Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary UPSC
The Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary is a protected wildlife area located in the state of Karnataka, India. It was created with the primary objective of conserving the Blackbuck antelope (Antilope cervicapra), a species of antelope native to the Indian subcontinent.
Blackbucks are known for their distinctive black and white coloration, with males having twisted horns and a graceful appearance. They are among the fastest land animals and are capable of reaching speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour (50 miles per hour).
The sanctuary provides a crucial habitat for these antelopes and various other species of flora and fauna. In addition to blackbucks, the sanctuary is also home to other animals such as endangered Great Indian Bustard, jungle cats, jackals, mongoose, and various bird species.
The population of Great Indian Bustard is confined to Rajastan, Gujarat, Maharastra, Andra Pradesh and Karnataka, In Karnataka it is known as “ ERALADDU” in Northern part and “ DOORSVAYANA HAKKI” in southern part. Males are bigger than females and generally found in pairs.
The Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts, researchers, and tourists interested in observing and learning about the local biodiversity. The Karnataka Forest Department oversees the management and conservation efforts within the sanctuary to ensure the protection of its diverse ecosystem and its inhabitants.
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Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary Location
The Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary is located in the Dharwad district of Karnataka, India. It is spread over in three blocks, Hunsikatti, Hullathi and Alalgeri.
It is situated in the southern part of the state, approximately midway between the cities of Hubli and Bangalore. The sanctuary is easily accessible by road and is well-connected to nearby towns and cities.
Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to the Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary is the Hubli Airport. It is located in Hubli city, which is approximately 150 kilometers (about 93 miles) northwest of the sanctuary. The airport has domestic flight connections to various cities in India.
Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
As for the nearest railway station, the Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary is closer to the Ranebennur Railway Station itself. The railway station is located in the town of Ranebennur, which is around 3 to 5 kilometers (approximately 1.9 to 3.1 miles) from the sanctuary. .
Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary History
The Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary has a history rooted in conservation efforts to protect the blackbuck antelope (Antilope cervicapra) and its habitat. Here's a brief overview of its history:
Establishment: The sanctuary was established in 1974 with the aim of conserving the blackbuck population in the region. It was formally declared a sanctuary under the Wildlife Protection Act of India, 1972.
Blackbuck Conservation: The primary objective of the sanctuary's establishment was to provide a safe haven for the blackbuck antelope, which was facing threats from habitat loss, hunting, and other human activities.
Conservation Measures: Over the years, the Karnataka Forest Department and other conservation organizations have been working to protect and manage the sanctuary. Measures include habitat management, anti-poaching efforts, and raising awareness among local communities about the importance of wildlife conservation.
Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary Area
The Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 119.00 square kilometers (45.89 square miles).
It is spread over in three blocks, Hunsikatti, Hullathi and Alalgeri. Out of this Hunsikatti and Hullathi blocks form a contiguous block while Alalgeri is a separate one. An area of 14.87 Sq. Kms in Hullathi Block has been notified as ‘CORE AREA’ on 21-10-1982
The sanctuary's landscape includes open grasslands, scrub forests, and small water bodies, providing a suitable habitat for the blackbuck antelope and other wildlife species.
Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary Flora
The Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary is home to a variety of flora that are adapted to the semi-arid landscape of open grasslands and scrub forests. Some of the common types of flora found in the sanctuary include:
(1) Grasses and Herbs:
The sanctuary's grasslands are dominated by various grass species, which are a crucial food source for the blackbuck antelope and other herbivores. Different types of grasses and herbs thrive in these open habitats.
(2) Shrubs and Bushes:
Scrub forests within the sanctuary are characterized by the presence of shrubs and bushes. These plants provide cover and shelter for wildlife species. Common shrubs may include species like Acacia, Prosopis, and Ziziphus.
(3) Trees:
While the sanctuary is primarily known for its grasslands and scrub vegetation, there might be scattered trees in certain areas. Trees such as Babul (Acacia nilotica) and Neem (Azadirachta indica) might be found providing shade and additional habitat diversity.
Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary Fauna (Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary Animals)
The Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary supports a diverse range of fauna, with a focus on conserving the blackbuck antelope. Here are some of the notable wildlife species that can be found within the sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Blackbuck
- Grey Wolf
- Golden Jackals
- Jungle Cat
- Indian Fox
- Striped Hyena
- Leopard
- Wild Boar
- Indian Porcupine
- Indian Hare
- Common Mangoose
- Common Langur
- Slender Loris
- Spotted Deer
Birds:
- Great Indian Bustard
- Pied Crested Cuckoo
- Crested Tree Swift
- Common Indian Nightjar
- White-backed Vulture
- White Scavenger Vulture
- Black-winged Kite
- Common Pariah Kite
- Brahmini Kite
- Grey Junglefowl
- Common Peafowl
- Red-wattled Lapwing
- Shikra
- Spotted Dove
- Rose-ringed Parakeet
- Koel
- Coucal
- Crimson-breasted Barbet
- Large Green Barbet
- Barred Jungle Owlet
- Hoopoe
- Blue Jay (Coracias benghalensis)
- Small Green Bee-eater
- Blue-tailed Bee-eater
- Pied Kingfisher
- Small Blue Kingfisher
- White-breasted Kingfisher
- Common Grey Hornbill
- Malabar Pied Hornbill
- Golden-backed Woodpecker
- Mahratta Woodpecker
- Yellow Wagtail
- White Wagtail
- Large Pied Wagtail
- Grey Wagtail
- Crested Bunting
- Indian Skylark
- Indian Pipit
- Red-rumped Swallow
- Wire-tailed Swallow
- Common Swallow
- Rufous-backed Shrike
- Black Drongo
- Golden Oriole
- Bearded Staling
- Black-headed Myna
- Indian Myna
- Jungle Myna
- Jungle Crow
- House Crow
- Tree Pie
- Grey Tit
- Small Minivet
- Golden-fronted Leafbird
- Common Iora
- Red-vented Bulbul
- Red-whiskered Bulbul
- White-spotted Fantail Flycatcher
- White-browed Fantail Flycatcher
- Paradise Flycatcher
- Tickell's Blue Flycatcher
- Verditer Flycatcher
- Ashy Wren-Warbler
- Tailorbird
- Magpie Robin
- Shama
- Indian Robin
- Bushchat
- White-browed Bulbul
- Jungle Babbler
- Tickell's Flowerpecker
- Purple-rumped Sunbird
- Purple Sunbird
- Baya Weaver
- Spotted Munia
- White-backed Munia
- House Sparrow
- Indian Pitta
- Grey Partridge
- Common Quail
Reptiles:
- Gliding Lizard
- King Cobra
- Bamboo Pit Viper
- Python
- Rat Snake
Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. In which district is Ranebennur Wildlife Sanctuary?
A. The Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary is located in the Dharwad district of Karnataka, India. It is spread over in three blocks, Hunsikatti, Hullathi and Alalgeri.
Q. What is Ranebennur Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. The Ranebennur Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as the Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary, is famous for its efforts in conserving the blackbuck antelope (Antilope cervicapra), which is a species of antelope native to the Indian subcontinent. The sanctuary provides a protected habitat for the blackbuck and other wildlife species in the region.
Here are some of the key reasons why the sanctuary is famous:
(i) Blackbuck Conservation: The sanctuary is primarily known for its successful conservation efforts focused on the blackbuck antelope. It plays a crucial role in providing a safe and suitable habitat for this iconic species.
(ii) Biodiversity: While the main focus is on blackbucks, the sanctuary also supports a diverse range of flora and fauna. It's home to various bird species, small mammals, and other wildlife that contribute to the overall biodiversity of the area.
(iii) Grassland Ecosystem: The sanctuary's landscape of open grasslands and scrub forests showcases a unique ecosystem that supports species adapted to this habitat type. This makes it an interesting area for ecological studies.
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