Pant Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
Pant Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Bihar, India. It was established in 1978. Spanning over 35.84 square kilometers, the sanctuary is nestled within the Rajgir Hills of the South Gangetic Plain.
It is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna, including species like wild boar, nilgai, chital, red junglefowl, Indian python, and more. The sanctuary's forests play a crucial role in intercepting rainfall, recharging groundwater, and protecting water bodies from erosion.
Although not widely recognized on a national or international level, Pant Wildlife Sanctuary remains a significant ecological asset, attracting local nature enthusiasts and serving as a conservation area for the region's rich biodiversity.
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Pant Wildlife Sanctuary Location
Pant Wildlife Sanctuary is located near Rajgir in the Nalanda district of Bihar, India. It lies within the Rajgir Hills, which are located in the South Gangetic Plain.
Pant Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport in Patna, Bihar, India. The airport is approximately 105 kilometers (65 miles) away from Rajgir, where Pant Wildlife Sanctuary is located.
Pant Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
Rajgir Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Pant Wildlife Sanctuary. It is situated within Rajgir town itself, making it a convenient option for travelers who prefer to travel by train.
Pant Wildlife Sanctuary History
Pant Wildlife Sanctuary was notified and established in 1978. It was officially declared as a wildlife sanctuary in that specific year, signifying its recognition and legal protection by the authorities. Since then, the sanctuary has been managed and conserved to preserve its diverse flora and fauna and to maintain its ecological balance.
Pant Wildlife Sanctuary Area
Pant Wildlife Sanctuary spans over an area of approximately 35.84 square kilometers or 3584 hectares. This area covers the remnant patch of forests nestled in the Rajgir Hills within the South Gangetic Plain, located near Rajgir in the Nalanda district of Bihar, India.
The sanctuary's substantial area provides a habitat for various species of flora and fauna, making it an important natural asset for conservation efforts and wildlife protection in the region.
Pant Wildlife Sanctuary Hills
Pant Wildlife Sanctuary is nestled within the picturesque Rajgir Hills in the Nalanda district of Bihar, India. The sanctuary is surrounded by the natural beauty of these hills, which adds to its charm and ecological significance.
The Rajgir Hills are known for their scenic landscapes, and they contribute to the unique ecosystem found within the sanctuary. The presence of hills in the sanctuary area likely creates diverse habitats, which support a variety of plant and animal species.
Pant Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
Being situated in the Rajgir Hills within the South Gangetic Plain, Pant Wildlife Sanctuary is likely to have a diverse range of flora due to the variations in altitude and habitats. Some common types of flora that may be found in this sanctuary include:
(1) Mixed Deciduous Forests:
These forests typically consist of a mix of broadleaf trees that shed their leaves during the dry season. Species such as Sal (Shorea robusta), teak (Tectona grandis), neem (Azadirachta indica), semal (Bombax ceiba), and Indian rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia) might be present.
(2) Grasslands:
In open areas and meadows, various grass species may dominate the landscape, providing essential grazing areas for wildlife.
(3) Bamboo Groves:
Certain regions within the sanctuary may have bamboo stands, which serve as a crucial habitat for many species of animals, including birds and small mammals.
Pant Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Pant Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
Pant Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of fauna, including a range of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and butterflies. Here is a general overview of the types of fauna commonly found in Pant Wildlife Sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Wild Boar
- Nilgai
- Chital
- Indian Crested Porcupine
- Indian Hare
- Northern Plains Gray Langur
- Rhesus Macaque
- Golden Jackal
Birds:
- Red Junglefowl
- Raptors
- Waterbirds
- Songbirds.
Reptiles:
- Indian Python
- Lizards
Pant Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. What is the Pant Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. Pant Wildlife Sanctuary is not widely recognized as a famous or well-known wildlife sanctuary compared to some other prominent wildlife reserves and national parks in India. However, it holds significant ecological importance and serves as a valuable natural asset for the region.
The sanctuary is famous for the following reasons:
(i) Biodiversity: Pant Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including various species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and butterflies. The presence of unique and endangered species, such as the Indian Python, adds to its conservation value.
(ii) Scenic Beauty: Situated in the Rajgir Hills, the sanctuary offers a picturesque landscape with lush forests and hilly terrain, making it an attractive destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.
(iii) Ecological Importance: The sanctuary's forests intercept rainfall, help recharge the groundwater aquifer, and protect rivers and streams against siltation and soil erosion. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the region.
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