Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Manjeera Wildlife Sanctuary, is located in the state of Telangana, India. Originally established as a crocodile sanctuary to protect the endangered mugger crocodile, the sanctuary has since evolved to support a diverse range of wildlife.
The sanctuary is named after the Manjira River, which flows through this region. The Manjeera River has been dammed to create a reservoir. This reservoir serves as a source of drinking water for the nearby cities of Hyderabad and Secundrabad. The water is stored even during the dry season.
Manjeera Wildlife Sanctuary is recognized as an important wetland for migratory birds. The reservoir and its islands provide nesting sites for a variety of waterbirds. It has become known among birdwatchers, and an annual waterfowl count has been initiated to monitor the bird population.
The sanctuary's unique combination of crocodile conservation, bird habitat, and water resource management makes it a noteworthy ecological and educational site in the region.
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Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary Location
The Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Medak district of the Indian state of Telangana. It is situated approximately 50 kilometers northwest of Hyderabad, which is the capital city of Telangana.
Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary is the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, which is located in Hyderabad, Telangana. This airport is approximately 80 to 90 kilometers away from the sanctuary, and it serves as the nearest major airport for travelers arriving by air.
Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary is the Sangareddy Railway Station. Sangareddy is a town located near the sanctuary, and the railway station is relatively close.
Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary History
Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary has a history primarily associated with its establishment and purpose. Here's a brief overview of the history of Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary:
Establishment for Crocodile Conservation: Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary was originally established as a crocodile sanctuary to protect the endangered mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris). An area of 2,800 hectares between Singoor and the Manjira Barrage was declared a crocodile sanctuary in June 1978. This designation aimed to safeguard the dwindling population of mugger crocodiles and provide them with a protected habitat.
Evolution into a Bird Sanctuary: While the sanctuary was initially designated for crocodile conservation, it has since evolved to become an important wetland habitat for a variety of bird species. Birdwatchers began to take an interest in the sanctuary due to the presence of a diverse bird population, including migratory birds during the winter months. Over time, it gained recognition as a bird sanctuary, and an annual waterfowl count was initiated to monitor the birdlife.
Role in Water Resource Management: The sanctuary's reservoir, created by damming the Manjira River, plays a significant role in providing drinking water to the nearby cities of Hyderabad and Secundrabad. This water source remains accessible even during the dry season, making it a crucial water resource for the region.
Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary Area
The Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary in Telangana, India, covers an area of approximately 20 square kilometers. The sanctuary's relatively compact size is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, and mammals, and it offers opportunities for wildlife observation, nature photography, and ecotourism activities.
Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary River
The Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary is named after the Manjira River, which flows through the sanctuary area. The Manjira River is a significant water body in the region and plays a crucial role in the sanctuary's ecosystem. This river originates in the Balaghat Hills of Maharashtra and flows through the Medak district of Telangana, passing through the sanctuary.
The Manjira River, along with the reservoir created by damming it, provides a vital source of water for the sanctuary's diverse wildlife and serves as a habitat for various aquatic species. Additionally, the river and its associated wetlands are essential for attracting migratory and resident bird species, making it a prominent feature of the sanctuary's ecosystem.
The sanctuary's unique combination of riverine habitat, wetlands, and islands within the river creates a diverse and ecologically rich environment, making it an important location for both wildlife conservation and ecotourism.
Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
The Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary is characterized by a variety of flora due to its location in a tropical dry deciduous ecosystem. While the specific flora within the sanctuary may vary depending on factors like soil type and water availability, here are some common types of flora you may find in the Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary:
Acacia nilotica (Babul): Acacia nilotica is a common tree species in many dry and arid regions. It is known for its thorny branches and is adapted to survive in semi-arid conditions.
Prosopis spp. (Mesquite): Various species of Prosopis, commonly referred to as mesquite trees, are found in different parts of the world. They are well-adapted to arid and semi-arid environments and have deep root systems that enable them to access groundwater.
Vallisneria spp. (Eelgrass or Tapegrass): Vallisneria is a genus of submerged aquatic plants commonly found in freshwater habitats. They are known for their long, ribbon-like leaves and play a vital role in aquatic ecosystems.
Eichhornia spp. (Water Hyacinth): Eichhornia is a genus of floating aquatic plants known as water hyacinths. While they can be beautiful with their vibrant purple flowers, they are considered invasive in some areas due to their rapid growth and ability to cover water surfaces, potentially disrupting ecosystems.
Reeds spp.: Reeds are a diverse group of tall, grass-like plants often found in wetlands and along water bodies. They provide important habitat for various bird species and other wildlife.
Typha spp. (Cattails): Typha, commonly known as cattails, is a genus of aquatic plants. They have distinctive brown, cylindrical flower spikes and are often found in marshy or wetland areas.
Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
The Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary in Telangana, India, is home to a diverse range of fauna, including birds, reptiles, and some mammals. Here are some of the notable species of fauna that can be found in the sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Jackal
- Jungle Cat
- Black-naped Hare
- Wild Boar
- Mongoose
Birds:
- Spot-billed Pelican
- Spotted Owlet
- Indian Skimmer
- Painted Stork
- Ruddy Shelduck
- Shoveller
- Common Teal
- Greater Flamingo
- Coot
- Black-crowned Night Heron
- Brahminy Duck
- Demoiselle Crane
- Lesser Adjutant
- Indian Skimmer
Reptiles:
- Mugger
- Monitor Lizard
- Spectacled Cobra
- Turtles
Fish:
- Pond Catla
- Rohu
- Murrel
- Eel
Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. Where is Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary located?/Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary located in which district of Telangana?
A. The Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Indian state of Telangana. Specifically, it is situated in the Medak district of Telangana, which is approximately 50 kilometers northwest of Hyderabad, the capital city of Telangana.
Q. Which river is Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary?
A. The Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary is named after the Manjira River, which flows through the sanctuary area. The Manjira River is a significant water body in the region and is integral to the sanctuary's ecosystem.
Q. What is the Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. The Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary in Telangana, India, is famous for several reasons:
(i) Migratory Birds: It is renowned as an important wetland for migratory birds, especially during the winter months. The sanctuary attracts a wide variety of migratory bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers and ornithologists.
(ii) Bird Watching: Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary offers excellent opportunities for bird watching throughout the year, as it hosts a diverse range of resident and migratory bird species. Bird enthusiasts visit the sanctuary to observe and photograph these avian species.
(iii) Mugger Crocodile Conservation: The sanctuary was originally established as a crocodile sanctuary to protect the endangered mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris). While the population of mugger crocodiles here is not large, the sanctuary has played a crucial role in their conservation.
(iv) Ecotourism: The sanctuary has become a popular destination for eco-tourism. Visitors can explore the sanctuary's water bodies by taking boat rides, allowing them to get up close to the birdlife and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
(v) Water Resource Management: The sanctuary's reservoir, formed by damming the Manjira River, serves as a source of drinking water for Hyderabad and Secundrabad, making it an important water resource for the region.
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