Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
The Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the state of Karnataka, India. It is situated within the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a global biodiversity hotspot.
The sanctuary is named after its proximity to Talakaveri, the origin point of the Kaveri River. This source of the Kaveri River is considered a sacred site and holds cultural and religious significance.
The sanctuary is known for its diverse range of habitats, including tropical wet evergreen forests, semi-evergreen forests, and montane wet temperate forests. These habitats support a variety of flora and fauna, contributing to the region's ecological importance.
The sanctuary was established in 1987 to conserve the unique ecosystems and biodiversity of the Western Ghats region. It plays a role in safeguarding various plant and animal species, including some that are threatened or endemic.
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Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary Location
The Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Kodagu district of Karnataka, South India. It is situated in the Western Ghats region, which is known for its rich biodiversity.
The location is characterized by its proximity to the source of the Cauvery River, known as Talakaveri, which adds to its cultural and ecological significance.
The sanctuary shares its borders with the Ranipuram hills and Kottencheri hills in the Kasaragod district of Kerala. This cross-border connection highlights the sanctuary's ecological continuity within the Western Ghats, which is recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot.
Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to the Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary is Mangalore Airport, also known as Mangaluru International Airport. It is located approximately 123 kilometers away from the sanctuary. This airport serves as a convenient entry point for travelers looking to visit the sanctuary.
Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
As for the nearest railway stations:
Mysore Railway Station: Mysore is one of the major cities in Karnataka and serves as a significant railway hub. It is located about 166 kilometers away from the Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary.
Mangalore Railway Station: Mangalore, apart from having an airport, also has a railway station. The Mangalore Railway Station is around 123 kilometers away from the sanctuary.
Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary History
The Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in a region rich in natural and cultural history. Here's a general overview of the history of the sanctuary:
Establishment: The Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary was officially notified as a protected area in 1987. This marked the formal recognition of the area's ecological importance and the need to conserve its diverse flora and fauna.
Geographical Significance: The sanctuary gets its name from its proximity to the source of the Cauvery River, which is known as Talakaveri. This origin point holds cultural and religious significance, attracting pilgrims and visitors. The area around the river's source has long been a place of reverence, adding to the historical and cultural context of the region.
Biodiversity Conservation: Over the years, the sanctuary has played a role in conserving several endangered and vulnerable species, including mammals like the Asian Elephant, Tiger, and Lion-tailed Macaque, as well as various bird, reptile, and amphibian species. The sanctuary's protected status has helped to mitigate threats to these species' habitats.
Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary Area
The Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of approximately 105.59 square kilometers. This protected area encompasses a diverse range of habitats, including tropical wet evergreen forests, semi-evergreen forests, and montane wet temperate forests.
The sanctuary's relatively compact size allows for the conservation of a variety of plant and animal species while providing opportunities for visitors to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the area.
Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary Hills
The Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary is bordered by two prominent hill ranges:
(1) Ranipuram Hills:
These hills are located on the northern side of the Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary. They extend into the Kasaragod district of Kerala. The Ranipuram hills are known for their scenic beauty and are part of the Western Ghats range.
(2) Kottencheri Hills:
Situated on the southern side of the sanctuary, the Kottencheri hills also extend into the Kasaragod district of Kerala. Like the Ranipuram hills, the Kottencheri hills are characterized by their natural landscapes and their contribution to the overall biodiversity of the region.
Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary River
The Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary is named after its proximity to the source of the sacred Kaveri River, also spelled as Cauvery. The Kaveri River is one of the major rivers in India, flowing through the southern states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
The sanctuary is located in the Kodagu district of Karnataka, which is also known as Coorg. The Kaveri River originates from a place called Talakaveri, situated nearby. This origin point holds immense cultural and religious significance, making it a pilgrimage site for many people.
The Kaveri River is central to the identity and livelihoods of the people living in its basin. It supports agriculture, provides water for domestic and industrial use, and sustains the ecosystem and biodiversity in the region.
The presence of the Kaveri River and its origin point near the sanctuary adds to the ecological importance of the area and contributes to the diverse habitats and wildlife that the sanctuary aims to protect.
Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
The Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India, boasts a rich and diverse range of flora due to its varied habitats and elevation gradients. Here are some examples of the flora you might find in the sanctuary:
(1) Tropical Evergreen Forests:
These lush forests are characterized by their dense canopy and high species diversity. You might encounter trees like Dipterocarpus indicus, Mesua ferrea, and Artocarpus hirsutus. The undergrowth may include ferns, mosses, and orchids.
(2) Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forests:
These forests have a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees. You can find species like Canarium strictum, Terminalia paniculata, and Lagerstroemia lanceolata.
(3) Montane Wet Temperate Forests:
As the elevation increases, the flora changes. Montane forests are home to species like Calophyllum wightianum, Syzygium densiflorum, and Vateria indica.
(4) Shrubs and Understory:
The understorey of the forest might include shrubs like Strobilanthes spp., Leea sambucina, and Pandanus spp.
(5) Bamboo and Cane:
Some areas feature bamboo and cane species, which provide important habitats for various wildlife.
(6) Grasslands:
The sanctuary have patches of grasslands with grass species adapted to the local conditions.
Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
The Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse array of fauna, thanks to its varied habitats and its location within the Western Ghats, which is known for its rich biodiversity. Here are some examples of the wildlife you might encounter in the sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Tiger
- Leopard
- Asian Elephant
- Clawless Otter
- Stripe-Necked Mongoose
- Mouse Deer
- Chital
- Sambar
- Wild Dog
- Gaur
- Sloth Bear
- Bonnet Macaque
- Lion-tailed Macaque
- Common Langur
- Wild Boar
- Indian Giant Squirrel
- Common Giant Flying Squirrel
- Golden Jackal
- Wild Cats
- Pangolin
Birds:
- Fairy Bluebird
- Malabar Trogon
- Broadbilled Roller
- Nilgiri Pipit
- Wynaad Laughingthrush
- Nilgiri Laughingthrush
Reptiles:
- Python
- Viper
- Monitor Lizard
Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. Where is Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary famous?
A. The Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its location and the unique features it encompasses. Here are the key aspects that make the sanctuary well-known:
(i) Source of the Kaveri River: The sanctuary derives its name from its proximity to Talakaveri, which is the source of the sacred Kaveri River. This origin point holds immense religious significance and is considered a pilgrimage site for many people, particularly from the southern states of India.
(ii) Western Ghats Biodiversity: The sanctuary is situated in the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's eight "hottest hotspots" of biological diversity. The Western Ghats are renowned for their rich flora and fauna, making the sanctuary an important part of this ecological hotspot.
(iii) Diverse Habitats: The sanctuary encompasses a variety of habitats, including tropical wet evergreen forests, semi-evergreen forests, and montane wet temperate forests. This diversity of habitats contributes to its reputation as a habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species.
(iv) Conservation Efforts: The sanctuary's establishment in 1987 reflects the efforts to protect the region's unique ecosystems and biodiversity. The conservation initiatives undertaken within the sanctuary contribute to its recognition and fame as a conservation area.
(v) Cultural Significance: The convergence of cultural and ecological elements, such as the origin of the Kaveri River and the presence of various indigenous communities, adds to the sanctuary's significance and fame.
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