Jore Pokhri Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
Jore Pokhri Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of West Bengal, India. Jore Pokhri is a high-altitude wetland situated in the Central Himalayan biogeographic zone.
The sanctuary is known for its twin lakes, from which it gets its name (Jore means two, and Pokhri means Lake in Nepali). The lakes are surrounded by seating arrangements for visitors, and there is a prominent snake model in the middle of one of the lakes.
The sanctuary is home to high-altitude species, including the Himalayan Salamander (Tylototriton verrucosus), also known locally as 'Gora.' The Himalayan Salamander is considered one of the most endangered and ancient amphibians on Earth.
The best time to visit Jore Pokhri Wildlife Sanctuary is from October to March.
|
Table of Contents
|
Jore Pokhri Wildlife Sanctuary Location
Jore Pokhri Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Darjeeling District of West Bengal, India. Jore Pokhri is a small village situated on a hilltop, approximately 20 kilometers away from Darjeeling town.
The sanctuary is in a hilly region and is known for its twin lakes, which are a prominent feature of the area. These lakes are surrounded by seating arrangements for visitors, making it a picturesque location for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.
Jore Pokhri Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Jore Pokhri Wildlife Sanctuary is Bagdogra Airport. Bagdogra Airport is located in the neighboring state of West Bengal and serves as the closest airport to the sanctuary.
Jore Pokhri Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Jore Pokhri Wildlife Sanctuary is the Darjeeling Railway Station. Darjeeling Railway Station is the closest railway station to the sanctuary and provides access to the region by train. From there, visitors can continue their journey to Jore Pokhri by road.
Jore Pokhri Wildlife Sanctuary History
The history of Jore Pokhri Wildlife Sanctuary has a unique significance due to its role in the rediscovery of the Himalayan Salamander and its subsequent conservation efforts.
Rediscovery of the Himalayan Salamander: The sanctuary gained prominence in 1964 when the Himalayan Salamander (Tylototriton verrucosus) was rediscovered in the Darjeeling hills at Jore Pokhri. This discovery was remarkable because this species of salamander was previously thought to be extinct. The presence of this ancient and endangered amphibian brought attention to the ecological importance of the region.
Notification as a Wildlife Sanctuary: Jore Pokhri Wildlife Sanctuary was officially notified as a protected area on 11th March 1985. This designation aimed to safeguard the unique biodiversity of the region, including the Himalayan Salamander and other wildlife species.
Tourism and Education: Jore Pokhri has also become a site for ecotourism and environmental education. Visitors are not only attracted by the chance to observe the Himalayan Salamander but also by the stunning views of the Himalayas and the serene environment. This has likely contributed to local tourism development and environmental awareness.
Jore Pokhri Wildlife Sanctuary Area
The Jore Pokhri Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 0.04 square kilometers (4 hectares). This sanctuary is relatively small in size compared to some other wildlife sanctuaries but is ecologically significant due to its unique high-altitude wetland habitat and its role in the conservation of the Himalayan Salamander and other species in the region.
Jore Pokhri Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
Jore Pokhri Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its unique flora, especially in the high-altitude wetland habitat. Here are some of the notable flora species that can be found in the sanctuary:
- Kapasi (Bamboo)
- Katus (Bamboo)
- Kawla
- Champ (Champa/Magnolia champaca)
- Matting Bamboo
- Castanopsis indica
- Meliosma wallichii
- Machilus edulis
- Pipli Spp. (Long Pepper)
- Alnus nepalensis (Nepalese Alder)
- Prunus nepaulensis (Wild Cherry)
Jore Pokhri Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Jore Pokhri Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
Jore Pokhri Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse fauna. Here is a list of some of the notable wildlife species that can be found in the sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Deer
- Fox
- Jackal
Birds:
- Peafowl
- Parakeets
- Myna
Reptiles:
- Himalayan Newt or Himalayan Salamander
- Snakes
Jore Pokhri Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. What is the Jore Pokhri Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. Jore Pokhri Wildlife Sanctuary is primarily famous for the following reasons:
(i) Himalayan Salamander (Tylototriton verrucosus): The sanctuary gained international recognition for being the habitat of the Himalayan Salamander, also known as the Himalayan Newt. This amphibian species is one of the most ancient and endangered amphibians globally and was believed to be extinct until its rediscovery in the Darjeeling hills at Jore Pokhri in 1964. This rediscovery was a significant scientific event and brought attention to the sanctuary's ecological importance.
(ii) Conservation of Unique Biodiversity: Jore Pokhri Wildlife Sanctuary plays a crucial role in conserving the high-altitude wetland habitat and the various species that inhabit it. Its designation as a wildlife sanctuary in 1985 was primarily to protect the unique biodiversity of the region, with a special focus on the Himalayan Salamander.
(iii) Picturesque Landscape: Visitors are attracted to the sanctuary not only for its wildlife but also for its stunning natural beauty. The sanctuary offers panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayas, including the majestic Mt. Kanchenjunga, from the north side of the lake. The serene environment, twin lakes, and surrounding hills make it a picturesque location for nature enthusiasts and tourists.
(iv) Environmental Education and Ecotourism: Jore Pokhri has also become a site for environmental education and ecotourism. Visitors have the opportunity to learn about the unique ecology of the region and observe rare species like the Himalayan Salamander. Tourism has the potential to raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation.
No comments:
Post a Comment