Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the state of Maharashtra, India. The sanctuary is known for its diverse flora and fauna. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1986.
The sanctuary is home to a variety of plant species, including several rare and endemic ones. The vegetation ranges from moist deciduous forests to semi-evergreen and evergreen forests.
Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary is rich in wildlife diversity. It provides habitat for numerous animal species, including mammals, reptiles, birds, and insects. The sanctuary is a paradise for bird watchers. It's home to various species of birds, both resident and migratory.
Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary offers opportunities for trekking and nature walks. There are 4 major nature trails (approx 12km each) in the sanctuary, passing through various habitats, providing an opportunity to experience the wild life.
The sanctuary plays a crucial role in conserving the biodiversity of the Western Ghats region. It helps protect the habitat of various plant and animal species, some of which might be endangered or threatened.
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Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary Location
Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Murud and Roha talukas of Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. It is located between the sea and the Western Ghats.
The sanctuary is approximately 140 kilometers (87 miles) from Mumbai and around 180 kilometers (112 miles) from Pune, making it accessible from both major cities.
Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai. It's the main international airport serving Mumbai and is approximately 140 kilometers (87 miles) away from the sanctuary.
Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary is Roha Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities and towns in Maharashtra. Roha Railway Station is located at a distance of about 28 kilometers (17 miles) from the sanctuary.
Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary History
Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary has a history that dates back to its establishment as a protected area. Here's a brief overview of its history:
Private Hunting Reserve: Before independence, this sanctuary served as the private hunting game reserve of the Siddhi Nawab of Janjira State in Murud-Janjira. The area was designated for hunting and recreational activities by the ruling elite.
Deemed Reserved Forest: The entire area underwent a significant change when it was notified as a deemed reserved forest under Section 4 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927. This legal recognition marked an early step towards the area's conservation and management.
Declaration as a Wildlife Sanctuary: In 1986, the Maharashtra State Government officially declared the area as Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary. This declaration aimed to provide legal protection to the diverse flora and fauna found within the sanctuary's boundaries. The sanctuary was established to conserve the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats and promote ecological balance.
Eco-Sensitive Zone Declaration: To further protect the sanctuary's ecological integrity, an eco-sensitive zone around Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary was designated. This step aimed to safeguard the surrounding environment from potential disturbances. On May 17, 2017, the Government issued a final notification declaring the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) with an area of 10.96 square kilometers. This ESZ encompassed parts of Murud taluka and Roha taluka, encompassing about 43 villages.
Management Plan Approval: To ensure effective management and conservation, a comprehensive management plan for Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary was formulated. This plan was approved by the Government of India on December 21, 2017. The plan outlined strategies for the years 2016–17 to 2025-26, demonstrating the commitment to responsible stewardship and protection of the sanctuary's biodiversity and resources.
Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary Area
Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 69 square kilometers. This area includes a diverse range of habitats, such as moist deciduous forests, semi-evergreen forests, and evergreen forests, which contribute to the sanctuary's rich biodiversity.
The sanctuary's size allows for the conservation of various plant and animal species that call the Western Ghats region their home.
Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for its diverse flora, which is a key component of its rich biodiversity. The sanctuary's location in the Western Ghats, coupled with varying elevations and microclimates, contributes to the presence of different types of vegetation.
Here are some notable aspects of the flora in Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary:
(1) Vegetation Types:
The sanctuary features various types of vegetation, including:
(i) Moist Deciduous Forests: These forests shed their leaves during the dry season. Trees like teak, ain, and hirda are common in this type of forest.
(ii) Semi-Evergreen Forests: These forests retain a significant portion of their leaves throughout the year. They are characterized by a mix of both deciduous and evergreen species.
(iii) Evergreen Forests: These forests maintain their leaves throughout the year, providing a continuous green canopy. They are typically found in areas with higher rainfall.
(2) Dominant Tree Species:
Several tree species are prominent within the sanctuary, including:
- Teak (Tectona grandis)
- Ain (Terminalia elliptica)
- Hirda (Terminalia chebula)
(3) Other Flora:
Apart from the dominant tree species, Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of plant life, including:
- Bamboo
- Mango
- Jamun
Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for which animal?
Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and more. The sanctuary's location within the Western Ghats provides a variety of habitats that support a rich and varied wildlife population.
Here are some of the notable fauna species you might find in Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Leopard
- Striped Hyaena
- Indian Giant Squirrel
- Muntjac
- Sambar Deer
- Mouse Deer
Birds:
Which bird is found in Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary?
- White-Rumped Vulture
- Sri Lankan Frogmouth
- Crested Serpent Eagle
Reptiles:
- Bombay Earth Snake
- Ceylon Cat Snake
- Python
Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. Where is Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary?
A. Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. It is situated in the Western Ghats, a mountain range along the western coast of India known for its rich biodiversity.
Q. What trees are in the Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary?
A. Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse flora, which includes a variety of tree species. Here are a few tree species that can be present in Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary:
- Memecylon umbellatum
- Garcinia talbootii
- Ain
- Kinjal
- Teak
- Hirda
- Jamba
- Mango
- Various Ficus
Q. Which railway station is near to Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary?
A. The nearest railway station to Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary is Roha Railway Station. Roha Railway Station is located in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. It serves as a gateway for travelers visiting the sanctuary. From Roha Railway Station, you can make further transportation arrangements to reach Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary.
Q. What is Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its rich biodiversity and diverse ecosystems. Here are some of the notable aspects for which the sanctuary is known:
(i) Diverse Flora and Fauna: The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and more. Its location in the Western Ghats contributes to its high biodiversity and the presence of endemic species.
(ii) Scenic Beauty: The sanctuary is located in the picturesque Western Ghats, offering stunning landscapes, lush forests, and diverse habitats. It's a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and those seeking to connect with nature.
(iii) Bird Watching: Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for birdwatchers. It boasts a diverse bird population, including both resident and migratory species. Birdwatching enthusiasts can spot a variety of colorful and unique birds in their natural habitat.
(iv) Eco-Tourism: The sanctuary has gained popularity as an eco-tourism destination. Visitors can engage in activities such as trekking, nature walks, and wildlife observation while learning about the region's natural history and conservation efforts.
(v) Plant Diversity: The sanctuary is known for its diverse plant species, including various types of forests like moist deciduous, semi-evergreen, and evergreen. It's a valuable site for botanists and researchers interested in studying plant ecology.
(vi) Proximity to Urban Centers: Its relative proximity to major cities like Mumbai and Pune makes it an accessible option for city dwellers looking for a nature retreat.
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