Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

The Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is bounded roughly by the Wainganga river and the Gose Khurd Dam on the northeast.

This sanctuary has a connection with Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve through the forest along Wainganga river, contributing to a larger conservation corridor for these majestic predators.

The sanctuary is known for its diverse flora and fauna and is home to a variety of wildlife species, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, Indian gaur (bison), sambar deer, spotted deer, and a rich avian population. It's a crucial habitat for many endangered and vulnerable species.

Visitors to the Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary can enjoy wildlife safaris and bird-watching activities. The sanctuary has gained popularity among nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers due to its relatively accessible location and the chance to spot iconic Indian wildlife species.

Table of Contents

Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary Location
Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary History
Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary Area
Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary River
Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna

Mammals
Birds
Reptile

Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary Location

The Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Pauni Tahsil of Bhandara district and Umred, Kuhi and Bhivapur Taluka of Nagpur district, Maharashtra, India. It is situated in the central part of India. The sanctuary is approximately 60 kilometers away from Nagpur city.

Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary is Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, which is located in Nagpur. This airport serves as the primary gateway to the region and is approximately 60 kilometers away from the sanctuary. From the airport, you can travel by road to reach the sanctuary.

Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary is the Nagpur Junction Railway Station. Nagpur Junction is a major railway station in the area and is well-connected to various cities and towns across India. It is located approximately 60 kilometers away from the sanctuary. From Nagpur Junction, you can take a taxi or other modes of transportation to reach the sanctuary.

Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary History

The history of Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary is relatively recent, as it was officially declared a wildlife sanctuary in 2012. Here's a brief overview of its history:

Background and Local Ecology: Before being designated as a wildlife sanctuary, the area around Umred and Karhandla was known for its diverse ecosystem and wildlife. It was part of the larger landscape that included the Pench Tiger Reserve and Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, both of which are renowned for their tiger populations.

Formation of the Sanctuary: The sanctuary was officially established in 2012 to protect the unique biodiversity of the region. This move was aimed at safeguarding the habitat of various wildlife species, especially the tiger and other endangered animals.

Tourism and Visitor Activities: With its proximity to Nagpur and its accessibility, Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary quickly gained popularity among nature enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, and tourists. The sanctuary started offering wildlife safaris, bird-watching opportunities, and educational programs to raise awareness about conservation.

Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary Area

Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 189 square kilometers. This area includes a variety of habitats, such as dry and moist deciduous forests, grasslands, and water bodies, which provide a diverse range of ecosystems for the wildlife residing within the sanctuary.

Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary River

The Wainganga River and the Gose Khurd Dam form the northeastern boundary of the sanctuary. These natural features play a crucial role in defining the sanctuary's limits and providing habitat for wildlife in the region.

The Wainganga River is a major river in central India, and its presence near the sanctuary likely contributes to the diversity of habitats and the availability of water resources for the wildlife within the sanctuary. The Gose Khurd Dam, which is situated in the vicinity, can also impact the local hydrology and the overall ecology of the sanctuary.

The combination of the river, dam, and the surrounding landscape can create a variety of habitats that support different plant and animal species, making the Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary a significant area for biodiversity conservation.

Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

The Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora that thrive in its various ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, wetlands, and riverbanks. Here are some of the notable types of flora you might find within the sanctuary:

Teak
Saja
Bijiayasal
Lendia
Haldu
Dhaora
Salai
Aonla
Amaltas
Bamboo
Mahua

Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

The Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse array of wildlife species, making it a valuable conservation area. Here are some of the notable fauna you might find within the sanctuary:

Mammals:

Tiger
Indian Leopard
Gaur
Bluebull
Spotted Deer
Sambar
Barking Deer
Wild Boar
Sloth Bear
Wild Dog

Birds:

Indian Peafowl
Indian Grey Hornbill
Vultures (Various Species)
Raptors (Eagles, Hawks, Kites, etc.)
Owls (Various Species)
Woodpeckers (Various Species)
Kingfishers
Bee-Eaters
Flycatchers (Various Species)
Sunbirds
Babblers

Reptiles:

Indian Cobra
Russell’s Viper
Indian Rock Python
Indian Rat Snake
Checkered Keelback
Monitor Lizard