Balukhand Konark Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
The Balukhand Konark Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the Indian state of Odisha. The primary purpose of the sanctuary is to conserve the unique coastal ecosystem and biodiversity of the region. It encompasses a variety of habitats, including coastal dunes, forests, wetlands, and grasslands.
The sanctuary is home to a diverse range of plant species, including cashew, casuarina, eucalyptus, and various types of coastal vegetation. The vegetation plays a crucial role in stabilizing the sand dunes and protecting the coastal ecosystem.
While not a large wildlife sanctuary, it is home to several species of animals and various migratory and resident bird species. Birdwatching is a popular activity in the area, especially during the winter months when migratory birds visit.
The best time to visit the Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary is during the months of November to February when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are more likely.
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Balukhand Konark Wildlife Sanctuary Location
The Balukhand Konark Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Puri district of Odisha, India. It is situated along the Bay of Bengal coast, between the towns of Puri and Konark.
Puri and Konark are both well-known tourist destinations in Odisha, and the wildlife sanctuary lies conveniently between these two towns.
This location along the eastern coast of India offers visitors the opportunity to explore the coastal dunes, sandy beaches, groves of Casuarina trees, and other natural features of the region while enjoying the sanctuary's biodiversity and scenic beauty.
Balukhand Konark Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to the Balukhand Konark Wildlife Sanctuary is Bhubaneswar Airport (Biju Patnaik International Airport), which is located approximately 60 kilometers away from the sanctuary. Bhubaneswar Airport is the primary airport serving the state of Odisha and is well-connected to major cities in India.
Balukhand Konark Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to the Balukhand Konark Wildlife Sanctuary is Puri Railway Station, which is located in the town of Puri. Puri is a popular tourist destination in Odisha and is well-connected to various parts of the country by train. From Puri Railway Station, you can easily reach the sanctuary by road, as it is not far from Puri.
Balukhand Konark Wildlife Sanctuary History
The Balukhand Konark Wildlife Sanctuary has a relatively short history as a designated wildlife sanctuary. Here's a brief overview of its history:
Establishment as a Sanctuary: The Balukhand Konark Wildlife Sanctuary was officially designated as a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1984. This designation was made to protect and conserve the unique coastal ecosystem and biodiversity of the region, which includes sandy beaches, coastal dunes, groves of Casuarina trees, and other habitats.
Conservation Focus: One of the key conservation efforts in the sanctuary is the protection of Olive Ridley sea turtles, which nest on the nearby beaches. These turtles are known for their mass nesting events, locally referred to as "arribada." Conservation efforts are in place to safeguard the nesting sites and the turtle populations.
Balukhand Konark Wildlife Sanctuary Area
The Balukhand Konark Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 71.71 square kilometers. Within its boundaries, the sanctuary encompasses various habitats, including sandy beaches, coastal dunes, groves of Casuarina trees, cashew plantations, and lush green mangrove forests.
The diverse ecosystems within this area support a range of flora and fauna, making it an important protected area for wildlife conservation and ecological tourism.
Balukhand Konark Wildlife Sanctuary River
The Balukhand Konark Wildlife Sanctuary is intersected by several rivers and rivulets, which enhance the overall biodiversity and ecological significance of the sanctuary. Some of the rivers and water bodies that flow through or are adjacent to the sanctuary include:
(1) Kusabhadra River:
This river flows through the sanctuary, contributing to the nourishing habitat of the region. It is one of the important water bodies in the sanctuary's ecosystem.
(2) Nuanai River:
The Nuanai River also flows through the sanctuary, providing water and supporting the diverse flora and fauna in the area.
(3) Prachi River:
The Prachi River is another significant river in the region.
(4) Kadua River:
The Kadua River is another water body that can be found in the vicinity of the Balukhand Konark Wildlife Sanctuary.
Balukhand Konark Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
The Balukhand Konark Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of flora, including both native and introduced species. Here are some of the prominent flora found within the sanctuary:
Casuarina Trees: Introduced in the early 20th century (1916-17), groves of Casuarina trees are a prominent feature of the sanctuary. These trees were planted to stabilize the coastal dunes and protect the ecosystem from erosion.
Cashew Trees: The sanctuary also features cashew plantations, where cashew trees are cultivated. Cashew nuts are commercially valuable and are an important part of the local economy.
Mangrove Species: The sanctuary contains lush green mangrove forests, and various mangrove species are an essential component of the coastal ecosystem. Mangroves play a critical role in protecting the coastline, providing habitat for wildlife, and acting as a buffer against tidal surges and storms.
Tamarind Trees: Tamarind trees are another notable species found in the sanctuary. The tamarind fruit is widely used in Indian cuisine and has various culinary and medicinal uses.
Karanja Trees: Karanja trees are found in the sanctuary. They are known for their oil-rich seeds, which have traditional medicinal uses.
Neem Trees: Neem trees are well-known for their medicinal properties, and they are also found in the sanctuary.
Acacia Species: Various species of acacia trees may be present in the area.
Eucalyptus Trees: Eucalyptus trees are known for their fast growth and are often cultivated for timber and paper production.
Balukhand Konark Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Balukhand Konark Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
The Balukhand Konark Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna, including various mammals, birds, reptiles, and marine life. Here are some of the notable species of fauna found in the sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Blackbuck
- Spotted Deer
- Striped Hyaena
- Jungle Cat
Birds:
- Brahminy Kites
- Oriental Turtle Dove
Reptiles:
- Olive Ridley Sea Turtle
- Monitor Lizard
Balukhand Konark Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. Where is Balukhand Konark Wildlife Sanctuary?
A. The Balukhand Konark Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Indian state of Odisha, along the eastern coast of India. Specifically, it is situated between the towns of Puri and Konark, along the Bay of Bengal coast.
Q. Which sanctuary is home to a herd of Blackbuck and Spotted Deer in Odisha?
A. The sanctuary in Odisha that is home to a herd of Blackbuck and Spotted Deer is the Balukhand Konark Wildlife Sanctuary. These two antelope species, Blackbuck and Spotted Deer, are among the notable fauna found in this sanctuary along the Bay of Bengal coast between Puri and Konark.
Q. What is Balukhand Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. The Balukhand Konark Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Indian state of Odisha, is famous for several reasons:
(i) Blackbuck and Spotted Deer: The sanctuary is known for hosting a population of Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) and Spotted Deer (Axis axis). These two species of antelopes are among the prominent fauna found in the sanctuary.
(ii) Olive Ridley Sea Turtles: One of the sanctuary's main attractions is the nesting of Olive Ridley sea turtles on the nearby beaches. These turtles come ashore to lay their eggs, and it's a significant conservation effort to protect their nesting sites.
(iii) Coastal Ecosystem: The sanctuary features diverse coastal ecosystems, including sandy beaches, coastal dunes, groves of Casuarina trees, mangrove forests, and more. This unique environment contributes to the sanctuary's ecological importance.
(iv) Birdwatching: Balukhand Konark Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular destination for birdwatchers due to its varied avian species. It is home to various migratory and resident bird species, making it a birdwatcher's paradise.
(v) Scenic Beauty: The sanctuary offers breathtaking views of the coastline along the Bay of Bengal, with pristine sandy beaches and scenic landscapes that attract nature enthusiasts and photographers.
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