Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Andhra Pradesh, India, is a significant protected area known for its unique ecosystems and diverse wildlife. The sanctuary primarily consists of mangrove forests, tidal creeks, backwaters, mudflats, and a sandpit. Mangroves are the dominant vegetation and play a crucial role in the ecosystem.
It is renowned for its avian diversity and is home to over 120 species of birds, including endangered, vulnerable, and critically endangered species like white-backed vultures, long-billed vultures, painted storks, flamingos, and many others. Birdwatching is a popular activity in the sanctuary.
Coringa is a significant nesting ground for Olive Ridley sea turtles. These turtles come ashore to lay their eggs on the nearby sandpit, and visitors can witness the nesting and hatching of these turtles during the nesting season.
The best time to visit Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is from October to May, during the winter months when the weather is pleasant and birdlife is abundant.
Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is a significant ecological hotspot in India, known for its conservation efforts and its role in protecting coastal biodiversity, particularly its mangrove ecosystems and avian population. It offers a unique opportunity for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers to experience the beauty and diversity of coastal ecosystems.
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Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary Location
Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is located near Kakinada in the East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is approximately 15 kilometers away from Kakinada and can be reached via the Kakinada-Yanam Road.
The sanctuary is situated within the deltaic branches of the Gouthami and Godavari Rivers at Kakinada Bay in the eastern part of Andhra Pradesh.
Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is Rajahmundry Airport, which is located approximately 60 kilometers away. Rajahmundry Airport is the most convenient airport for travelers planning to visit the sanctuary.
Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is Kakinada Railway Station, which is located in the city of Kakinada itself. It is approximately 20 kilometers away from the sanctuary. Kakinada Railway Station is well-connected to various major cities and towns in India, making it a convenient railway station for those traveling to the sanctuary by train.
Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary History
Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary has a history tied to its establishment and conservation efforts. Here is a brief history of Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary:
Declaration as a Wildlife Sanctuary: Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary was declared as a wildlife sanctuary by the Government of Andhra Pradesh. This declaration was made official through a Government Order (G.O.Ms.No – 484, Forests and Rural Development (For.III) Department) dated 5th July 1978. The primary purpose of this declaration was to conserve the mangrove vegetation of the estuary in the region.
Protection of Mangrove Ecosystem: The sanctuary was established to protect and preserve the unique mangrove ecosystem in the Godavari estuary. Mangrove forests are vital for coastal biodiversity and play a significant role in stabilizing coastlines, providing habitats for various species, and acting as a buffer against coastal erosion and storm surges.
Challenges and Threats: The sanctuary has faced challenges due to human activities, such as habitat destruction, wood harvesting, and overfishing. The proximity to the port town of Kakinada and nearby inhabited villages has posed conservation challenges.
Tourism and Education: Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary has also been promoted for eco-tourism and nature education. Nature study centers have been established to educate local people and visitors about the importance of preserving the fragile ecosystem and its role in the environment.
Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary Area
Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 235.70 square kilometers. This sanctuary encompasses a diverse landscape that includes extensive mangrove forests, backwaters, tidal creeks, mudflats, and a sandpit.
The sanctuary's unique ecosystem supports a variety of plant and animal species and plays a vital role in coastal biodiversity conservation.
Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary River
Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is situated near the confluence of two major rivers, the Godavari River and the Gouthami River. These rivers and their deltaic branches intersect the region, creating a unique habitat within the sanctuary.
The sanctuary is located on the deltaic branches of these rivers at Kakinada Bay in the East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh, India. The presence of these rivers and their influence on the landscape contributes to the sanctuary's rich biodiversity, particularly in the context of the mangrove ecosystem and birdlife.
Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
What is the flora of the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary?
Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse and rich flora, primarily consisting of mangrove vegetation, along with other plant species that are adapted to brackish water and intertidal conditions. Here are some of the common flora found in Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary:
(1) Mangrove Species:
Mangroves are the dominant vegetation in the sanctuary, and they are well-adapted to saline and tidal conditions. Some of the mangrove species found in Coringa include:
- Avicennia officinalis
- Avicennia marina
- Avicennia alba
- Excoecaria agallocha
- Rhizophora mucronata
- Ceriops decandra
- Bruguiera gymnorhiza
- Lumnitzera recemosa
- Sonneratia apetala
- Rhizophora conjugata
- Aegiceras corniculatum
- Thespesia populneoides
- Hibiscus tiliaceus
(2) Shrubs:
Besides mangroves, there are various shrub species present in the sanctuary, including:
- Dalbergia spinosa
- Derris trifoliata
- Acanthus ilicifolius
(3) Herbs:
Some herbaceous plants found in the sanctuary include:
- Sesuvium portulacastrum
- Suaeda maritima
- Suaeda monoica
- Salicornia brachiatta
(4) Grasses:
Certain grass species are also found in the sanctuary:
- Aeluropus lagopoides
- Porteresia coarctate
- Myriostachya wightiana
The mangrove ecosystems in Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary are of particular ecological importance. These plants have adapted to thrive in saline and brackish water conditions, forming a unique and productive ecosystem.
Mangroves provide habitat for various marine and terrestrial species, help protect coastlines from erosion, and serve as important breeding and feeding grounds for a wide range of wildlife, including birds, fish, and crustaceans.
Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
What is the fauna of the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary?/What animals are there in Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary?
Mammals:
- Jackal
- Fishing Cat
- Smooth-coated Otter
Birds:
- White-backed Vulture
- Long-billed Vulture
- Painted Stork
- Oriental White Ibis
- Ferruginous Pochard
- Spot-billed Pelican
- Little Egret
- Cattle Egret
- Pied Kingfisher
- Small Blue Kingfisher
- Black-capped Kingfisher
- Pond Heron
- Reef Heron
- Grey Heron
- Night Heron
- Little Stint
- Red-wattled Lapwing
- Crow Pheasant (Greater coucal)
- Purple Heron
- Brahminy Kite
- Open-billed Stork
- Little Cormorant
Reptiles:
- Olive Ridley Sea Turtle
Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. Where is Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary?
A. Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is located near Kakinada in the East Godavari District of the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is situated on the deltaic branches of the Godavari and Gouthami rivers at Kakinada Bay. The sanctuary is in the eastern part of Andhra Pradesh along the coastline of the Bay of Bengal. Kakinada is the nearest major city to the sanctuary, and it's approximately 15 kilometers away from Kakinada.
Q. Who declared Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary?
A. Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary was declared as a wildlife sanctuary by the Government of Andhra Pradesh in India. This declaration was made official through a Government Order (G.O.Ms.No – 484, Forests and Rural Development (For.III) Department) dated July 5, 1978. The primary purpose of this declaration was to conserve the mangrove vegetation of the estuary in the Coringa region and protect the unique biodiversity of the area.
Q. What is the best time to visit Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary?
Q. How to reach Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary?
A. Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is located near Kakinada in the East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is accessible by various modes of transportation. Here's how to reach Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary:
(i) By Air:
The nearest airport to Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is Rajahmundry Airport, which is approximately 60 kilometers away. You can book a flight to Rajahmundry Airport and then proceed to the sanctuary by road.
(ii) By Rail:
The nearest railway station to Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is Kakinada Railway Station, which is located in the city of Kakinada itself. It is approximately 20 kilometers away from the sanctuary. You can reach Kakinada by train from various major cities and towns in India and then continue your journey to the sanctuary by road.
(ii) By Road:
If you're traveling by road from Kakinada, you can take the Kakinada-Yanam Road (National Highway 216) to reach the sanctuary. The sanctuary is located about 15 kilometers from Kakinada.
Q. What is the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for several reasons:
1. Mangrove Forests: The sanctuary is renowned for its extensive mangrove forests, which make up a significant portion of its landscape. These mangroves are salt-tolerant and unique ecosystems that support a wide range of wildlife.
2. Avian Diversity: Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for birdwatchers. It is home to over 120 species of birds, including several endangered and vulnerable species. Bird enthusiasts flock to the sanctuary to witness the diverse avian population, which includes white-backed vultures, long-billed vultures, painted storks, flamingos, and many more.
3. Olive Ridley Sea Turtles: The sanctuary is a crucial nesting ground for Olive Ridley sea turtles. These turtles come ashore to lay their eggs on the nearby sandpit, and visitors can witness the nesting and hatching of these turtles during the nesting season.
4. Biodiversity Conservation: Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary plays a vital role in conserving coastal biodiversity. Its mangrove forests provide habitat and breeding grounds for various species, contributing to the overall ecological health of the region.
5. Scenic Beauty: The sanctuary's unique landscape, with its tidal creeks, backwaters, and lush greenery, offers visitors a serene and picturesque environment for nature lovers and photographers.
6. Tourism and Eco-tourism: The sanctuary also promotes eco-tourism, offering visitors the chance to explore and appreciate the natural beauty and wildlife while adhering to sustainable tourism practices.
Overall, Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its biodiversity, especially its birdlife and mangrove ecosystems, and it stands as an important conservation area in India.
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