Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the state of Telangana, India. It was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1952, making it one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in the state.
Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its scenic beauty, with a combination of forests, water bodies, and grasslands. The sanctuary is situated around the Pocharam Lake, which is an artificial reservoir created during the reign of the Nizams of Hyderabad.
The sanctuary is home to a variety of plant and animal species. It supports a diverse range of flora, including dry deciduous forests, mixed forests, and grasslands. As for fauna, you can find several species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians here.
Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary is a significant destination for bird enthusiasts and ornithologists. The Pocharam Lake attracts a wide range of migratory and resident birds, especially during the winter season.
Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary is easily accessible by road from Hyderabad and other nearby towns. It's a popular weekend getaway for nature lovers and those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
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Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary Location
Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Medak and Nizamabad districts of Telangana, India. It is situated at a distance of approximately 15 kilometers from Medak town and around 115 kilometers from the state capital, Hyderabad.
Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary is the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, located in Hyderabad, Telangana. This airport is approximately 120 kilometers away from the sanctuary.
Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary is also located in Hyderabad. It is known as Hyderabad Deccan Railway Station. The distance from Hyderabad Deccan Railway Station to Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary is approximately 115 kilometers by road.
Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary History
Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary has a historical background that dates back to the early 20th century. Here is an overview of its history:
Hunting Ground for the Nizam of Hyderabad: In the early 20th century, the area that is now Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary served as a hunting reserve for the Nizam (ruler) of Hyderabad. During the Nizam's rule, hunting grounds like Pocharam were established for recreational hunting, and they often attracted the elite for hunting expeditions.
Formation of Pocharam Lake: The sanctuary gets its name from the Pocharam Lake, which was created after the construction of the Pocharam Dam on the Allair River. The dam's construction occurred between 1916 and 1922, and it led to the formation of the lake, which is a central feature of the sanctuary. The lake and the surrounding area provide crucial habitat for various wildlife species.
Declaration as a Wildlife Sanctuary: Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary's history took a significant turn when it was officially declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1952. This move aimed to protect the area's natural beauty, diverse flora and fauna, and to preserve it for future generations. The sanctuary was declared as such in recognition of its ecological significance and the need for conservation.
Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary Area
Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 129.84 square kilometers. The sanctuary's landscape includes a combination of forests, grasslands, water bodies, and undulating terrain, making it a diverse and picturesque natural reserve for wildlife and nature enthusiasts to explore.
Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary River/Lake
The Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary is closely associated with the Pocharam Lake, which was created as a result of the construction of the Pocharam Dam on the Allair River.
The Allair River flows through this region and was dammed between 1916 and 1922. This damming led to the formation of the Pocharam Lake, which is a central water body within the sanctuary.
The Pocharam Lake and the Allair River are essential components of the sanctuary's ecosystem, providing water, habitat, and sustenance for various wildlife species and contributing to the sanctuary's ecological diversity.
The lake area includes marshy fringes and abundant aquatic vegetation typical of the region, making it an important habitat for both resident and migratory waterfowl.
Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary in Telangana, India, is known for its diverse flora, which includes various types of vegetation due to its mixed dry deciduous forest and scrubland habitat. Here are some of the key elements of the flora in the sanctuary:
(1) Dry Deciduous Forests:
The sanctuary features dry deciduous forests, which are characterized by trees that shed their leaves during the dry season. Common tree species found in these forests include Teak, Neem, Palas, Tamarind, Bamboo, and various species of Acacia.
(2) Mixed Vegetation:
Apart from the dry deciduous forests, you can find a mix of other vegetation types, including grasslands and scrubs. These areas support a variety of grasses, shrubs, and herbs.
(3) Aquatic Vegetation:
Given the presence of the Pocharam Lake within the sanctuary, there is also abundant aquatic vegetation. This includes various types of water plants and reeds that grow in and around the lake.
(4) Riparian Vegetation:
The vegetation along the banks of the Allair River, which flows through the sanctuary, consists of riparian vegetation adapted to the river's ecosystem.
(5) Bamboo Groves:
Bamboo is a prominent feature in the sanctuary and provides habitat and sustenance for various wildlife species.
Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for which animal?
Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a rich diversity of fauna, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and other wildlife species. Here are some of the key species of fauna that can be found in the sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Leopard
- Striped Hyaena
- Sloth Bear
- Wild Boar
- Four-horned Antelope
- Bluebull
- Spotted Deer
- Wild Boar
- Chital
- Hyena
- Golden Jackal
Birds:
What birds are in Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary?
- Peafowl
- Shikra
- Black Drongo
- Grey Francolin
- Golden Oriole
- Cotton Teal
- Indian Skimmer
- Longbilled Vulture
Reptiles:
- Monitor Lizard
- Spectacled Cobra
- Forest Calotes
Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which state/district?/Where is Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary located?
A. Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Telangana, India. It spans across two districts:
(i) Medak District: Part of the sanctuary is situated in Medak District, and the town of Medak is one of the nearest urban centers to the sanctuary, located approximately 15 kilometers away.
(ii) Nizamabad District: The sanctuary also extends into Nizamabad District.
Q. On which river was Pocharam reservoir built?
A. The Pocharam Reservoir, which is a central feature of the Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary, was built on the Allair River, a tributary of the Manjeera River. The construction of the Pocharam Dam across the Allair River led to the formation of the Pocharam Lake, which is an integral part of the sanctuary's ecosystem and provides habitat for various wildlife and bird species.
Q. What is Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary in Telangana, India, is famous for several reasons:
(i) Rich Biodiversity: The sanctuary is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna, making it an important conservation area in the region. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including leopards, sloth bears, wild boars, chitals, sambars, and numerous bird species, both resident and migratory.
(ii) Birdwatching: Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular destination for birdwatchers. The Pocharam Lake within the sanctuary attracts a wide range of waterfowl and shorebirds, making it an excellent place for bird enthusiasts to spot and study various avian species.
(iii) Natural Beauty: The sanctuary is known for its picturesque landscapes, lush green forests, undulating terrain, and the scenic Pocharam Lake. It offers visitors an opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the region.
(iv) Historical Significance: The sanctuary has historical significance as it was once a hunting ground for the Nizam of Hyderabad and later declared a wildlife sanctuary in the early 20th century. The Pocharam Dam, which created the Pocharam Lake, is also a historical landmark.
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