Sechu Tuan Nala Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
Sechu Tuan Nala Wildlife Sanctuary located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. The sanctuary is characterized by its diverse terrain, including glaciers and different forest types, and it is known for its rich biodiversity, including various bird and mammal species.
The sanctuary is home to a variety of mammals, including significant populations of Himalayan Ibex and Musk Deer. Snow Leopards have also been reported within the sanctuary.
The sanctuary support a diverse avifauna. Notable species include the globally threatened Western Tragopan, Himalayan Snowcock, Himalayan Monal, and Koklass Pheasant.
While the sanctuary harbors significant biodiversity, some species like the Snow Leopard and Western Tragopan are of conservation concern. Proper management and conservation efforts are essential to ensure the long-term survival of these species and their habitats.
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Sechu Tuan Nala Wildlife Sanctuary Location
The Sechu Tuan Nala Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is situated about 113 km from Chamba town.
Sechu Tuan Nala Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest major airport to the Sechu Tuan Nala Wildlife Sanctuary is the Kangra Airport (Gaggal Airport), also known as Dharamshala-Kangra Airport. It is located in Gaggal, near Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, and is approximately 170-180 km away from the sanctuary. Travelers can reach the sanctuary from the airport via road.
Sechu Tuan Nala Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to the sanctuary is Pathankot Railway Station, located in Pathankot, Punjab. From Pathankot, the sanctuary is accessible by road, and the distance is around 130-140 km.
Sechu Tuan Nala Wildlife Sanctuary History
Conservation Vision of the Era: The early 1960s saw a burgeoning interest in wildlife conservation and environmental protection in India. With an increasing realization of the ecological significance of various regions, the government and conservationists began to emphasize the need to designate and manage protected areas.
Establishment: In 1962, amidst growing awareness about the importance of preserving India's rich biodiversity, the Sechu Tuan Nala Wildlife Sanctuary was established in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. This marked a significant step in the nation's ongoing efforts to safeguard its diverse flora and fauna.
Sechu Tuan Nala Wildlife Sanctuary Area
The Sechu Tuan Nala Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 390 square kilometers (km²). This substantial expanse provides a vital habitat for diverse flora and fauna and contributes significantly to the conservation efforts in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, India.
The sanctuary's size underscores its importance as a protected area for preserving the region's natural heritage and supporting various ecosystems.
Sechu Tuan Nala Wildlife Sanctuary River
The Sechu Tuan Nala Wildlife Sanctuary is named after the Sechu Tuan Nala, which is a stream or a nala (a small river or watercourse) that flows through the sanctuary. This water source contribute to the ecosystem and provide a water supply for the various species of plants and animals that inhabit the sanctuary.
Sechu Tuan Nala Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
The Sechu Tuan Nala Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora, adapted to its varying altitudes and ecosystems. Here are some of the notable types of flora that can be found within the sanctuary:
(1) Dry Alpine Scrub:
This type of vegetation is likely adapted to the challenging conditions of high altitudes and dry climates. It might consist of hardy shrubs, low-growing plants, and grasses.
(2) Moist Alpine Scrub:
In areas with more moisture, the vegetation might be slightly different, with a mix of shrubs and plants that can thrive in the alpine environment.
(3) Lower Western Himalayan Temperate Forest:
This forest type is likely found at lower elevations and could include a mix of coniferous and broadleaf trees characteristic of the western Himalayan region.
(4) Medicinal Plants:
(i) Aconitum heterophyllum: Also known as Atis or Indian Aconite, this plant is used in traditional medicine for its potential medicinal properties.
(ii) Jurinea macrocephala: A species with medicinal and possibly other uses, known for its large flower heads.
(iii) Ephedra gerardiana: Also known as Ma Huang, this plant is used for its medicinal properties and contains compounds that have been used for various purposes.
(5) Plantations and Commercial Species:
The Forest Department has established plantations of various tree species for fuelwood and other commercial forest products. These include:
- Cedar (Cedrus deodara)
- Poplar (Salix sp.)
- Kail (Pinus wallichiana)
- Willow (Alnus)
- Robinia (Robinia sp.)
- Walnut (Juglans regia)
Sechu Tuan Nala Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Sechu Tuan Nala Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
The Sechu Tuan Nala Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna, including various species of mammals, birds, and potentially other wildlife. Here are some of the notable examples of fauna that can be found within the sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Himalayan Ibex
- Musk Deer
- Snow Leopard
- Blue Sheep
- Himalayan Mouse Hare
- Asiatic Black Bear
- Brown Bear
- Goral
- Serow
- Himalayan Tahr
Birds:
- Himalayan Snowcock
- Himalayan or Impeyan Monal
- Koklass Pheasant
- Western Tragopan
Reptiles:
- Snakes
- Lizards
Sechu Tuan Nala Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. Where is Sechu Tuan Nala Wildlife Sanctuary located?
A. The Sechu Tuan Nala Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is situated about 113 km from Chamba town. The sanctuary can be accessed by foot from Kilar to Sechu (15 km), or alternatively via Kishtwar in Jammu and Kashmir to Sarsu and then by foot to Sechu.
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