Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary UPSC
Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary is a protected area located in the state of Gujarat, India. It is known for its conservation efforts and the protection of the sloth bear population, which is native to the region.
This sanctuary harbours maximum population of sloth bears in the entire state, which is the star attraction in the wilds of Ratanmahals. The sanctuary also has a healthy Leopard population. The
Sloth bears are a vulnerable species and face threats from habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. The sanctuary's primary goal is to ensure the survival and well-being of these bears by safeguarding their natural habitat and mitigating human-induced threats.
Conservation efforts within the Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary include habitat restoration, anti-poaching measures, and community engagement to reduce conflicts between humans and wildlife.
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Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary Location
The Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary is located in the Dahod district of Gujarat, India. It is located very close to the tribal towns, Baria of Dahod district and Chhota Udepur of Vadodara district.
Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to the Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary is the Vadodara Airport (also known as Maharaja Sayajirao Airport), which is located in Vadodara city, Gujarat. The airport is approximately 160 to 170 kilometers away from the sanctuary, depending on the specific entry point you intend to use.
Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to the Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary is Dahod Railway Station. Dahod is a city in the Dahod district of Gujarat and is connected to the broader Indian railway network. The sanctuary is accessible from Dahod, which is approximately 50 to 60 kilometers away, depending on the specific route taken.
Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary History
The Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary was established to conserve and protect the habitat of the sloth bear (Melursus ursinus), a vulnerable species native to the region. The sanctuary's history is rooted in efforts to address the declining population of sloth bears due to habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflicts.
Here is a brief overview of the sanctuary's history:
Recognition of Sloth Bear Conservation Needs: Sloth bears are known for their unique appearance and behavior, but they have been threatened by habitat destruction and other human-related activities. Recognizing the need to protect and conserve these animals, the government of Gujarat took steps to establish a sanctuary dedicated to their preservation.
Establishment: In 1982, Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary was officially established as a protected area to provide a safe haven for sloth bears and other wildlife species. The sanctuary was created to ensure the survival and well-being of sloth bears in their natural habitat.
Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary Area
Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 55.64 square kilometers.
Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary River
The forests of Ratanmahals form the catchment of river Panam- a major river of Central Gujarat. It drains through the districts of Dahod and Panchmahals. These are major towns on the banks of this river. An irrigation dam and reservoir is also built on this river near Godhra.
Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary Tribe
The Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary is known to be home to various tribal communities. The sanctuary is situated in an area that is inhabited by different indigenous or tribal groups. These communities often have traditional connections to the land, and their way of life may be intertwined with the surrounding natural environment.
Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary Flora
The Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora that contributes to the habitat of sloth bears and other wildlife in the region. The sanctuary's flora plays a crucial role in providing food, shelter, and suitable environments for various species.
The forest types which constitute different types of habitats are dry teak forest at foot hills, mixed deciduous forest, dry bamboo brakes, 'Timru' forest (pure patch) and 'Sadad' forest (pure patch).
- Teak
- Timru
- Sadad
- Mahudo
- Jamun
- Dudhlo
- Amla
- Bamboo
- Dhavdo
- Kakadiyo
- Mahuda
- Tanach
- Charoli
- Ber
- Khakhro
Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary Fauna (Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary Animals)
The Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna, including various wildlife species that are adapted to the sanctuary's unique habitats. Here are some of the animal species that can be found within the sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Sloth Bear
- Leopard
- Four-horned Antelope
- Civets
- Grey Langur
Birds:
- Grey Junglefowl
- Crested Serpent Eagle
- Common Babbler
- Alexandrine Parakeet
Reptiles:
- Bamboo Pit Viper
- Red Sand Boa
- Trinket Snake
- Cobra
- krait
- Saw-scaled Viper
- Russel's Viper
- Python
- Rat Snake
- Star Tortoise
- Flap-shell Turtle
- Chameleon
- Termite Hill Gecko
Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. In which district is Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary situated?/Which taluka is Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary?
A. The Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary is situated in the Dahod district of Gujarat, India. The sanctuary falls within the Dahod district, and it is an important protected area for the conservation of wildlife, including the vulnerable sloth bear species.
Q. Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary best time to visit?
A. November to March.
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