Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary is situated at the estuary of the Krishna River in Andhra Pradesh, India. It is one of the few mangrove habitats in the region and is known for its rich biodiversity. It is part of the coastal plain of the Krishna River delta.
The sanctuary is home to pristine mangrove forests, making it one of the last remaining tracts of thick primary mangrove forests in South India. These mangroves play a crucial role in supporting various wildlife species and serve as a nursery ground for shrimps, shellfish, and finfish.
Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary is a valuable ecological site with its unique mangrove ecosystem, diverse wildlife, and opportunities for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the area. The best time to visit Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary is from October to April.
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Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary Location
The Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary is located at the estuary of the Krishna River in the coastal plain of the Krishna River delta. It spans across the Krishna and Guntur districts of Andhra Pradesh, India.
This region is known for its unique and rich biodiversity, particularly in terms of its mangrove ecosystem and the wildlife it supports.
Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to the Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary is Vijayawada Airport (also known as Gannavaram Airport), which is located in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. From Vijayawada Airport, you can reach the sanctuary by road.
Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to the Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary is Machilipatnam Railway Station, which is located in the city of Machilipatnam. You can take a train to Machilipatnam and then continue your journey to the sanctuary by road.
Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary History
The Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary has a history related to its conservation and protection. Here is a general overview of the history of Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary:
Notification and Establishment: Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary was formally notified as a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1989. The notification process typically involves the Indian government officially recognizing an area as a protected sanctuary to conserve its unique ecosystems and wildlife.
Conservation Goals: The establishment of Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary is aimed at conserving and protecting the region's natural habitats, flora, and fauna.
Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary Area
The Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 194.81 square kilometers. It is known for its pristine mangrove forests and diverse wildlife, making it an important ecological area for conservation and biodiversity.
Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary River
The Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary is located at the estuary of the Krishna River. An estuary is a partially enclosed coastal body of water where freshwater from rivers and streams meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean.
In this case, the sanctuary is situated in the coastal plain of the Krishna River delta, where the freshwater of the Krishna River merges with the saltwater of the Bay of Bengal.
This unique ecosystem created by the estuary supports a diverse range of flora and fauna and is a critical habitat for various wildlife species, making it an important conservation area in the region.
Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
The Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse flora, including various plant species that thrive in its unique coastal and mangrove ecosystem. Here are some of the flora species that can be found in the sanctuary:
Casuarina equisetifolia: Casuarina, also known as the Australian Pine, is a common tree in coastal areas. Its needle-like leaves and tolerance to salt make it well-suited to the coastal environment.
Pongamia glabra: Pongamia is a leguminous tree known for its oil-rich seeds. It is often used in reforestation efforts and has multiple environmental benefits.
Calotropis gigantea: This is a large shrub or small tree with attractive flowers. It is known by various names, including Crown Flower, Giant Milkweed, and Sodom Apple.
Cassia auriculata: Also known as Tanner's Cassia or Avaram Senna, this is a flowering plant with yellow flowers. It is used in traditional medicine and for various purposes.
Thespesia populnea: Commonly known as the Portia Tree or Indian Tulip Tree, it has large, showy flowers and is often planted for its ornamental value.
Ipomaea biloba: A species of morning glory, it is known for its trumpet-shaped flowers.
Pongamia pinnata: This is another species of Pongamia known for its oil-rich seeds and use in biodiesel production.
Banyan (Ficus benghalensis), Peepul (Ficus religiosa), and Mango (Mangifera indica): These are some of the common trees found in the sanctuary and are also culturally significant in India.
Palmyra (Borassus flabellifer): This is a type of palm tree with a variety of uses, including its fruit, leaves, and sap.
Mangroves: Mangroves are a vital component of the sanctuary's flora. They include various species such as Avicennia, Rhizophora, and Ceriops, which are adapted to thrive in brackish water and provide important habitat for wildlife.
Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
The Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for its diverse and rich fauna, with a wide variety of animal species inhabiting its unique coastal and mangrove ecosystem. Here are some of the notable fauna found in the Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Fishing Cat
- Spotted Deer
- Sambar Deer
- Blackbuck
- Striped Hyaena
- Jungle Cat
- Indian Fox
- Sloth Bear
Birds:
- Crested Serpent Eagle
- Indian Roller
- Wagtails
- Pipits
Reptiles:
- Garden Lizard
- Saltwater Crocodile
- Indian Python
- Common Cobra
- Common Sand Boa
- Russell’s Viper
- Saw-scaled Viper
- Common Wolf Snake
Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. Where is Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary?/In which state is Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary situated?
A. The Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is situated at the estuary of the Krishna River, in the coastal plain of the Krishna River delta. This sanctuary spans across both the Krishna and Guntur districts of Andhra Pradesh and is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including mangrove forests and various wildlife species.
Q. When was Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary established?/Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary established in which year?
A. The Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary was formally established and notified as a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1989. This notification marked its status as a protected area aimed at conserving its unique ecosystem, biodiversity, and wildlife. Since then, it has been an important site for wildlife conservation and ecological preservation in Andhra Pradesh, India.
Q. What is Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for several reasons:
(i) Mangrove Ecosystem: It is one of the few mangrove habitats in the state of Andhra Pradesh and is renowned for its pristine mangrove forests. Mangroves are vital ecosystems that provide numerous ecological benefits, including serving as nurseries for fish and providing protection against coastal erosion.
(ii) Biodiversity: The sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity, including a variety of wildlife species. It is home to mammals like Fishing Cats, Spotted Deer, and Sambar, as well as reptiles like the Saltwater Crocodile and Indian Python.
(iii) Birdwatching: Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary is considered an excellent place for birdwatching. Bird enthusiasts can spot a wide range of avian species, including the Crested Serpent Eagle, Wagtails, Pipits, and more. The sanctuary's wetland habitats attract many migratory and resident birds.
(iv) Conservation: The sanctuary plays a vital role in conserving the unique flora and fauna of the coastal region, especially in the face of habitat loss and environmental threats. It contributes to the protection of endangered and vulnerable species.
(v) Scenic Beauty: Besides its ecological significance, Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary offers scenic beauty with its coastal and estuarine landscapes. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
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