Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the Indian state of Odisha. It is known for its rich biodiversity, scenic landscapes, and its role in conserving various wildlife species.
It is a part of the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve, locally known as the Tenda Elephant Reserve. This reserve spans across Simlipal, Kuldiha, and Hadgarh wildlife reserves, working to protect the Asian Elephant population in the region.
Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses a range of habitats, including mixed deciduous forests and coastal Sal forests. These diverse habitats support a wide variety of plant and animal species.
The sanctuary also features the Panchlingeshwar shrine, a sacred site dedicated to Lord Shiva, which attracts devotees from various places.
The best time to visit Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary is during the winter months, from October to April, when the weather is pleasant, and wildlife sightings are more likely.
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Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary Location
Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Balasore district of the Indian state of Odisha. It is situated in the northern part of Odisha, near the town of Balasore.
The sanctuary is spread across the Chota Nagpur Plateau region, which is a part of the Deccan Peninsula in eastern India.
Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary is the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Bhubaneswar is the capital city of Odisha and serves as a major transportation hub in the state. The airport is located approximately 235 kilometers (146 miles) away from Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary.
Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary is the Balasore Railway Station. Balasore is the closest town to the sanctuary, and the railway station is well-connected to various cities and towns in the region. It is situated at a distance of around 20-25 kilometers (12-15 miles) from the sanctuary. From Balasore Railway Station, visitors can hire local transportation to reach Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary.
Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary History
Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary has a history steeped in conservation and the preservation of its rich biodiversity. Here's an overview of its history:
Establishment and Notification: Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary was officially declared a wildlife sanctuary on January 4, 1984. The government notification established it as a protected area, recognizing its ecological significance and the need to conserve the diverse flora and fauna within its boundaries.
Part of Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve: Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary is an integral part of the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve, a vital conservation effort aimed at protecting the Asian Elephant population in the region. The reserve spans across Simlipal, Kuldiha, and Hadgarh wildlife reserves, collectively working towards safeguarding the elephant habitat.
Connection to Simlipal Biosphere Reserve: Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary is strategically connected to the Simlipal Biosphere Reserve via the Sukhupada and Nato hill ranges. This connectivity forms a larger landscape that aids in the conservation of key species like the Asian Elephant and Tiger.
Ecological Sensitive Zone Declaration: Recognizing the ecological importance of Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, the government declared it as an ecological sensitive zone on August 2, 2013. This designation underscores the significance of the sanctuary in maintaining the region's ecological balance and emphasizes the need for responsible management and conservation efforts.
Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary Area
Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 272.75 square kilometers (105.38 square miles). The sanctuary's size makes it a significant conservation area within the state, and it encompasses a diverse range of habitats, including mixed deciduous forests dominated by Sal trees, which provide a home for various species of flora and fauna.
Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary Hills
Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary is located in a region with several hills and hill ranges. Some of the notable hills and hill ranges in and around Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary include:
(1) Sukhupada Hills:
These hills are an important geographical feature of the sanctuary and play a role in connecting Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary to the Simlipal Biosphere Reserve. They form part of the landscape that facilitates the movement of wildlife between these protected areas.
(2) Nato Hill Range:
Like the Sukhupada Hills, the Nato Hill Range is another geographical feature that aids in the connectivity of Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary to Simlipal Biosphere Reserve. It provides corridors for the movement of wildlife.
Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary boasts a diverse range of flora, thanks to its location in the Chota Nagpur Plateau region and the Deccan Peninsula. Here are some of the notable flora found in Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary:
- Amla (Phyllanthus emblica)
- Asan (Terminalia tomentosa)
- Bamboo (Various species)
- Bela (Aegle marmelos)
- Bija (Pterocarpus marsupium)
- Dhaura (Anogeissus latifolia)
- Jamu (Syzygium cumini)
- Kadamba (Neolamarckia cadamba)
- Kanchan (Bauhinia racemosa)
- Kangara
- Karanja (Pongamia pinnata)
- Kasi
- Kendu (Diospyros melanoxylon)
- Kusum (Schleichera oleosa)
- Mahul
- Mango (Mangifera indica)
- Mundi
- Phasi
- Sal (Shorea robusta)
- Sidha
- Simul
- Teak (Tectona grandis)
Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
What animals are in Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary?
Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. Here is a list of some of the notable wildlife species found in Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Asian Elephant
- Leopard
- Wild Dog (Dhole)
- Gaur
- Sambar Deer
- Giant Squirrel
- Barking Deer
- Wild Boar
- Indian Pangolin
- Rhesus Macaque
- Hanuman Langur
Birds:
- Hill Mynah
- Indian Peafowl
- Hornbills
- Parakeets
- Indian Roller
- Greater Coucal
- Black-hooded Oriole
Reptiles:
- Monitor Lizard
- Python (Various species)
- Various species of snakes (e.g., cobras, vipers, and kraits)
- Tortoises and Turtles (Various species)
Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. In which district is Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary?
A. Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Balasore district of the Indian state of Odisha. Balasore is the district headquarters, and the sanctuary is situated within this district in the northern part of Odisha.
Q. What is Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for several reasons, including:
(i) Rich Biodiversity: The sanctuary is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife species, including Asian Elephants, Gaurs, Leopards, Sambar Deer, Giant Squirrels, and many bird species. This rich biodiversity makes it a significant conservation area.
(ii) Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve: Kuldiha is a part of the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve, which spans across Simlipal, Kuldiha, and Hadgarh wildlife reserves. This reserve is critical for the protection and conservation of the Asian Elephant population in the region.
(iii) Connectivity to Other Protected Areas: The sanctuary's strategic location connects it to the Simlipal Biosphere Reserve through the Sukhupada and Nato hill ranges. This connectivity is vital for the movement of wildlife and contributes to the larger landscape for conservation.
(vi) Ecological Sensitive Zone: Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary has been declared an ecological sensitive zone by the government, emphasizing its importance in maintaining ecological balance and conserving the region's natural heritage.
(vii) Cultural Significance: Kuldiha is also known for the sacred shrine of Lord Shiva called Panchlingeshwar, which is located nearby. This shrine draws devotees from various places, adding to the sanctuary's cultural significance.
(viii) Contribution to Watershed: Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary contributes significantly to the region's watershed area, helping maintain groundwater reserves and supporting a major river and its tributaries.
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