Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the northeastern part of India, specifically in the state of Assam. It is known for its rich biodiversity and is primarily a haven for various species of flora and fauna.
The sanctuary is famous for being the second protected habitat for the golden langur, a critically endangered primate species. It provides a safe haven for these langurs.
The sanctuary is a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 200 species of birds, including some that are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List. Notable bird species include black francolin, jungle bush quail, and greater spotted eagle.
The sanctuary's habitat is categorized as semi-evergreen forest, and it falls within the Eastern Himalayan biogeographic zone. The sanctuary features different types of forests, including sal coppice regeneration in lower hilly areas and mixed deciduous forests in middle and upper reaches.
The sanctuary is open throughout the year, except during the monsoon season (June-July).
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Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary Location
Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the northeastern state of Assam, India. Specifically, it is spread over two districts in Lower Assam – Dhubri and Kokrajhar.
The sanctuary is approximately 6 kilometers from Kokrajhar town, 68 kilometers from Dhubri town.
Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary is the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, which is located in Guwahati, Assam. This airport is approximately 219 kilometers away from the sanctuary.
Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary is in Kokrajhar, a town located in the Kokrajhar district of Assam. Kokrajhar Railway Station serves as the primary railhead for those traveling to the sanctuary by train. It is advisable to check the train schedules and availability of trains to Kokrajhar from your location for a convenient journey to the sanctuary.
Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary History
The Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary has a history of conservation efforts and recognition that led to its establishment as a protected area. Here is a brief overview of the history of Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary:
Reserve Forest Declaration: Chakrashila Hill was initially declared a reserve forest in 1966. This marked the beginning of efforts to protect the natural habitat and biodiversity of the area.
Recognition as a Wildlife Sanctuary: On 14 July 1994, the Government of Assam officially recognized Chakrashila Hill as a wildlife sanctuary. This recognition was a significant step in formalizing its status as a protected area.
Role of Nature's Beckon: The local environmental activist group known as "Nature's Beckon" played a crucial role in advocating for the recognition and protection of Chakrashila as a wildlife sanctuary. Their efforts, along with those of other conservationists and local communities, contributed to the sanctuary's establishment.
Conservation of Golden Langur: Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary is particularly renowned for its role in conserving the golden langur, a critically endangered primate species. It is the second protected habitat for golden langurs in India, and the sanctuary has been instrumental in safeguarding their population.
Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary Area
The Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 45.57 square kilometers (4557 hectares). This sanctuary encompasses a range of habitats, including hilly terrain, lakes, and diverse forests. The sanctuary's diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity make it a significant natural asset and a destination for ecotourism and wildlife enthusiasts.
Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary Lake
Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary is home to two lakes within its boundaries, which are an integral part of its ecosystem. These lakes are:
(1) Dheer Beel:
Dheer Beel is one of the lakes located within Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary. These lakes play an important role in supporting the sanctuary's biodiversity by providing water sources for the resident wildlife and contributing to the overall ecological balance.
(2) Diplai Beel:
Diplai Beel is another lake found in the sanctuary. Like Dheer Beel, it serves as a critical component of the sanctuary's ecosystem, offering habitat for various aquatic species and providing a source of water for the surrounding flora and fauna.
Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse flora, encompassing various types of vegetation due to its geographical location and varied terrain. Some of the notable flora found in the sanctuary include:
Sal Trees (Shorea robusta): The lower hilly reaches of the sanctuary are covered with sal coppice regeneration. Sal trees are dominant in this region and are an important source of timber and other forest products.
Mixed Deciduous Forests: The middle and upper reaches of the sanctuary are characterized by mixed deciduous forests. These forests comprise a variety of tree species, including teak, mahogany, bamboo, and others.
Semul (Bombax ceiba): Semul trees, also known as the cotton tree or silk cotton tree, are found in the sanctuary. They produce striking red flowers and are a valuable part of the local flora.
Terminalia Species: Various species of Terminalia trees can be found in Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary. Terminalia is a genus of trees commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions.
Kadam (Neolamarckia cadamba): Kadam trees are known for their fragrant flowers and are often found in the sanctuary's forests.
Cedrela Toona: Also known as Indian cedar or toon tree, Cedrela toona is another tree species present in the sanctuary.
Grasslands: In addition to forests, the sanctuary may have areas of grasslands, which are essential for various herbivorous wildlife species.
Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
What animals are in Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary?
Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for its diverse fauna, which includes a wide range of mammals, birds, reptiles, and other wildlife species. Here are some of the notable fauna found in the sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Golden Langur
- Leopard
- Leopard Cat
- Bengal Fox
- Chinese Pangolin
- Asiatic Jackal
- Indian Pipistrelle
- Indian Flying Fox
- Short-tailed Mole
- Rhesus Macaque
Birds:
- Open Billed Stork
- Greater Adjutant Stork
- Little Egret
- Shrikes
- Pond Heron
- Drongo
- Darter
Reptiles:
- Snakes
- Lizards
Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. The Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS) is located in which state?
A. The Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS) is located in the northeastern state of Assam, India.
Q. When was Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary established?
A. Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary was officially recognized and established as a wildlife sanctuary on July 14, 1994, by the Government of Assam, India.
Q. Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for?
A. Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for several reasons:
(i) Golden Langur: It is renowned as the second protected habitat for the critically endangered golden langur (Trachypithecus geei), a primate species that is endemic to the region. The sanctuary plays a crucial role in the conservation of this rare and unique primate.
(ii) Biodiversity: Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity, encompassing a variety of wildlife species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and butterflies.
(iii) Birdlife: The sanctuary is home to over 200 species of birds, some of which are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List. It is a popular destination for birdwatchers.
(iv) Scenic Beauty: The sanctuary's hilly terrain, lakes, and diverse forests make it a visually stunning and serene natural environment, attracting nature enthusiasts and photographers.
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