Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary

Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

The Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. This sanctuary is dedicated to the conservation of flora and fauna, particularly the unique and diverse wildlife found in the northeastern region of India.

The sanctuary is primarily characterized by tropical semi-evergreen and wet evergreen forests, contributing to its picturesque and lush environment. It falls within the Himalayan biogeographic zone, which is known for its unique biodiversity.

Visitors to the sanctuary can explore the rich biodiversity through trekking and nature walks, and there are designated areas within the sanctuary for such activities. 

The best time to visit the Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary is from October to July, which spans the post-monsoon season to early summer when the weather is relatively pleasant and wildlife sightings are more common.

Table of Contents Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary Location Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary History Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary Area Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary River Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary Flora Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna Mammals Birds Reptile Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary Location

The Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Papum Pare district of Arunachal Pradesh, India. It is situated near the capital city of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar. 

The sanctuary is bounded by natural features such as the Pam River in the East, Pachin in the South, Neorochi in the North-East, and the Chingke stream in the North. Itanagar, the capital city, also shares a border with the sanctuary. 

This location places the sanctuary in the northeastern part of India, in the eastern Himalayan region, known for its rich biodiversity and picturesque landscapes.

Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to the Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary is the Lilabari Airport, also known as North Lakhimpur Airport. It is located in the town of North Lakhimpur in Assam, India. From Lilabari Airport, you can travel by road to reach Itanagar and the sanctuary.

Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to the Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary is Naharlagun Railway Station, which is located in Naharlagun, a town near Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh. Naharlagun Railway Station is approximately 15 kilometers away from Itanagar, making it a convenient railhead for travelers visiting the sanctuary.

Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary History

The Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary has a history rooted in the conservation efforts and recognition of the region's unique biodiversity. Here is a brief overview of its history:

Establishment and Notification: The Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary was officially established and notified as a protected area on June 14, 1978. This notification marked the formal recognition of the sanctuary's ecological significance and the need to protect its diverse flora and fauna.

Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary covers an approximate area of 140.3 square kilometers. This sanctuary is a protected natural area dedicated to the conservation of flora and fauna, with its diverse habitats, including tropical semi-evergreen and wet evergreen forests, providing a haven for various wildlife species in the region.

Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary River

The Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary is bounded by several natural features, including rivers and streams, which are part of its geographical boundaries. It is bound by the Pam River in the East, Pachin in the South, Neorochi on the North-East and Chingke stream in the North.

Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

The Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a rich and diverse array of flora, which contributes to its ecological significance. While the sanctuary encompasses a variety of plant species, here are some notable examples of flora found within the sanctuary:

(1) Bamboos:

Various species of bamboo are common in the sanctuary, including Bambusa palida and Dendrocalamus hamiltonii. Bamboos are an essential component of the forest ecosystem and provide habitat and food for many wildlife species.

(2) Trees:

The sanctuary boasts a range of tree species, including Duabanga grandiflora, Amoora wallichii, Toona ciliata, Magnolia species (Spp.), Schima wallichii, and Castanopsis indica. These trees contribute to the forest canopy and support a wide variety of wildlife.

(3) Grasses and Reeds:

Grasses and reeds such as Andropogon assimillis, Phragmites karka, and Allpinia allugus are found in the sanctuary. These plants are important for the overall ecosystem and can provide food and shelter for different animal species.

Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

Which animals are found in Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary?

The Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse and unique fauna. It provides a habitat for a variety of wildlife species, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. Here are some of the notable fauna species found in the sanctuary:

Mammals:

• Tiger
• Asian Elephant
• Asiatic Black Bear
• Gaur
• Wild Dog
• Assamese Macaque
• Rhesus Macaque
• Capped Langur
• Slow Loris

Birds:

• White-winged Duck
• Rufous-necked Hornbill
• Beautiful Sibia
• Broad-billed Warbler
• Yellow-vented Warbler

Reptiles:

• Indian Python
• Reticulated Python
• King Cobra

Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. Where is Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary located?

A. The Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Papumpare district of Arunachal Pradesh, India. It is situated near the state capital, Itanagar, which is why it is named after the city. 

Q. When was Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary established?

A. The Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary was officially established and notified as a protected area on June 14, 1978. This notification marked its formal establishment for the conservation of the unique flora and fauna found in the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh.