • Black-naped Hare
  • Striped Hyena
  • Jackal
  • Sambar
  • Sloth Bear
  • Common Otter
  • Bonnet Macaque
  • Indian Porcupine
  • Pangolins
  • Common Mongoose
  • Wild Dog (Dhole)
  • Golden Jackal
  • Lion-Tailed Macaque
  • Common Langur
  • Gaur
  • Malabar Giant Squirrel


Birds:

  • Malabar Trogon
  • Great Hornbill
  • Malabar Whistling Thrush
  • Imperial Pigeon
  • Peafowl
  • Grey Jungle Fowl
  • Partridges
  • Owlets
  • Parakeets
  • Mynas
  • Black Drongo
  • Indian Ring Dove
  • Eagrets
  • Painted Stork
  • Brahminy Kite
  • Indian Lorikeet Koel
  • Grey-Headed Fishing Eagle
  • Bee-Eater


Reptiles:

  • Marsh Crocodile
  • Monitor Lizard
  • Cobra
  • Rat Snake
  • Indian Chameleon
  • Skinks
  • Geckos
  • Indian Pond Terrapin
  • Star Tortoise




Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. In which state Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary is situated?/Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary which district?

A. Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the state of Karnataka, India. It is located in the Mysore district, specifically in the Heggadadevanakote Taluk of Karnataka.



Q. What is Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?

A. Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its ecological significance and biodiversity. Here are some key aspects for which the sanctuary is famous:


(i) Biodiversity: The sanctuary is renowned for its diverse range of flora and fauna. It houses various species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and more, making it an important conservation area.


(ii) Elephant Population: Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary is known to support a significant population of elephants. The sanctuary's habitat provides a suitable environment for these majestic creatures.


(iii) Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve: The sanctuary is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, one of the largest conservation areas in India. Its inclusion highlights the sanctuary's contribution to regional biodiversity and conservation efforts.


(iv) Unique Habitats: The sanctuary features scrub forests, dry deciduous forests, and the backwaters of the Nugu Dam. These diverse habitats offer shelter and resources for a variety of wildlife species.


(v) Proximity to Bandipur National Park: Being situated north of the Bandipur National Park, the sanctuary forms part of a larger conservation landscape, contributing to the overall connectivity of habitats in the region.

Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary

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