Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
The Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the state of Maharashtra, India. The sanctuary's name is derived from the ancient Sagareshwar Shiva temple located within its bounds.
Originally declared as a forest park, it was designated as the Sagaroba Game Reserve in 1980. In 1985, it was officially established as the Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, and animals were introduced into the area to promote wildlife conservation.
The Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of nature, culture, and wildlife conservation. It offers visitors the chance to appreciate diverse flora, fauna, and historical sites in a protected and carefully nurtured environment.
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Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary Location
The Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is situated at the meeting point of three Tehsils (administrative subdivisions) in the Sangli district: Kadegaon, Walva, and Palus.
Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is the Karad Airport, located approximately 35 kilometers away.
Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The closest railway station to Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is the Karad Railway Station, situated around 40 kilometers away.
Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary History
The history of Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is intertwined with its transformation from a forest park to a dedicated wildlife sanctuary. Here is a brief history of Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary:
Ancient Temples: The sanctuary derives its name from the Sagareshwar Shiva temple, an ancient and revered religious site. This temple complex includes a significant collection of 51 small temples, many dating back to the Satvahana era. These temples have contributed to the cultural and historical importance of the area.
Forest Park Declaration: Initially, the area that is now the Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary was declared as a forest park. This designation likely aimed to protect the natural beauty and resources of the region.
Sagaroba Game Reserve: In the year 1980, the area was upgraded to the status of a game reserve and was named "Sagaroba Game Reserve." This transition indicated a shift in focus towards wildlife conservation and protection.
Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary: The most significant transformation occurred in 1985 when the area was officially declared as Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. During this transition, approximately 52 animals were introduced into the sanctuary, marking the beginning of its role in wildlife conservation.
Cultural and Archaeological Significance: Beyond its role in wildlife conservation, the sanctuary is culturally and archaeologically significant due to the presence of ancient temples, including the Sagareshwar Shiva temple and the Kamal Bhairao or Kal Bhairao temple, which are of great importance from a religious and historical perspective.
Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary Area
The Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 10.87 square kilometers. This area provides a habitat for various wildlife species, including deer, boars, peacocks, and smaller carnivores.
The sanctuary's relatively modest size makes it a manageable area for wildlife conservation efforts and for visitors to explore its diverse offerings.
Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
The flora within the Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary includes a variety of plant species that contribute to the sanctuary's ecosystem and provide habitat for the wildlife.
Some of the plant species found in the Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary include:
- Tamarind (Tamarindus spp.)
- Neem (Azadirachta indica)
- Kashid (Saccharum spontaneum)
- Subabool (Leucaena leucocephala)
- Gulmohar (Delonix regia)
- Anjan (Hardwickia binata)
- Australian Acacia (Acacia spp.)
- Pangara (Millettia pinnata)
- Chilar (Buchanania lanzan)
- Sisoo (Dalbergia sissoo)
- Agave (Agave spp.)
- Khair (Acacia catechu)
- Karnaj (Pongamia pinnata)
- Shiras (Albizia lebbeck)
- Char (Buchanania cochinchinensis)
- Bahava (Cassia fistula)
- Dhavada (Anogeissus latifolia)
Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
Which animal mostly found at Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary?
Mammals:
- Striped Hyaena
- Fox
- Porcupine
- Sambar
- Blackbuck
- Wild Boar
- Spotted Deer
Birds:
- Blackbird
- Grey-bellied Cuckoo
- Square-tailed Bulbul
- Vernal Hanging Parrot
- Pallid Harrier
Reptiles:
- Snakes
- Lizards
Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. What is Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its unique combination of elements that make it an intriguing and multifaceted destination. Here are some of the things for which the sanctuary is known:
(i) Wildlife Conservation: One of the primary reasons for the sanctuary's fame is its role in wildlife conservation. The sanctuary provides a protected environment for various species of animals and plants, contributing to the preservation of biodiversity in the region.
(ii) Man-Made Forest: The sanctuary's distinction lies in being a man-made forest, created with careful planning and cultivation. This artificial habitat demonstrates the efforts made to provide a suitable environment for wildlife even without a natural perennial water supply.
(iii) Historical and Religious Significance: The sanctuary is named after the ancient Sagareshwar Shiva temple, which attracts devotees due to its historical and religious importance. The presence of a complex of 51 small temples from the Satvahana era adds to the cultural and archaeological significance of the area.
(iv) Flora and Fauna Diversity: The sanctuary's diverse range of plant species, including deciduous trees and shrubs, supports a variety of wildlife. The presence of animals like Sambar Deer, Blackbuck, Fox, Hyena, and numerous bird species contributes to the sanctuary's reputation as a habitat for diverse flora and fauna.
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