Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the Indian state of Odisha. It is one of the few sanctuaries in Odisha that supports both terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity. The Hirakud reservoir on the east and north boundaries of the sanctuary attracts migratory waterfowl during the winter months.
Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is characterized by a variety of vegetation types, including dry deciduous forests, mixed forests, and grasslands. The sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to numerous wildlife species.
Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is important for the conservation of wildlife in the region. Efforts are made to protect and preserve the natural habitat and the various species that inhabit it. The sanctuary is managed by the Odisha Forest Department.
The best time to visit the sanctuary is from November to March, which coincides with the cooler and drier months of the year.
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Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary Location
The Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Bargarh district of the Indian state of Odisha. It is situated near the city of Sambalpur and is in close proximity to the Hirakud Dam. The sanctuary is bounded on the east and north by the Hirakud reservoir.
This geographical location makes it a unique sanctuary that supports both terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity.
Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is the Veer Surendra Sai Airport (formerly known as Jharsuguda Airport), which is located in Jharsuguda, Odisha. This airport is approximately 100 kilometers away from the sanctuary, and it serves as the closest air transport option for visitors traveling by air.
Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is Sambalpur Railway Station. Sambalpur is a major city in Odisha and serves as a transportation hub for the region. The sanctuary is about 40 kilometers away from Sambalpur, and you can reach it by road from the railway station. Sambalpur Junction is well-connected to various major cities in India by train.
Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary History
The Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary has a history that revolves around its establishment as a protected area and its ongoing efforts in wildlife conservation. Here is an overview of the history of the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary:
Establishment: The Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary was officially established on February 8, 1985. It was designated as a wildlife sanctuary to conserve the region's rich biodiversity, including its diverse flora and fauna.
Eco-sensitive Zone: The Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary has been designated as an Eco-sensitive Zone. This designation is aimed at protecting the ecological and environmental integrity of the area by regulating and restricting certain industrial activities within its proximity.
Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary Area
The Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary covers a total area of approximately 346.91 square kilometers. The sanctuary's extensive size allows it to support a wide range of wildlife species and various types of vegetation, including dry deciduous forests, mixed forests, and grasslands.
Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary River/Lake
The Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha, India, is located near the Hirakud Dam, and it is bounded by the Hirakud reservoir on its east and north sides. While it may not have a major river flowing directly through it, the sanctuary's proximity to the Hirakud reservoir is a significant hydrological feature.
The Hirakud reservoir is formed by the Hirakud Dam, which is one of the longest earthen dams in the world and spans the Mahanadi River. The reservoir, which is massive in size, stores water from the Mahanadi River and its tributaries. It has a significant impact on the water supply, irrigation, and agriculture in the region.
While the sanctuary itself may not have a river flowing through it, the presence of the Hirakud reservoir and its associated water bodies adds to the ecological diversity and attractiveness of the sanctuary. The reservoir serves as a water source for various wildlife species, and it also attracts migratory waterfowl during the winter months, enhancing the sanctuary's biodiversity.
Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
The Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora, including various types of vegetation that contribute to the sanctuary's rich biodiversity. Here are some of the prominent flora found in the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary:
(1) Deciduous Forests:
The sanctuary features dry deciduous forests, which are characteristic of the region. These forests shed their leaves during the dry season, and their tree species may include:
- Sal (Shorea robusta)
- Teak (Tectona grandis)
- Bija (Pterocarpus marsupium)
- Dhaura (Anogeissus latifolia)
- Amla (Emblica officinalis)
- Bela (Aegle marmelos)
- Jamu (Syzygium cumini)
- Kadamba (Neolamarckia cadamba)
- Kanchan (Bauhinia racemosa)
- Karanja (Pongamia pinnata)
- Kasi (Saccharum spontaneum)
- Kendu (Diospyros melanoxylon)
- Kurum (Acacia caesia)
- Kusum (Schleichera oleosa)
- Mahul (Madhuca longifolia)
- Mango (Mangifera indica)
- Mundi (Strychnos nux-vomica)
- Phasi (Grewia tenax)
- Sidha (Terminalia alata)
- Simul (Bombax ceiba)
(2) Bamboo:
Bamboo species are often found in the sanctuary, contributing to the undergrowth and providing habitat for various wildlife species.
(3) Aquatic Vegetation:
The presence of the Hirakud reservoir and associated wetlands brings aquatic vegetation to the sanctuary, including various types of aquatic plants and grasses.
(4) Grasslands:
The sanctuary also have areas of grasslands that provide grazing grounds for herbivores and attract different bird species.
Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
The Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha, India, is home to a diverse range of fauna, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, insects, and more. Here is a list of some of the prominent fauna found in the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Tiger
- Leopard
- Asian Elephant
- Four-horned Antelope
- Gaur
- Sambar Deer
- Spotted Deer
- Sloth Bear
- Porcupine
- Jackal
- Fox
- Wolf
- Striped Hyaena
- Wild Dog (Dhole)
Birds:
Which birds are found in Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary?
- Yellow-footed Green
- Pigeon
- Indian Grey Hornbill
- Malabar Pied Hornbill
- Indian Peafowl (Peacock)
- Various species of waterfowl
- Eagles and hawks (various species)
- Pied Kingfisher
- Common Kingfisher
- Common Woodpecker
Reptiles:
- Indian Python Cobra
- Monitor Lizard
Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. Where is Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary?/Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary in which district?
A. The Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Bargarh district of the Indian state of Odisha. It is situated near the city of Sambalpur and is known for its diverse flora and fauna, making it an important conservation area in the region.
Q. Which river is Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary on?
A. The Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is not directly situated on a river, but it is bounded by the Hirakud reservoir on its east and north sides. This reservoir is formed by the Hirakud Dam and stores water from the Mahanadi River and its tributaries.
Q. Why is Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary famous?
A. The Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha, India, is famous for several reasons:
(i) Rich Biodiversity: The sanctuary is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife species, including tigers, elephants, leopards, spotted deer, sambar, and many others. Birdwatchers also flock to the sanctuary to observe its rich avian diversity.
(ii) Scenic Beauty: The sanctuary's landscape, which includes hills, forests, and the Hirakud reservoir, offers breathtaking scenic beauty. Visitors are drawn to the lush greenery and picturesque surroundings, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
(iii) Wildlife Conservation: Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary plays a vital role in wildlife conservation efforts in Odisha. It serves as a protected area where various species are conserved and their natural habitats are preserved.
(iv) Eco-sensitive Zone: The sanctuary has been designated as an Eco-sensitive Zone, highlighting its ecological significance. This status helps regulate and protect the environmental integrity of the area by restricting certain industrial activities within its proximity.
(v) Proximity to Hirakud Dam: The sanctuary is situated near the Hirakud Dam, one of the longest earthen dams in the world. The presence of the Hirakud reservoir and its associated wetlands adds to the sanctuary's attractiveness and ecological diversity.
(vi) Unique Topography: The sanctuary's varied topography, which includes hills and forests, provides a dynamic environment for wildlife and offers visitors a chance to explore a range of ecosystems within one location.
(vii) Cultural and Ethnobotanical Significance: Some of the plant species found in the sanctuary have cultural and ethnobotanical value and are used by local communities for various purposes, including traditional medicine.
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