Pakhibitan Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
Pakhibitan Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the state of West Bengal, India. The sanctuary encompasses tropical dry deciduous forests and littoral swampy forests. It is located in the Lower Gangetic plain biographic zone.
Pakhibitan Wildlife Sanctuary appears to be a valuable addition to West Bengal's protected areas, providing a haven for diverse flora and fauna, including both resident and migratory birds, in a beautiful natural setting between the Sikkim-Darjeeling Himalayas and Gangetic West Bengal.
The best time to visit Pakhibitan Wildlife Sanctuary is between October and March.
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Pakhibitan Wildlife Sanctuary Location
The Pakhibitan Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the Teesta Barrage's foreshore in the Gajaldoba waterbody in the Jalpaiguri district of North Bengal, India.
It is situated in the northern part of the state of West Bengal, near the town of Jalpaiguri. This sanctuary is positioned in a region with diverse landscapes and habitats, making it a significant area for wildlife conservation in West Bengal.
Pakhibitan Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to the Pakhibitan Wildlife Sanctuary is Bagdogra Airport. Bagdogra Airport is an international airport located in the nearby town of Bagdogra, which is approximately 13 kilometers from Siliguri, a major city in West Bengal. From Bagdogra Airport, you can reach the sanctuary by road.
Pakhibitan Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to the Pakhibitan Wildlife Sanctuary is Jalpaiguri Railway Station. Jalpaiguri Railway Station is well-connected to various parts of India and is located in the Jalpaiguri district, not far from the sanctuary. From Jalpaiguri Railway Station, you can also access the sanctuary via road transportation.
Pakhibitan Wildlife Sanctuary History
Establishment: Pakhibitan Wildlife Sanctuary was notified on 11 August 2016. The sanctuary was designated to protect the diverse flora and fauna in the region, particularly in response to conservation needs and the recognition of its ecological significance.
Pakhibitan Wildlife Sanctuary Area
The Pakhibitan Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 14.09 square kilometers. This sanctuary is relatively small in size compared to some of the larger wildlife sanctuaries in the country.
Despite its size, it plays a vital role in conserving the diverse flora and fauna found in its tropical dry deciduous forest and littoral swampy forest habitats.
Pakhibitan Wildlife Sanctuary River
The Pakhibitan Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the Teesta Barrage’s foreshore in the Gajaldoba waterbody. While it is not situated directly on a river, it is in close proximity to the Teesta River.
The Teesta River is one of the major rivers in the Indian state of West Bengal and flows through the region. The sanctuary's location near the Teesta River contributes to its diverse and rich ecosystem, as rivers often provide vital water sources and habitats for various wildlife species.
Pakhibitan Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
The flora of the Pakhibitan Wildlife Sanctuary includes a variety of plant species that are characteristic of the tropical dry deciduous forest and littoral swampy forest habitats found in the region. Here are some examples of plants that you may find in the sanctuary:
Kumbhi: Kumbhi is a common tree found in tropical regions and is known for its timber and medicinal properties.
Amla: Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, is a fruit-bearing tree known for its nutritional and medicinal value.
Sidha: The specific plant referred to as "Sidha" is not clear without additional botanical information. It may be a regional or local name for a particular plant species.
Tanki: "Tanki" is not a commonly recognized plant name, and its identity would require more specific botanical information.
Khair: Khair, also known as Acacia catechu, is a deciduous tree known for its timber and use in traditional medicine.
Sissoo: Sissoo, scientifically known as Dalbergia sissoo, is a hardwood tree often used for timber and as an ornamental plant.
Pakhibitan Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Pakhibitan Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
The Pakhibitan Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna, including both terrestrial and aquatic species. Here is a list of some of the notable wildlife species found in the sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Tiger
- Leopard
- Asian Elephant
- Gaur
- Wild Boar
- Sambar Deer
- Spotted Deer
- Hog Deer
- Barking Deer
Birds:
- Purple Moorhen
- Pintail
- Greylag Goose
Reptiles:
- Snakes
- Lizards
Pakhibitan Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. What is Pakhibitan Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. The Pakhibitan Wildlife Sanctuary in West Bengal, India, is famous for several reasons:
(i) Avian Diversity: One of the primary reasons for its fame is its significance as a habitat for both resident and migratory bird species. The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of bird species, including waterbirds like the Purple Moorhen, Pintail, and Greylag Goose. Birdwatchers and ornithologists often visit the sanctuary to observe and study these avian species.
(ii) Tiger Conservation: The sanctuary is known for its efforts in tiger conservation. The presence of tigers highlights the importance of the sanctuary in protecting these endangered big cats. Conservation initiatives aimed at preserving tiger populations are often a source of attention and recognition for wildlife sanctuaries.
(iii) Diverse Flora and Fauna: Pakhibitan Wildlife Sanctuary is celebrated for its rich biodiversity, including a range of terrestrial wildlife such as leopards, Asian elephants, gaurs, deer species, and more. It is also home to various plant species, contributing to the overall ecological diversity of the area.
(iv) Habitat Preservation: The sanctuary is recognized for its role in preserving critical habitats, including tropical dry deciduous forests and littoral swampy forests. These habitats are essential for the survival of numerous wildlife species and contribute to the overall ecological balance of the region.
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