Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Karnataka, India. It is named after Lord Someshwara, the presiding deity of the Someshwara Temple situated within the sanctuary's bounds.
The sanctuary is characterized by a complex landscape of various types of forests. It is ecologically abundant and supports a diverse range of animals, birds, reptiles, and trees.
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Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary Location
The Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Karkala and Kundapur Taluks of the Udupi district in the state of Karnataka, India. It is situated within the Deccan Peninsula.
The sanctuary is divided into two unconnected areas, with the smaller part situated to the southwest of the larger part. It is bordered by the villages of Hebri and Sitanadi, and the River Sitanadi flows through it.
The Kudremukh National Park lies to the southeast of the Sanctuary.
Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary is Mangalore Airport (also known as Mangaluru Airport). It's located approximately 75 kilometers from the sanctuary.
Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary is Udupi Railway Station, which is situated around 37 kilometers away.
Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary History
The Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary has a notable history associated with its establishment and conservation efforts.
Notification as a Protected Area: The sanctuary was officially notified as a protected area on June 5, 1974. This marked a significant step in recognizing the ecological importance of the region and initiating efforts to conserve its diverse ecosystems and wildlife.
Origin of the Name: The sanctuary derives its name from Lord Someshwara, the presiding deity of the Someshwara Temple situated within the sanctuary's bounds. This connection with the temple adds a cultural and spiritual dimension to the area's significance.
Biodiversity Preservation: Throughout its history, the sanctuary's primary focus has been on preserving its rich biodiversity. Efforts have included studies on the flora and fauna present, identification of threatened species, and implementing measures to ensure their survival and propagation.
Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary Area
The Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 314.25 square kilometers. This area encompasses a diverse range of habitats, including tropical wet evergreen forests, west coast semi-evergreen forests, and southern secondary moist mixed deciduous forests.
The sanctuary's relatively large size contributes to its ability to support a variety of flora and fauna, making it an important conservation area within the Udupi district of Karnataka, India.
Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary River
The Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary is drained by the Seethanadi River and several smaller streams and tributaries. The Seethanadi River, along with these smaller watercourses, flows through the sanctuary in an east-west direction.
This river and its tributaries are integral to the sanctuary's ecosystem, providing water sources for the flora and fauna that inhabit the area.
Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
The Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse flora, which contributes to the richness of its ecosystems. The sanctuary encompasses several forest types, including Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests, West Coast Semi Evergreen Forests, and Southern Secondary Moist Mixed Deciduous Forests.
Here are some details about the flora you can find in these forest types:
(1) Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests:
The canopy of these forests is home to species like Calophyllum, Artocarpus, Dipterocarpus, Hopea, Lophopetalum, Poeciloneuron, and Bischofia. In the middle canopy, you can find Myristica, Caryota, Elaeocarpus, Schleichera, and Aporosa. The lower canopy contains numerous species known for their medicinal properties. Climbers, canes, and reeds also thrive in this environment. The trees here are tall, majestic, and often adorned with mosses, orchids, ferns, and other epiphytic plants.
(2) West Coast Semi Evergreen Forests:
These forests exhibit a blend of evergreen and deciduous species in the upper canopy. Among these are Terminalia, Lagerstroemia, Machilus, Syzygium, Lophopetalum, Mangifera, Vitex, and Artocarpus. The lower canopy is composed of Holigarna, Fagara, Dillenia, Cinnamomum, Aporosa, and others. The forest floor hosts plants like Niligirianthus (syn. Strobilanthes), Clerodendron, reeds, and canes.
(3) Southern Secondary Moist Mixed Deciduous Forests:
This forest type is widespread in the sanctuary. It includes species like Terminalias, Bombax ceiba, Mangifera indica, Dalbergia latifolia, Schleichera oleosa, Dillenia pentagyna, Adina cordifolia, and Alstonia scholaris. In the lower canopy, you can find Careya arborea, Emblica officinalis, Strychnos nux-vomica, Aporosa sp, and others. The undergrowth consists of plants like Clerodendron infrotunatum, Niligirianthus (syn. Strobilanthes), Eupatorium, Acacia, and Ziziphus.
Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
The Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of animal species, contributing to its ecological significance and biodiversity. The sanctuary provides habitat for various mammals, birds, reptiles, and other creatures.
Some of the notable fauna found in the sanctuary include:
Mammals:
- Tigers
- Leopards
- Dholes (Wild Dogs)
- Jackals
- Palm Civets
- Jungle Cats
- Wild Boars
- Indian Porcupines
- Sambar Deer
- Spotted Deer
- Muntjacs (Barking Deer)
- Mouse Deer
- Gaurs (Indian Bison)
- Indian Hares
- Lion-tailed Macaques
- Bonnet Macaques
- Common Langurs (Hanuman Langurs)
- Giant Flying Squirrels
Birds:
- Great Indian Hornbill
- Malabar Grey Hornbill
- Malabar Trogon
- Ceylon Frogmouth
- Malabar Pied Hornbill
- Malabar Whistling Thrush
Reptiles:
- King Cobra
- Indian Cobra
- Indian Rock Python
- Indian Monitor Lizard
Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. Which district is Someshwar national park in?/Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary which district?
A. The Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Udupi district of Karnataka, India.
Q. What is Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. The Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its diverse ecosystems, rich biodiversity, and the presence of various animal and plant species. Here are some of the key aspects for which the sanctuary is renowned:
(i) Biodiversity: The sanctuary is known for its wide range of flora and fauna, including diverse species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and trees. This diversity contributes to its ecological significance and makes it an attractive destination for nature enthusiasts, researchers, and wildlife photographers.
(ii) Tigers and Leopards: The sanctuary is known to offer the possibility of sighting tigers and leopards, two of the most charismatic and sought-after big cat species. Their presence adds to the allure of the sanctuary for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
(iii) Tropical Forests: The sanctuary encompasses various forest types, including tropical wet evergreen forests, west coast semi-evergreen forests, and southern secondary moist mixed deciduous forests. These forest types are of ecological importance and contribute to the sanctuary's reputation.
(iv) Cultural and Spiritual Significance: The sanctuary is named after Lord Someshwara, the presiding deity of the Someshwara Temple situated within its bounds. This connection with the temple adds a cultural and spiritual dimension to the sanctuary's significance.
(v) Scenic Landscape: The sanctuary's diverse landscapes, which include hills, rivers, and forests, contribute to its scenic beauty. It provides opportunities for trekking, birdwatching, and experiencing the serene natural environment.
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