Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary UPSC
Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary is located in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. It comprises three main components: Kallur Reserve Forest Area, Nelapattu Tank Area, and Unreserved Forest Area.
Nelapattu is a crucial breeding ground for various bird species, with large populations of pelicans, openbills, cormorants, and other waterfowl. The number of breeding pairs of pelicans has fluctuated over the years, with efforts to protect and conserve them.
The local communities in Nelapattu benefit from the presence of these birds, as they use guano (bird droppings) as a natural fertilizer for their crops. In turn, they play a role in protecting the birds.
The ideal time to visit Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary is from October to February, especially during the winter months when migratory birds are present.
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Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary Location
The Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary is located in the Nellore district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is situated in the southeastern part of India, near the town of Naidupeta.
The sanctuary is approximately 13 kilometers away from both Naidupeta and Sullurupeta, making these towns the closest urban centers with transportation links to the sanctuary.
Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary is the Tirupati Airport. Tirupati Airport is located approximately 67 kilometers away from the sanctuary.
Nearest Railway Station:
As for the nearest railway stations, both Naidupeta and Sullurupeta have railway stations, and they are each about 13 kilometers away from Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary. Travelers can choose either of these railway stations to reach the sanctuary by train.
Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary History
The history of the Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary can be traced back to its establishment and the events leading up to its recognition as an important site for bird conservation. Here's an overview of its history:
1. Notification as a Bird Sanctuary: Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary was officially notified as a bird sanctuary in the year 1976. This formal recognition by the government marked the beginning of its conservation efforts and protection as a significant habitat for birds.
2. Village Influence: The sanctuary is named after the village of Nelapattu, which is located nearby. The local communities in and around Nelapattu have played an essential role in the history of the sanctuary. They have benefited from the presence of the birds, particularly from the guano produced by the birds, which they use as a natural fertilizer for their crops.
3. Conservation Efforts: Over the years, the sanctuary has been managed and protected by the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department. Conservation efforts have been focused on preserving the diverse birdlife and the fragile wetland ecosystem within the sanctuary.
4. Breeding Ground for Birds: Nelapattu has gained recognition as one of the most important breeding grounds for various bird species, including the Grey Pelican, White Ibis, Asian Openbill, Little Cormorant, Eurasian Spoonbill, and Black-crowned Night Heron. The sanctuary provides a safe and suitable environment for these birds to breed and raise their young.
5. Local Beliefs: The arrival of the birds at Nelapattu is considered significant by the local people, who view these birds as "celestial birds" believed to bring about good rains and successful crops. The villagers have a strong interest in protecting the birds due to these beliefs.
Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary Area
The Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 4.59 square kilometers (or 459 hectares). This sanctuary encompasses various habitats, including freshwater lakes, marshes, mudflats, and adjacent forested areas, providing a diverse environment that supports a wide range of bird species, both resident and migratory.
Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary Lake
The Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary is known for its association with several lakes and wetland habitats. One of the prominent features of the sanctuary is the Nelapattu Tank, which is a significant water body within the sanctuary. This tank, along with other shallow lakes, marshes, and mudflats, forms the core habitat for the various bird species that visit or reside in the sanctuary.
The Nelapattu Tank and other such water bodies within the sanctuary serve as crucial feeding and breeding grounds for a wide variety of bird species, making the sanctuary an important destination for birdwatchers and ornithologists. These freshwater habitats are essential for the survival of both resident and migratory birds, and they contribute to the rich biodiversity of the sanctuary.
Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary Flora
The Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary is characterized by a variety of flora, including different plant species that are adapted to the wetland and forested environments within the sanctuary. Here are some of the notable flora found in the Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary:
Manilkara hexandra: Also known as Indian sapodilla, this tree species is native to South Asia and is often found in tropical and subtropical regions. It may be present in the Reserve and Unreserved Forest areas of the sanctuary.
Maba buxifolia: This is another tree species that may be found in the Reserve and Unreserved Forest areas of the sanctuary. Maba buxifolia is commonly known as the Indian Maba and is native to India and Southeast Asia.
Buchanania angustifolia: Also known as the Chironji tree, it is native to India and is often found in dry deciduous forests. It may be present in the Reserve and Unreserved Forest areas.
Barringtonia acutangula: This tree species is known by various names, including Indian oak, freshwater mangrove, and hijal. It is often associated with wetland and riparian habitats and may be found in the tank area of the sanctuary.
Zizyphus xylopyrus: This species is commonly known as the jujube tree and is found in a variety of habitats, including dry deciduous forests. It may be present in the sanctuary.
Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary Fauna (Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary Animals)
The Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary is renowned for its diverse avian fauna, both resident and migratory, which attracts birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts from various parts of the country and the world.
Here is an overview of the notable avian and other fauna species found in the Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Jackal
- Black-naped Hare
- Golden Jackal
Birds:
Which birds are found in Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary?
- Grey Pelican
- White Ibis
- Openbilled Stork
- Little Cormorant
- Eurasian Spoonbill
- Blackcrowned Night Heron
- Little Grebe
- Northern Pintail
- Common Teal
- Gadwall
- Northern Shoveller
- Garganey
- Eurasian Coot
- Grey Heron
- Oriental Darter
- Black-winged Stilt
Reptiles:
- Monitor Lizard
- Scorpion Fish
- Cat Fish
- Freshwater Shark
Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. Where is Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary located?/In which state/district Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary is located?
A. The Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary is located in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It specifically lies in the Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh, which is in the southeastern part of India.
Q. When was Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary established?
A. The Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary was officially established and notified as a bird sanctuary in the year 1976. This designation marked its recognition as an important site for the conservation and protection of various bird species, both resident and migratory, that visit or reside in the sanctuary.
Q. Which river is Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary?
A. The Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary is not located along a river. It primarily consists of freshwater lakes, tanks, marshes, and wetland habitats, but it is not situated alongside a river. The sanctuary's avian fauna thrives in these wetland environments rather than along a river.
Q. Which lake is near to Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary?/Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary is situated in which lake?
A. The Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary is situated near the Nelapattu Tank. The sanctuary's habitat includes this tank along with other shallow lakes, marshes, and mudflats. The Nelapattu Tank is a significant water body within the sanctuary, and it provides a crucial habitat for various bird species, both resident and migratory, making it an important feature of the sanctuary's ecosystem.
Q. Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary best time to visit?
A. The best time to visit the Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary is during the winter months, from October to February. This period coincides with the peak migratory bird season when a vast number of migratory birds visit the sanctuary to escape the harsh winter in their breeding areas in regions like Siberia and Northern Europe.
The weather during these months is relatively cooler and more pleasant, making it an ideal time for birdwatching and wildlife observation. Bird enthusiasts and nature lovers often visit during this season to witness the diverse avian fauna that calls the sanctuary home during the winter.
Q. What is Nelapattu Sanctuary famous for?
A. The Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary is primarily famous for its diverse avian fauna, both resident and migratory. It is renowned for the following:
(i) Grey Pelicans: Nelapattu is known for hosting the largest pelicanry of Grey Pelicans (Spot-billed Pelicans) in India. These majestic birds are a major attraction in the sanctuary, and their breeding colonies are a significant feature of the sanctuary.
(ii) Migratory Birds: The sanctuary is a vital stopover and wintering ground for a wide variety of migratory birds from regions such as Siberia and Northern Europe. Birdwatchers and ornithologists flock to the sanctuary during the winter months to observe these migratory species.
(iii) Breeding Ground: Nelapattu serves as a crucial breeding ground for several bird species, including Grey Pelicans, White Ibis, Asian Openbill, Little Cormorant, Eurasian Spoonbill, and Black-crowned Night Heron.
(iv) Local Beliefs: The arrival of the birds at Nelapattu is considered significant by the local people, who view these birds as "celestial birds" believed to bring about good rains and successful crops. The villagers have a strong interest in protecting the birds due to these beliefs.
(v) Birdwatching: It is a popular destination for birdwatchers, ornithologists, and nature enthusiasts interested in observing avian wildlife in its natural habitat.
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