Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary

Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary UPSC

The Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary, also known as Kayal-r Bagan, is a protected area located in West Bengal, India. It is named after the famous ornithologist Chintamani Kar, who was instrumental in its establishment. 

The primary purpose of the Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary is the conservation of various avian species and their natural habitats. It provides a safe haven for numerous bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

The sanctuary's proximity to Kolkata and its accessibility by road and rail make it a convenient destination for both locals and tourists interested in exploring the natural world and observing various bird species.

The best time to visit is during the winter season (October to March) when many migratory birds arrive at the sanctuary. The local authorities have taken steps to preserve the area's ecological balance and maintain it as a suitable habitat for avian species.

Table of Contents Location History Area Flora Fauna UPSC Questions

Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary Location

The Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary is located in the southern part of Kolkata, in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, India. Specifically, it is near Narendrapur Ramkrishna Mission and is easily accessible from the city center of Kolkata. 

The sanctuary is situated around 15 kilometers from Sealdah, which is a major railway station in Kolkata, and it is also well-connected by road to areas like Garia and the EM Bypass.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary is the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, which is located in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. This airport is the primary international gateway to the city of Kolkata and the surrounding region.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary is Sealdah Railway Station, which is a major railway station in Kolkata. Sealdah is well-connected to various parts of Kolkata and serves as a transportation hub for both local and long-distance train services.

Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary History

The Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary has an interesting history. Here's a brief overview of its history:

1. Mango Garden: Originally, the area that is now the Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary was a large mango garden with substantial mango trees. It was a private property and was primarily known for its mango orchards.

2. Sanctuary Status: In 1982, the government of West Bengal officially granted sanctuary status to this area, recognizing its ecological significance as a habitat for various bird species and wildlife. This designation marked the beginning of its transformation into a protected area.

3. Public Access: Before becoming a sanctuary, it was not accessible to the public. However, after receiving sanctuary status, the government took steps to open it to the public, allowing nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and researchers to visit and appreciate its natural beauty.

4. Acquisition: In October 2005, the government acquired the land from private owners. This acquisition ensured better management and conservation of the area's biodiversity.

5. Renaming: On September 8, 2004, it was initially named Narendrapur Wildlife Sanctuary, referencing the nearby town of Narendrapur. However, on October 21, 2005, it was renamed the Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary in honor of the celebrated sculptor Chintamani Kar. Chintamani Kar had played a pivotal role in advocating for the sanctuary's status as a protected wildlife area, and this renaming served as a tribute to his efforts.

Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary Area

The Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary covers a relatively small area. It spans approximately 17 acres or roughly 0.07 square kilometers. 

Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary Flora

The Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary is known for its diverse flora, which includes a variety of plant species. Here are some of the notable flora you can find in the sanctuary:

Mango Trees: The sanctuary was originally a mango garden, and it still features massive mango trees. These trees provide shade and habitat for various bird species.

Jackfruit Trees: Alongside mango trees, jackfruit trees are also prominent in the sanctuary. Jackfruit trees are known for their large, sweet fruit.

Coconut Palms: Coconut palms are another common tree species in the sanctuary, adding to the tropical character of the area.

Tamarind Trees: Tamarind trees with their tangy fruit are also part of the sanctuary's vegetation.

Guava Trees: Guava trees provide a food source for both birds and other wildlife.

Dumur Trees (Fig Trees): Fig trees, known locally as "Dumur" trees, contribute to the diverse plant life in the sanctuary.

Safeda (Eucalyptus): Eucalyptus trees, often called "Safeda," are known for their aromatic leaves and are found in the sanctuary.

Chatun (Rain Tree): Rain trees, referred to as "Chatun," are known for their wide canopies, providing shelter for birds and other animals.

Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary Fauna (Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary Animals)

The Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary is primarily known for its avian fauna, but it also hosts a variety of other wildlife. Here are some of the notable fauna that can be found in the sanctuary:

Mammals:

• Jungle Cat
• Civet Cat
• Jackal

Birds:

• Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker
• Rufous Woodpecker
• Streak-throated Woodpecker
• Blackrumped Flameback
• Greater Flameback
• Lineated Barbet
• Blue-throated
• Hoopoe
• Common Kingfisher
• Stork-billed Kingfisher
• White-breasted Kingfisher
• Small Green Bee-eater
• Asian Koel
• Brown Fish Owl
• Shikra
• Indian Pond Heron
• Cattle Egret
• Scaly-breasted Munia
• Little Egret
• Little Cormorant
• White Wagtail
• House Crow
• Large-billed Crow
• Rufous Treepie
• White-throated Kingfisher
• Stork-billed Kingfisher
• Spotted Dove
• Indian Paradise Flycatcher
• Oriental Magpie-Robin
• Olive-backed Sunbird
• Black-hooded Oriole
• Cinereous Tit
• Chestnut-tailed Starling
• Red-vented Bulbul
• Oriental White-eye
• White-throated Fantail

Reptiles:

• Water Monitor Lizard

Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. In which district is Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary situated?

A. The Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary is situated in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, India. South 24 Parganas is one of the districts in the state of West Bengal, and the sanctuary is located in the southern part of Kolkata, which falls within this district.

Q. Which metro station is near to Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary?

A. The nearest metro station to Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary is the Kavi Subhash Metro Station, also known as New Garia Metro Station. It's part of the Kolkata Metro's Line 1 (North-South Line). From Kavi Subhash Metro Station, you can access various modes of transportation, including buses and auto-rickshaws, to reach the sanctuary, which is located in the southern part of Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

Q. What is the biodiversity of Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary?

A. The Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity, particularly in terms of birdlife, butterflies, ferns, orchids, and other plant species. Here's an overview of its biodiversity:

(i) Birds: The sanctuary is primarily recognized for its diverse avian fauna. It is home to a wide variety of bird species, both resident and migratory. Common birds in the sanctuary include herons, egrets, kingfishers, cormorants, ducks, woodpeckers, barbets, bee-eaters, and many more. Migratory birds also visit the sanctuary during the winter months, enhancing the bird diversity.

(ii) Butterflies: The sanctuary hosts numerous butterfly species, adding to its ecological richness. Butterflies are attracted to the diverse flora and are a delight for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

(iii) Flora: The sanctuary features various tree species, including mango, jackfruit, coconut palm, tamarind, guava, fig, and eucalyptus. These trees provide habitat and sustenance for birds and other wildlife.

(iv) Ferns and Orchids: The sanctuary is known for its ferns and orchids, contributing to its botanical diversity. These plants are often found in the damp and shaded areas of the sanctuary.

(v) Other Wildlife: While birds are the primary focus, the sanctuary also supports a small population of mammals such as Jungle Cats, Civet Cats, and Jackals. Reptiles like the Water Monitor Lizard are also present.

(vi) Insects: In addition to butterflies, various insect species are part of the sanctuary's ecosystem, contributing to its overall biodiversity.