Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary

Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area situated in Jharkhand, India. It is characterized by a diverse landscape comprising rugged flat-topped hills called "pat" and undulating plateaus, with three major rivers - Sankh, South Koel, and North Karo - along with their tributaries, draining the area.

The sanctuary's varied habitats include Dry Deciduous Forests, Moist and Dry Peninsular Sal Forests, and Northern Dry Mixed Deciduous Forests. Notable wildlife species include Asian elephants, leopards, sloth bears, langurs, and various bird and reptile species.

Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary plays a crucial role in conserving biodiversity, maintaining ecological balance, and providing essential habitats for wildlife. With its unique topography and diverse ecosystems, the sanctuary remains an important conservation site in the Chota Nagpur Plateau region, contributing to the preservation of India's rich natural heritage.

Table of Contents Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary Location Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary History Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary Area Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary Hills Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary River Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary Flora Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna Mammals Birds Reptile Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary Location

Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary is located near Palkot in the Gumla and Simdega districts of Jharkhand, India. It is situated in the south-western portion of the Chota Nagpur Plateau.

The sanctuary is about 25 kilometers from Gumla and approximately 92 kilometers southeast of Ranchi, the capital city of Jharkhand.

Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi is the nearest major airport to Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary. It is located approximately 92 kilometers (about 57 miles) from the sanctuary.

Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary is Gumla Railway Station, which is located approximately 25 kilometers (about 15.5 miles) from the sanctuary.

Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary History

Here is a general overview of how wildlife sanctuaries like Palkot are typically established and the significance of their history:

Establishment: Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary was established in the year 1990. Wildlife sanctuaries are designated protected areas established by governments or conservation authorities to conserve and protect the natural habitats and the wildlife residing within them. These areas are crucial for preserving biodiversity, providing a safe haven for various plant and animal species, including endangered and threatened ones. 

Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary Area

Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 760 square kilometers. Out of this total area, about 182.83 square kilometers are designated as forest area. The sanctuary is spread over the Gumla and Simdega districts of Jharkhand, India.

The sanctuary's vast expanse encompasses a diverse range of habitats, including rugged flat-topped hills called "pat" and undulating plateaus. This varied topography, along with the presence of major rivers and their tributaries, contributes to the sanctuary's ecological significance and supports a wide array of wildlife and plant species.

With its substantial area and diverse ecosystems, Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary plays a crucial role in preserving biodiversity, providing a sanctuary for numerous wildlife species, and maintaining the ecological balance in the region.

Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary Hills

Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in a region characterized by a mix of flat-topped hills known as "pat" and undulating plateaus. These hills and plateaus contribute to the sanctuary's diverse topography and provide various habitats for wildlife and plant species. The hilly area has large deposits of Bauxite.

The "pat" hills are a distinctive feature of the Chota Nagpur Plateau, where the sanctuary is located. These hills have flat, table-like tops and steep sides, resulting in a rugged and unique landscape. The "pat" hills often support different types of vegetation compared to the surrounding areas, creating microhabitats that harbor a variety of flora and fauna.

In addition to the "pat" hills, the sanctuary also includes undulating plateaus. These plateaus have a gently rolling or wavy appearance, with gradual changes in elevation. The plateaus are characterized by a mix of grasslands, shrubs, and scattered trees, providing additional habitats for wildlife.

The combination of "pat" hills and undulating plateaus within Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary contributes to the ecological diversity of the region, attracting various wildlife species and supporting a wide range of flora. The rugged hills and plateaus also add to the scenic beauty of the sanctuary, making it an attractive destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife researchers.

Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary River

Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary is drained by three major rivers along with their numerous tributaries. These rivers play a significant role in shaping the sanctuary's landscape and supporting its diverse ecosystem.

(1) Sankh River:

The Sankh River is one of the major rivers that flow through Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary. It is a lifeline for the region, providing water to the flora and fauna within the sanctuary. The river's course and water availability influence the distribution and abundance of wildlife and plant species in the area.

(2) South Koel River:

The South Koel River is another important river that flows through the sanctuary. It is a tributary of the Koel River and is known for its scenic beauty and ecological significance. The river's presence contributes to the biodiversity and habitat diversity within the sanctuary.

(3) North Karo River:

The North Karo River is the third significant river that drains the Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary. Like the other rivers in the region, it provides water and sustenance to the flora and fauna in and around the sanctuary.

These rivers, along with their tributaries, create a network of water sources that are vital for the survival and thriving of wildlife within Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary. The availability of water throughout the sanctuary supports a variety of habitats, ranging from riverine forests to grasslands, and contributes to the sanctuary's status as a refuge for diverse plant and animal species. 

Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora, with approximately 700 species of plants recorded within its boundaries. The sanctuary's varied habitats, which include dry deciduous forests and different types of sal forests, support the growth and survival of various plant species. 

Here are some of the notable flora found in Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary:

(1) Northern Indian Moist Deciduous Forest:

Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary contains areas of Northern Indian Moist Deciduous Forest, which are characterized by a combination of deciduous tree species. Trees such as Sal (Shorea robusta), Mahua (Madhuca longifolia), and Semal (Bombax ceiba) found in this type of forest. These forests thrive in regions with a relatively higher amount of rainfall and contribute to the sanctuary's ecological diversity.

(2) Moist and Dry Peninsular Sal Forest:

The sanctuary is also home to Moist and Dry Peninsular Sal Forest, dominated by the Sal tree (Shorea robusta). These forests occur in the peninsular regions of India and found in Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary. The Sal forests may vary in density based on the level of moisture available in different parts of the sanctuary.

(3) Northern Dry Mixed Deciduous Forest:

Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary also hosts Northern Dry Mixed Deciduous Forests, which are characterized by a mix of deciduous tree species adapted to drier conditions. Trees like Tendu, Palash, and Bamboo are common in these forests. These forests are well-adapted to lower rainfall and play an important role in supporting the biodiversity of the sanctuary.

Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna, including numerous mammals, birds, reptiles, and other wildlife species. The sanctuary's varied habitats, which include dry deciduous forests, sal forests, and mixed deciduous forests, provide a suitable environment for a wide array of animals. 

Here are some of the notable fauna found in Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary:

Mammals:

• Asian Elephant
• Leopard
• Sloth Bear
• Jackal
• Langur
• Indian Hare
• Porcupine
• Mouse Deer
• Sambar Deer
• Wild Boar
• Indian Giant Squirrel
• Indian Flying Fox
• Jungle Cat
• Indian Pangolin
• Indian Muntjac
• Indian Wolf
• Rhesus Macaque

Birds:

• Indian Peafowl
• Indian Grey Hornbill
• Greater Racket-tailed Drongo
• Red Junglefowl
• Indian Roller
• Crested Serpent Eagle
• Common Kingfisher
• Indian Pitta
• Indian Robin
• Indian Paradise Flycatcher

Reptiles:

• Indian Rock Python
• Indian Cobra 
• Indian Rat Snake
• Indian Chameleon 

Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. Where is Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary located?

A. Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary is located near Palkot in the Gumla and Simdega districts of Jharkhand, India. It is situated in the south-western portion of the Chota Nagpur Plateau.