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Thursday, September 21, 2023

Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary

Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Indian state of West Bengal. The sanctuary is named after the nearby town of Bethuadahari. It falls within the Central Gangetic alluvial ecozone.


Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its population of Spotted deer, with 297 deer recorded in the 1995 census. It is also home to a variety of other wildlife species, including monitor lizards, gharials, pythons, jungle cats, porcupines, snakes, and various bird species. A small lake within the sanctuary provides shelter for tortoises and herons.


The forested areas in the sanctuary consist of mixed deciduous and swampy vegetation, providing a suitable habitat for these animals.


The best time to visit Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary is from October to March.


Table of Contents

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


Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary Location

Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Nadia district of the Indian state of West Bengal. It is situated in the Central Gangetic alluvial ecozone. 


The sanctuary is easily accessible by road from Krishna Nagar and is not far from the city of Kolkata.


Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, which is located in Kolkata, West Bengal. It is approximately 155 kilometers away from the sanctuary.


Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary is Krishna Nagar Railway Station.




Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary History

Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary has a relatively short history, and its establishment is aimed at conserving the local biodiversity. Here is a brief overview of the history of Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary:


Establishment: Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary was officially established in the year 1980. It was created to protect and preserve the unique flora and fauna of the region, particularly its avian and deer populations.


Conservation Efforts: The sanctuary was established primarily to conserve the Spotted deer population, and it has played a crucial role in safeguarding this species. Over the years, additional efforts have been made to protect and conserve the diverse wildlife found in the sanctuary.


Gharial Rehabilitation Center: The sanctuary is notable for hosting a Gharial Rehabilitation Center, where efforts are made to rehabilitate and conserve Indian Gharials (Indian Alligators). This center provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about and observe these critically endangered reptiles.




Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary Area

Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 0.67 square kilometers (67 hectares). This relatively small sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife species and serves as an important conservation area, particularly for Spotted deer and various bird species.




Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary is characterized by a variety of flora typical of the Central Gangetic alluvial ecozone. While the specific plant species and composition can vary, here are some of the notable flora found in the sanctuary:


  • Aegle marmelos (Bael)
  • Acacia nilotica (Babla)
  • Albizzia lebbek (Kala Siris)
  • Artocarpus integrifolia (Kathal)
  • Azadirachta indica (Neem)
  • Bambusa species (Bans)
  • Dalbergia sisoo (Sissoo)
  • Emblica officinalis (Amloki)
  • Gmelina arborea (Gamar)
  • Holarrhena antidysentrica (Kurchi)
  • Lannea indica (Jeol)
  • Leucaena leucocephala (Subabul)
  • Shorea robusta (Sal)
  • Terminalia arjuna (Arjun)




Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

What animals are in the Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary?

Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife species. Here is a list of some of the notable fauna found in Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary:


Mammals:

  • Spotted Deer (Chital)
  • Jackal
  • Fox
  • Porcupine
  • Grey Langur


Birds:

  • Indian Cuckoo
  • Parakeets
  • Barbets


Reptiles:

  • Python
  • Monitor Lizard
  • Gharial
  • Various Snakes




Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. In which district is Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary located?

A. Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Nadia district of the Indian state of West Bengal.



Q. What is Bethuadahari  Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?

A. Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for several reasons:


(i) Spotted Deer Population: One of its primary claims to fame is its population of Spotted deer (Axis axis). The sanctuary was established in part to protect and conserve this deer species, and it is one of the key attractions for wildlife enthusiasts.


(ii) Birdwatching: Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for its avian diversity. Birdwatchers and ornithologists visit the sanctuary to observe a wide variety of bird species, including migratory birds that visit during the winter months. The sanctuary provides an excellent opportunity for birdwatching.


(iii) Gharial Rehabilitation Center: The sanctuary is home to a Gharial Rehabilitation Center. Gharials, or Indian Gavials, are critically endangered crocodilian reptiles. The center focuses on the conservation and rehabilitation of these reptiles, and visitors can observe them at the center.


(iv) Diverse Flora and Fauna: While it is known for Spotted deer and birds, the sanctuary also hosts a variety of other wildlife species, including jackals, foxes, porcupines, grey langurs, pythons, monitor lizards, and various snakes. The flora in the sanctuary includes a range of plant species native to the region.


(v) Nature Trails and Wildlife Observation: Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary features nature trails and watchtowers, which provide visitors with opportunities to explore the sanctuary's natural beauty and observe its diverse flora and fauna in their natural habitat.

Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary

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