Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary

Udaipur (Udaypur) Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC 

Udaypur Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the state of Bihar, India, is a renowned wetland ecosystem established in 1978. The sanctuary is primarily situated on an oxbow lake in the floodplain of the Gandaki River. 

It is famous for being a haven for various water bird species, attracting both resident and migratory birds during the appropriate seasons. 

Recognized for its ecological importance, the sanctuary serves as a key conservation area, contributing to water purification, flood control, and biodiversity preservation. 

Table of Contents Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary Location Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary History Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary Area Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary River Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary Flora Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna Mammals Birds Reptile Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary Location

Udaypur Wildlife Sanctuary, also spelled as Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary, is located in the West Champaran district of Bihar state, India. 

Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Udaypur Wildlife Sanctuary is Patna Airport (Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport) in Patna, Bihar. It is approximately 200-250 kilometers away from the sanctuary, and it is one of the major airports in the state.

Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Udaypur Wildlife Sanctuary is Bettiah. Bettiah is a town in West Champaran district, and it likely serves as the nearest railway station for travelers visiting the sanctuary. Visitors can reach Bettiah railway station and then proceed to the sanctuary, which is about half an hour away from Bettiah wetlands.

Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary History

Udaypur Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1978. The establishment of the sanctuary in 1978 reflects the efforts made by authorities and conservationists to recognize its ecological importance and protect the diverse flora and fauna within its boundaries.

Over the years since its establishment, the sanctuary might have undergone various conservation and management initiatives to preserve its unique wetland ecosystem and support the resident and migratory bird populations that inhabit the area.

Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary Area

Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 8.74 square kilometers (km²). This indicates the extent of the sanctuary's land area that is designated and protected for wildlife conservation purposes. 

The 8.74 km² area includes various habitats such as wetlands, oxbow lake, swamp forests, dry riverine forests, and khair-sissoo forests, making it an essential habitat for a variety of water birds, both resident and migratory.

Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary River

Udaypur Wildlife Sanctuary (also spelled Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary) is located on an oxbow lake in the floodplain of the Gandaki River. An oxbow lake is a U-shaped body of water that forms when a meander of a river gets cut off and isolated from the main channel.

In this case, the sanctuary is predominantly a wetland habitat, situated on the banks of the Gandaki River, which has created an oxbow lake where the sanctuary is now located. The Gandaki River is one of the major rivers in India and is an important water source for the region.

Being situated near the Gandaki River, the Udaypur Wildlife Sanctuary provides a valuable habitat for various water birds and wildlife species. The river likely plays a crucial role in providing water and supporting the ecosystem within the sanctuary.

Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

The Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse flora that thrives in its wetland and forest habitats. The sanctuary's flora includes the following:

(1) Swamp Forests:

The sanctuary features swamp forests, which are characterized by waterlogged conditions and support vegetation adapted to such environments. These forests may include species like reeds, sedges, cattails, and other plants that can thrive in marshy areas.

(2) Dry Riverine Forests:

Dry riverine forests are found along the banks of rivers and are influenced by periodic flooding and drying cycles. Trees and shrubs adapted to these conditions are often present, which may include species like acacia, teak, neem, and other drought-resistant plants.

(3) Khair-Sissoo Forest:

The sanctuary also includes areas with khair-sissoo forests. Khair (Acacia catechu) and sissoo (Dalbergia sissoo) are two tree species commonly found in these forests, and they contribute to the biodiversity and ecological balance of the area.

(4) Wetland Vegetation:

Given the predominantly wetland nature of the sanctuary, various aquatic plants and vegetation are likely to be present, including water lilies, lotus, water hyacinth, and other species that thrive in the water-rich environment.

(5) Riparian Vegetation:

Riparian vegetation occurs along the banks of water bodies and may consist of a mix of trees, shrubs, and grasses that provide a transition zone between the water and the adjacent land.

Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

Which animals are found in Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary?

The Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna due to its varied habitat types, including wetlands, oxbow lakes, swamp forests, and dry riverine forests. Some of the notable fauna found in the sanctuary are:

Mammals:

• Deer species (e.g., spotted deer, sambar deer)
• Wild boar
• Indian civets
• Rodents (e.g., rats, mice)
• Small carnivores (e.g., mongoose, fox)
• Bats

Birds:

• Ducks
• Geese
• Herons and egrets
• Storks
• Kingfishers
• Cormorants
• Cranes
• Painted storks
• Open-billed storks
• Pheasants

Reptiles:

• Indian Cobra
• Common Krait
• Rat Snake
• Monitor Lizards

Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary located in which state?

A. The Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary, also spelled as Udaypur Wildlife Sanctuary, is located in the state of Bihar, India. Specifically, it is situated in the West Champaran district of Bihar. This sanctuary was established in 1978 and covers an area of 8.74 square kilometers (km²). The sanctuary is predominantly a wetland and is situated on an oxbow lake in the floodplain of the Gandaki River.

Q. What is the Udaypur Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?

A. The Udaypur Wildlife Sanctuary, also spelled as Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary, is famous for its wetland habitat and its significance as a critical sanctuary for various water bird species. Some of the key reasons for its fame include:

(i) Wetland Ecosystem: The sanctuary is predominantly a wetland, situated on an oxbow lake in the floodplain of the Gandaki River. Wetlands are ecologically important areas that support a high level of biodiversity and are vital for various aquatic and avian species.

(ii) Bird Watching: Udaypur Wildlife Sanctuary is well-known among birdwatchers and ornithologists as it attracts a wide variety of water birds, both resident and migratory. During the migratory season, the sanctuary becomes a temporary home to numerous bird species that travel long distances to escape harsh winters in their native regions.

(iii) Waterfowl Habitat: The sanctuary provides a crucial habitat for various waterfowl species, including ducks, geese, herons, egrets, storks, and kingfishers, among others. The abundance of water bodies and wetland vegetation offers an ideal environment for these water-dependent birds.

(iv) Ecological Importance: Wetlands play a vital role in water purification, flood control, and maintaining the ecological balance of the surrounding areas. Udaypur Wildlife Sanctuary's wetland ecosystem contributes to the overall ecological health of the region.