Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the state of Telangana, India. It is known for its rich biodiversity. The sanctuary's diverse flora and fauna make it an attractive destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.
Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary hosts the biennial Sammakka Saralamma Jatara, a significant tribal festival that celebrates the region's cultural heritage. This event adds to the sanctuary's appeal and showcases the close connection between local communities and their environment.
Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary has become a popular ecotourism destination. Visitors can observe wildlife, go on nature treks, and experience the natural beauty of the sanctuary. There are watchtowers and safari options available for wildlife viewing.
The best time to visit Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary is during the winter months, from November to February, when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are more frequent.
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Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary Location
Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Mulugu district of Telangana, India. It is situated near the village of Eturnagaram, which gave the sanctuary its name.
The sanctuary is approximately 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) away from Warangal and about 250 kilometers (about 160 miles) from Hyderabad, the state capital.
It is also near the state borders of Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh, adding to its strategic location in the central part of India. The sanctuary is bisected by the Godavari River, and its landscape includes both plains and hilly areas with streams and springs.
Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, located in Hyderabad, Telangana. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is approximately 250 kilometers (about 155 miles) away from the sanctuary.
Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary is Warangal Railway Station, located in Warangal, Telangana. Warangal Railway Station is approximately 90 kilometers (about 56 miles) away from the sanctuary.
Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary History
Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary has a history that dates back to its establishment as a protected area by the erstwhile Hyderabad Government. Here's a brief history of the sanctuary:
Establishment: The sanctuary's history can be traced back to January 30, 1952, when the Hyderabad Government declared it as a sanctuary. This declaration was made due to the area's rich biodiversity and the need to conserve its unique flora and fauna.
Tribal Development: The sanctuary is known for being an integrated tribal development town, which means that it has programs and initiatives aimed at the development and welfare of the local tribal communities residing in and around the sanctuary. This integrated approach is vital for both conservation efforts and the well-being of the indigenous population.
Cultural Significance: The sanctuary is also significant from a cultural perspective. It hosts the biennial festival of Sammakka Saralamma Jatara, which is a major tribal festival in the region. This cultural event adds to the sanctuary's importance as a place of cultural and ecological significance.
Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary Area
Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 806.15 square kilometers (about 311 square miles). This makes it one of the significant wildlife sanctuaries in the Indian state of Telangana.
The sanctuary's extensive area encompasses a variety of habitats, including tropical dry deciduous forests, open grasslands, hills, plains, and water bodies, which collectively support a diverse range of flora and fauna.
This substantial area provides ample space for wildlife to thrive and contributes to the sanctuary's importance for conservation and biodiversity preservation.
Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary River
Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary is bisected by several rivers and streams, with the most notable one being the Godavari River. The Godavari River passes through the sanctuary, dividing it into two halves. This river serves as a vital water source for the wildlife and vegetation within the sanctuary.
In addition to the Godavari River, another significant water feature in the sanctuary is the Dayyum Vagu River, which also flows through the area. The Dayyum Vagu River adds to the diversity of habitats within the sanctuary and provides water to support the various species of wildlife that inhabit the region.
These rivers and streams play a crucial role in the ecosystem of Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, providing water for drinking, bathing, and other essential activities for the animals and contributing to the overall biodiversity and richness of the sanctuary's environment.
Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse flora, which includes a variety of plant species adapted to the tropical dry deciduous ecosystem. Some of the notable flora found in the sanctuary include:
Teak (Tectona grandis): Teak is one of the dominant tree species in the sanctuary. It is highly valued for its timber and is known for its tall, straight trunks and quality wood.
Indian Rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia): Indian rosewood, also known as Sheesham or Shisham, is another valuable tree species present in the sanctuary, known for its hardwood.
Terminalia Species: Various species of Terminalia, such as Terminalia arjuna, can be found in the sanctuary. These trees are known for their medicinal properties and are used in traditional medicine.
Madhuca (Madhuca longifolia): Madhuca, also known as mahua, is a common tree in the sanctuary and is culturally significant for its flowers, which are used to make a local alcoholic beverage.
Bamboo (Bambusoideae): Bamboo species are also part of the sanctuary's vegetation and are valuable for various purposes, including construction and crafts.
Pterocarpus Species: Various species of Pterocarpus, such as Pterocarpus marsupium, can be found in the sanctuary. They are known for their timber and medicinal properties.
Andropogon contortus: This is a grass species commonly found in the open grasslands of the sanctuary.
Diospyros melanoxylon: Known as the Indian ebony tree, it is a slow-growing hardwood tree found in the sanctuary.
Anogeissus latifolia: This is another important tree species found in the sanctuary, contributing to its overall biodiversity.
Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for which animal?
Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for its diverse fauna, including a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, and other wildlife species. Here are some of the notable fauna found in the sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Tiger
- Leopard
- Pangolin
- Mouse Deer
- Sloth Bear
- Flying Squirrel
- Dhole
- Jackal
- Four-horned Antelope
- Blackbuck
- Bluebull
- Sambar Deer
- Spotted Deer
Birds:
- Open-billed Stork
- Grey Hornbill
- Green-billed Malkoha
Reptiles:
- Marsh Crocodile
- Banded Krait
- Star Tortoise
Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which state/district?/Where is Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary located?
A. Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Indian state of Telangana. Specifically, it is situated in the Mulugu district of Telangana. The sanctuary is near the village of Eturnagaram, which gave it its name. It is approximately 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) away from Warangal and about 250 kilometers (about 160 miles) from Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana.
Q. Which river passes through Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary?
A. The Godavari River passes through Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary. This river bisects the sanctuary, flowing through its terrain and providing a crucial water source for the wildlife and vegetation within the sanctuary.
Q. What is Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for several reasons:
(i) Rich Biodiversity: It is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna, including Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, Indian gaurs (bison), wild dogs, various species of deer, and a wide range of bird species. The sanctuary's rich biodiversity attracts wildlife enthusiasts and researchers.
(ii) Scenic Beauty: The sanctuary offers stunning natural landscapes, including undulating terrain, hills, plains, rivers, streams, and lush vegetation, making it a picturesque destination for nature lovers and photographers.
(iii) Cultural Significance: Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary hosts the biennial Sammakka Saralamma Jatara, a significant tribal festival that celebrates the region's cultural heritage. This cultural event adds to the sanctuary's appeal.
(iv) Tribal Development: It is an integrated tribal development town, where efforts are made to improve the living conditions and welfare of the local tribal communities while involving them in conservation and development activities.
(v) Tourism: Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary has become a popular ecotourism destination, attracting tourists who want to observe wildlife, go on nature treks, and experience the natural beauty of the area.
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