Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary (Maharashtra)

Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary (Maharashtra)  UPSC

The Pranhita Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Maharashtra, India. The sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Pranhita River.

The sanctuary is known for its diverse ecosystem, which includes a variety of plant and animal species. The riparian ecosystem along the riverbanks contributes to the sanctuary's rich biodiversity, supporting both aquatic life and terrestrial species. 

The sanctuary's natural beauty and tranquility also make it a potential site for ecotourism and wildlife observation.

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

Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary Location

The Pranhita Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Gadchiroli district of the state of Maharashtra, India. It is situated on the banks of the Pranhita River. The sanctuary is easily accessible from Jimalgatta, a location within its vicinity.

Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Pranhita Wildlife Sanctuary is Nagpur Airport, located approximately 230 kilometers away.

Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Pranhita Wildlife Sanctuary is Ballarpur Railway Station, which is located in the Chandrapur District of Maharashtra.

Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary History

Establishment: The Pranhita Wildlife Sanctuary was established on August 27, 2014. 

Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The Pranhita Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 420.06 square kilometers (km²). This significant expanse allows the sanctuary to provide a diverse range of habitats for various plant and animal species, contributing to its importance for biodiversity conservation in the region.

Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary River

The Pranhita Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Pranhita River. The Pranhita River is a tributary of the Godavari River, which is one of the major rivers in India. 

The sanctuary's proximity to the river likely contributes to its unique ecosystem and the diverse plant and animal life it supports, especially given the influence of water bodies on the surrounding habitat. 

Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

The Pranhita Wildlife Sanctuary is reported to have a diverse range of flora, including various plant species. 

• Memecylon umbellatum
• Garcinia talbootii
• Ain species
• Kinjal species
• Teak species
• Hirda species
• Jamba species
• Mango species
• Various Ficus species

These plants collectively contribute to the biodiversity of the sanctuary and provide habitats for various animal species. The presence of a variety of plant species indicates the richness of the ecosystem and its potential to support different ecological niches. 

Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

The Pranhita Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna, including various animal species. Here are some of the animal species that have been reported to inhabit the sanctuary:

Mammals:

• Leopard
• Striped Hyaena
• Indian Giant Squirrel
• Muntjac
• Sambar
• Mouse Deer

Birds:

• White-Rumped Vulture
• Crested Serpent Eagle

Reptiles:

• Bombay Earth Snake
• Ceylon Cat Snake
• Python

Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. In which state is the Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary?

A. The Pranhita Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Maharashtra, India. It is situated in the Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra. The sanctuary is positioned along the banks of the Pranhita River and is known for its diverse flora and fauna.

Q. What is the Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?

A. The Pranhita Wildlife Sanctuary in Maharashtra, India, is known for its diverse range of flora and fauna, as well as its unique riparian ecosystem along the banks of the Pranhita River. Some of the notable features that the sanctuary is famous for include:

(i) Rich Biodiversity: The sanctuary supports a variety of plant and animal species, including Indian Giant Squirrels, Muntjacs, Leopards, Sambar deer, various bird species like White-Rumped Vultures and Crested Serpent Eagles, and a range of reptiles such as pythons and different snake species.

(ii) Aquatic Life: The sanctuary's location along the banks of the Pranhita River and its drainage network create an environment suitable for aquatic life. The backwaters are home to diverse aquatic species such as prawns, fish, and turtles.

(iii) Riparian Ecosystem: The sanctuary's riparian ecosystem, formed along the riverbanks, provides essential habitats for various species due to the water source and associated vegetation.

(iv) Natural Tranquility: The sanctuary's remote location and natural beauty make it a place of tranquility, attracting nature enthusiasts, researchers, and those seeking to experience the wilderness.