Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary

Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

The Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the state of Chhattisgarh, India, is a significant conservation area known for its rich biodiversity and diverse range of flora and fauna. The sanctuary is named after Tamor hill and Pingla Nalla, prominent features within its boundaries. 

It was designated as a part of the Surguja Jashpur Elephant Reserve, further emphasizing its importance in providing habitat and corridors for the endangered Asian elephants. 

Additionally, the sanctuary gained prominence when it was declared a Tiger Reserve, becoming the 53rd Tiger Reserve in India and the 4th in Chhattisgarh.

Table of Contents Location History Area Hills River Flora Fauna UPSC Questions

Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary Location

Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Surajpur district of the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. It shares a border with Uttar Pradesh. 

Nearest Airport:

The nearest major airport to the Surajpur district, where Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary is located, is likely to be the Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. It is an international airport and serves as the primary air gateway to the state. 

Nearest Railway Station:

The closest railway station to Surajpur district is the Surajpur Road Railway Station, which is a small railway station serving the region. However, it's important to note that Surajpur Road Railway Station might have limited train connectivity. Alternatively, you can consider reaching the Bilaspur Railway Station or Raipur Railway Station, both of which are major railway stations with better connectivity. 

Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary History

1. Notification as Wildlife Sanctuary: The Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary was officially designated as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1978.

2. Name Origin: The sanctuary is named after two prominent features within its boundaries, namely Tamor hill and Pingla Nalla.

3. Inclusion in Surguja Jashpur Elephant Reserve: In 2011, the Chhattisgarh Government took a significant step by notifying the Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary as part of the Surguja Jashpur Elephant Reserve. This inclusion highlights the sanctuary's crucial role in providing habitat and corridors for the conservation of the magnificent Asian elephants that inhabit the region.

4. Tiger Reserve Declaration: In 2022, the combined areas of the Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary were declared a Tiger Reserve. This recognition adds to the conservation efforts in the region, specifically aimed at protecting the critically endangered Bengal tiger and its habitat.

Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 608.55 square kilometers (234.96 square miles).

Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary Hills

Tamor Hill is one of the prominent features within the Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary, after which the sanctuary is named. 

Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary River

(1) Pingla Nalla:

Pingla Nalla flow through the sanctuary and prominent features of the sanctuary area. It contributes to the ecological diversity and plays an important role in supporting the flora and fauna within the sanctuary.

(2) Moran River:

The northern boundary of the Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary is defined by the Moran River. Rivers often serve as natural boundaries for protected areas, and the Moran River likely plays a significant role in shaping the sanctuary's landscape and supporting its ecological diversity.

(3) Bonga Nalla:

The eastern boundary of the sanctuary is marked by the Bonga Nalla. Like the Moran River, the Bonga Nalla contributes to the sanctuary's ecological health by providing water and creating diverse habitats for various plant and animal species.

(4) Rihand River:

The western boundary of the Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary is defined by the Rihand River. As with the other rivers, the Rihand River is likely an important water source for wildlife and plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem within the sanctuary.

Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

The Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora, which includes various plant species that thrive in its mixed deciduous forests and other vegetation types. While specific details about every plant species may not be available, here are some common types of flora found in the sanctuary:

• Sal Trees (Shorea robusta)
• Bamboo (Bambusoideae)
• Teak (Tectona grandis)
• Mahua (Madhuca longifolia)
• Jamun (Syzygium cumini)
• Harra (Terminalia chebula)
• Arjun (Terminalia arjuna)
• Semal (Bombax ceiba)
• Saja (Terminalia tomentosa)
• Haldu (Adina cordifolia)

Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

The Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a wide variety of fauna, encompassing a diverse range of animal species. This rich biodiversity makes the sanctuary a vital habitat for wildlife conservation. While the complete list of fauna may be extensive, here are some notable animal species found in the sanctuary:

Mammals:

• Bengal Tiger
• Asian Elephant
• Indian Leopard
• Indian Sloth Bear
• Sambar Deer
• Nilgai
• Chital
• Bison
• Chousingha
• Chinkara
• Indian Muntjac
• Indian Wild Boar
• Dhole
• Indian Wolf
• Indian Jackal
• Indian Grey Mongoose
• Indian Crested Porcupine
• Indian Hare

Birds:

• Red Junglefowl
• Gray Junglefowl
• Green Pigeon
• Indian Peafowl
• Great Indian Hornbill
• Indian Roller
• White-rumped Vulture
• Indian Pitta
• Indian Paradise Flycatcher
• Oriental Honey Buzzard
• Black Drongo
• Crested Serpent Eagle
• Jungle Owlet 
• Indian Grey Hornbill

Reptiles:

• Indian Cobra
• Indian Python
• Indian Rock Python
• Common Krait 
• Common Indian Monitor

Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. In which state Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary is located?/Where is Tamor Pingla Sanctuary located?

A. The Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Chhattisgarh, India. It is situated in the Surajpur district of Chhattisgarh, and it shares a border with the state of Uttar Pradesh. The sanctuary's location in central India makes it an important conservation area, known for its rich biodiversity and diverse range of flora and fauna.

Q. Which animal is famous in Tamor Wildlife Sanctuary?

A. One of the most famous and iconic animals in the Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary is the Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris). The sanctuary is known for being a habitat for these majestic big cats, which are highly endangered and critically important to conservation efforts.

In addition to the Bengal tiger, the sanctuary is also home to various other notable wildlife species, including the Asian elephant, Indian leopard, sloth bear, and a diverse range of deer species, birds, and reptiles. The presence of such charismatic and diverse wildlife makes the Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary a special place for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.