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Sunday, August 6, 2023

Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary

Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary is a well-known wildlife sanctuary located in the Indian state of Jharkhand. It covers an area of approximately 8.75 square kilometers and is centered around the picturesque Topchanchi Lake, a man-made reservoir. The sanctuary was established in 1978 to conserve the region's biodiversity.


The sanctuary is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including various species of animals and birds. The sanctuary's flora consists of Dry Mixed Deciduous forests with Dry Peninsular Sal in certain areas. As for fauna, the sanctuary is home to diverse mammals, including Leopard, Cheetal, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Langur, Indian Pangolin, Indian Porcupine, and more. 


Table of Contents

  • Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary Location
  • Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary History
  • Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary Area
  • Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary Lake
  • Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
  • Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna
    • Mammals
    • Birds
    • Reptile
  • Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions


Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary Location

The Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Dhanbad district of the Indian state of Jharkhand. It is situated around the Topchanchi Lake, which is a man-made reservoir.


Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary is the Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi, Jharkhand. It is an international airport located approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) away from the sanctuary. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use other modes of transportation to reach the wildlife sanctuary.


Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary is the Dhanbad Junction railway station, which is around 34 kilometers (21 miles) away. Dhanbad Junction is a major railway station in Jharkhand and is well-connected to various cities and towns across India. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the sanctuary. 




Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary History 

Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary Established:

Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary was officially established in 1978. This establishment provided legal protection and recognition to the area's ecological significance, allowing for the conservation of its flora and fauna.




Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 8.75 square kilometers. This sanctuary is relatively small compared to some other wildlife reserves, but it is notable for its scenic beauty and rich biodiversity. 


The sanctuary includes the picturesque Topchanchi Lake, a man-made reservoir, and its surrounding lush greenery, providing a favorable habitat for various flora and fauna species. Despite its relatively modest size, the Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary serves as an important ecological zone and a protected area for wildlife and nature conservation in the region.




Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary Lake

The Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary is named after the Topchanchi Lake, which is a prominent feature of the sanctuary. The lake is a man-made reservoir and serves as one of the primary attractions of the sanctuary. It was constructed in 1924 to meet the water needs of the coalfields in the nearby Jharia region.


The Topchanchi Lake covers a significant portion of the sanctuary's area and is surrounded by lush greenery and undulating hills, creating a serene and picturesque landscape. The presence of the lake enhances the sanctuary's overall beauty and provides a suitable habitat for various flora and fauna species.


The lake and its surroundings make the Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary an appealing destination for tourists, nature enthusiasts, and birdwatchers. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil ambiance, take part in various recreational activities, and observe the diverse wildlife that thrives in and around the lake.




Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary primarily characterized as Dry Mixed Deciduous type with the presence of Dry Peninsular Sal in areas like Baneshpur and Bawardaha. This type of forest typically experiences a distinct dry season, which influences the types of vegetation that thrive in the region.


Here are some of the specific tree species found in the sanctuary:


  • Asan
  • Bijasal
  • Dhow
  • Semal
  • Kendu
  • Piar
  • Karam
  • Siris
  • Sidha


Note- The grassland and bamboo crops are also present.




Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

The Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna, showcasing the rich wildlife diversity of the region. The sanctuary's varied habitats, including forests, grasslands, and water bodies, provide suitable environments for numerous animal species. 


Some of the notable fauna found in the Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary are as follows:


Mammals:

  • Leopard
  • Jungle Cat
  • Cheetal
  • Barking Deer
  • Wild Boar
  • Mongoose
  • Langur
  • Jackal
  • Fox
  • Wild Dog
  • Indian Pangolin
  • Indian Porcupine
  • Jungle Cat
  • Indian Civet
  • Indian Hare


Birds:

  • Peafowl (Indian Peafowl)
  • Indian Roller
  • Pied Hornbill
  • Common Kingfisher
  • Indian Pond Heron
  • Indian Cormorant
  • pochards
  • red crested pochards
  • coots


Reptiles:

  • Indian Python
  • Indian Cobra
  • Common Krait
  • Monitor Lizard




Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. In which state the Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary is located?

A. The Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Jharkhand, India. It is situated in the Dhanbad district, which is known for its rich coal reserves and diverse wildlife. The sanctuary is a protected area aimed at conserving the region's biodiversity, and it attracts tourists and nature enthusiasts with its scenic beauty and various flora and fauna species.


Q. Which Topchanchi Sanctuary was established?

A. Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1978 with the primary objective of conserving the diverse flora and fauna in the region, particularly around the Topchanchi Lake, a man-made reservoir.


Q. Where is the Topchanchi Lake?

A. The Topchanchi Lake is located in the Dhanbad district of the Indian state of Jharkhand. It is situated within the Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary. The lake is a man-made reservoir that was constructed in 1924 to supply water to the nearby coalfields in the Jharia region.


Q. What is Topchanchi famous for?

A. Topchanchi is famous for two main attractions:


(i) Topchanchi Lake: The Topchanchi Lake is the primary attraction that has made the area famous. It is a man-made reservoir that was constructed in 1915 to supply water to the nearby coalfields in the Jharia region of Jharkhand, India. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery and undulating hills, creating a picturesque and serene landscape. It has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, attracting nature lovers and photographers seeking to experience the natural beauty and tranquility of the area.


(ii) Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary: The Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary is located around the Topchanchi Lake and is another reason for the area's fame. Established in 1978, the sanctuary serves as a protected area for diverse flora and fauna in the region. It provides a habitat for various wildlife species, including deer, langurs, wild boars, birds, and more. The sanctuary's scenic beauty, along with its rich biodiversity, attracts nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers, making it a popular destination for eco-tourism.

Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary

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