Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
Gundla Brahmeshwaram Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. The sanctuary got its name from the Gundla Brahmeshwaram plateau.
The sanctuary features a hilly terrain with plateaus, ridges, gorges, deep valleys, springs, and sacred groves. It also has ancient rock formations.
The sanctuary primarily consists of mixed deciduous forests and is located in the Eastern Ghats biogeographic zone.
The ideal time to visit Gundla Brahmeshwaram Wildlife Sanctuary is between October and May.
|
Table of Contents
|
Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary Location
Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Nallamala Forest in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is situated between Kurnool and Prakasam districts and lies between two hill passes, Mantralamma Kanuma and Nandi Kanuma.
It is in the eastern part of the Eastern Ghats biogeographic zone. The northern part of the sanctuary is an important component of the Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve.
Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary is the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport located in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. Hyderabad is the nearest major city with air connectivity to the sanctuary.
Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary depends on your specific location within the sanctuary:
(1) Kurnool Railway Station: Kurnool is the nearest major railway station to the sanctuary, and it's located approximately 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) away.
(2) Nandyal Railway Station: If you are closer to the Nandi Kanuma hill pass side of the sanctuary, Nandyal Railway Station, which is about 30 kilometers (about 18.6 miles) away, could be a more convenient option.
Your choice of railway station will depend on your specific entry point and destination within the sanctuary. Both Kurnool and Nandyal are reasonably accessible by train and offer transportation options to reach the sanctuary.
Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary History
Declaration as a Wildlife Sanctuary: Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a wildlife sanctuary on September 18, 1990. This declaration officially recognized and designated the area as a protected sanctuary under Indian wildlife protection laws.
Name Origin: The sanctuary gets its name from the Gundla Brahmeshwaram plateau, which is a prominent geographical feature in the region.
Location Significance: The sanctuary's location is strategically significant as it is situated between the Mantralamma Kanuma and Nandi Kanuma hill passes. Additionally, its northern part is an integral component of the larger Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, contributing to regional conservation efforts.
Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary Area
Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 1,194 square kilometers (about 461 square miles). The substantial size of the sanctuary contributes to its significance as a protected area for the conservation of biodiversity and the preservation of natural habitats within the Eastern Ghats biogeographic zone.
Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary Hills
Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary is characterized by its hilly terrain and is located within the Nallamala Forest in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The sanctuary is situated between two hill passes, namely Mantralamma Kanuma and Nandi Kanuma. These hills and the surrounding landscape consist of plateaus, ridges, gorges, deep valleys, and other geological features, creating a diverse and picturesque environment.
The hilly terrain of the sanctuary not only adds to its natural beauty but also provides vital habitats for a wide range of wildlife species that have adapted to these rugged landscapes. The hills and associated ecosystems are integral to the biodiversity and ecological significance of the Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary.
Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary River
Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary is traversed by the Gundlakamma River. This river flows through the sanctuary, contributing to the diverse ecosystems and habitats found within the protected area.
Gundlakamma river play a crucial role in sustaining the flora and fauna of the sanctuary by providing a source of water for various species and helping to create and maintain different types of wetland habitats.
Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora, with numerous plant species inhabiting its varied landscapes. Here are some of the notable flora found in the sanctuary:
Teak (Tectona grandis): Teak is a valuable timber tree known for its high-quality wood. It is often found in mixed deciduous forests in the sanctuary.
Dalbergia Species: Dalbergia spp., commonly known as rosewoods or padauks, are hardwood trees known for their attractive wood used in furniture and carving.
Boswellia Species: These trees, also known as frankincense or salai, are known for their aromatic resin, which has various uses, including in incense and traditional medicine.
Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo): Shisham is a hardwood tree valued for its durable wood used in furniture, flooring, and boat building.
Andug Species: Andug trees are native to India and provide valuable timber.
Pterocarpus Species: Pterocarpus spp., or padauk trees, are known for their reddish wood used in furniture, musical instruments, and carvings.
Terminalia Species: Terminalia trees are common in Indian forests and have various uses in traditional medicine and woodcraft.
Albizia Species: Albizia trees are often found in the sanctuary, and some species are used in traditional medicine.
Anogeissus Species: These trees are known for their hard and durable wood, used in construction and as fuel.
Bamboo: Bamboo is a fast-growing plant used for various purposes, including construction, crafts, and as a food source for some wildlife species.
Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
What animals are in the Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary?
Mammals:
- Tiger
- Sloth Bear
- Wild Dog
- Striped Hyaena
- Jungle Cat
- Grey Langur
- Bonnet Macaque
- Pangolin
- Sambar
- Bluebull
- Fourhorned Antelope
- Chinkara
Birds:
- Indian Peafowl
- Jungle Bush Quail
- Grey Junglefowl
- Little Grebe
- Spotted Dove
- Asian Emerald Dove
- Yellow-footed Green Pigeon
- Asian Koel
- Indian Cuckoo
Reptiles:
- Monitor Lizard
- Python
- Mugger Crocodile
Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. What is Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for several reasons:
(i) Tiger Population: One of its prominent features is the presence of tigers. The sanctuary is part of the larger Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve and is known for its tiger population. In a 2019 survey, 23 tigers were reported in the sanctuary, making it an important area for tiger conservation.
(ii) Rich Biodiversity: The sanctuary is known for its diverse flora and fauna. It provides habitat for a wide range of wildlife species, including big cats like tigers and panthers, as well as various mammals, birds, reptiles, and plants. The sanctuary's biodiversity contributes to its ecological significance.
(iii) Scenic Beauty: Its hilly terrain, plateaus, ridges, gorges, deep valleys, and rock formations make it a visually stunning and picturesque natural landscape. The sanctuary's beauty attracts nature enthusiasts, photographers, and tourists.
(iv) Contribution to the Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve: The sanctuary's northern part is an important component of the Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, which is one of the largest tiger reserves in India and is renowned for its tiger conservation efforts.
No comments:
Post a Comment