Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the state of West Bengal, India. The sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity and serves as a crucial habitat for various species of flora and fauna.
Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife species, including leopards, barking deer, and various species of birds. Birdwatching is a popular activity in the area due to the presence of numerous avian species.
Visitors to Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary can engage in trekking and nature walks to explore the natural beauty of the region. There are designated trails and viewpoints that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Birdwatching and photography are also popular activities in the sanctuary.
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Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary Location
Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. It is situated in the Eastern Himalayas, approximately 11 kilometers to the southeast of the town of Darjeeling.
Darjeeling is a well-known hill station and tourist destination in the Indian state of West Bengal. The sanctuary's proximity to Darjeeling makes it relatively accessible to visitors, and it is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.
Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is Bagdogra Airport, which is located near Siliguri in the state of West Bengal, India. Bagdogra Airport is the primary airport serving the Darjeeling and Siliguri regions. From Bagdogra Airport, you can reach Darjeeling, which is the nearest major town to Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, by road. The distance between Bagdogra Airport and Darjeeling is approximately 70 kilometers, and it takes a few hours to reach Darjeeling from the airport.
Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. New Jalpaiguri is a major railway junction in the region and is well-connected to various cities and towns across India. From New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, you can also reach Darjeeling by road. The distance between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling is similar to that from Bagdogra Airport, approximately 70 kilometers, and the journey takes several hours due to the hilly terrain.
Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary History
Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary has a history intertwined with the colonial era and the development of Darjeeling as a hill station. Here is a brief history of Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary:
Colonial Origins: The history of Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary dates back to the mid-19th century during the British colonial period in India. The British established Darjeeling as a hill station and a sanatorium due to its pleasant climate. During this time, the area that now constitutes the sanctuary was used for various purposes, including timber extraction and the cultivation of tea, which was introduced to Darjeeling by the British.
Creation of Senchal Lake: One of the significant developments in the area was the creation of Senchal Lake. The lake was built in 1902 by damming a natural stream to provide a water supply source to Darjeeling. The lake is an essential part of the sanctuary and provides water to the town to this day.
Wildlife Protection: Over time (1976), as the importance of conserving the region's natural resources became apparent, the area around Senchal Lake and the surrounding forests were designated as a wildlife sanctuary. This was done to protect the rich biodiversity of the region, which includes various flora and fauna species.
Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary Area
Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 38 square kilometers (14.7 square miles). This sanctuary encompasses a diverse range of habitats, including forests, hills, and the Senchal Lake.
The sanctuary's relatively small size is compensated by its rich biodiversity and the presence of various species of flora and fauna, making it an important conservation area and a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and tourists.
Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary Lake
Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is home to Senchal Lake, which is a significant water body within the sanctuary. The lake has historical significance and was created during the British colonial period in India. Here are some key details about Senchal Lake:
Origin: Senchal Lake was constructed in 1902 by damming a natural stream. Its primary purpose was to provide a water supply source for the town of Darjeeling, which was a popular hill station and sanatorium for the British during colonial times.
Size and Location: The lake is situated within the boundaries of Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, which is located near Darjeeling in the state of West Bengal, India. It covers a relatively small area compared to larger lakes but is significant for its historical and ecological importance.
Scenic Beauty: Senchal Lake is surrounded by lush forests, including pine and oak trees, which adds to its scenic beauty. The lake itself is often serene and reflective, offering picturesque views.
Tourism: While the lake primarily serves as a water source for Darjeeling, it has also become a tourist attraction. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the lake and its surroundings. Birdwatching and picnicking are common activities here.
Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its rich and diverse flora. The sanctuary's vegetation includes a wide variety of plant species, many of which are native to the Eastern Himalayas. Here are some of the notable flora found in Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary:
Kapasi (Castanopsis indica): Castanopsis indica, commonly known as Kapasi, is an evergreen tree native to the Eastern Himalayas. It is a member of the beech family (Fagaceae) and is known for its valuable timber and edible nuts.
Katus (Meliosma wallichii): Meliosma wallichii, or Katus, is a deciduous tree found in the Eastern Himalayan region. It belongs to the family Sabiaceae and is known for its distinctive pinnately compound leaves.
Kawla (Machilus edulis): Machilus edulis, known as Kawla, is a tree species found in the Eastern Himalayas and other parts of Asia. It belongs to the family Lauraceae and is valued for its timber and aromatic leaves.
Matting Bamboo: Matting Bamboo refers to various bamboo species used for making mats, baskets, and other traditional handicrafts. Bamboo is prevalent in the region and serves various purposes.
Champ (Pipli Spp.): Found in the sanctuary.
Alnus nepalensis: Alnus nepalensis, or the Nepal alder, is a deciduous tree commonly found in the Himalayan region, including Nepal and parts of India. It is known for its nitrogen-fixing properties and is used for soil improvement.
Prunus nepaulensis: Prunus nepaulensis, also known as the Nepal plum or Nepal bird cherry, is a species of flowering plant in the rose family (Rosaceae). It produces small, edible fruits and is found in the Eastern Himalayas.
Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna. The sanctuary's rich biodiversity includes various mammals, birds, reptiles, and other wildlife species. Here are some of the notable fauna found in Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Leopard
- Himalayan Black Bear
- Goral
- Serow
- Barking Deer
- Wild Boar
- Jungle Cat
- Leopard Cat
- Rhesus Macaque
- Assamese Macaque
- Indian Civet
- Himalayan Flying Squirrel
- Pangolin
- Jackal
- Wild Dog (Dhole)
Birds:
- Large Yellow-naped Woodpecker
- Tickell’s Golden-backed Woodpecker
Reptiles:
- Snakes
- Turtles
Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. When was Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary established?
A. Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary was established in the year 1976. It was created with the aim of conserving the region's biodiversity and protecting the natural habitat in the Eastern Himalayan ecosystem.
Q. Which lake is a part of the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary?
A. Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary includes Senchal Lake within its boundaries. Senchal Lake is a significant water body in the sanctuary and was created by damming a natural stream in 1902.
Q. What is Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for several reasons:
(i) Rich Biodiversity: Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna. It is home to a wide variety of plant species. The sanctuary's lush forests provide habitat for various wildlife species, making it a hotspot for biodiversity in the Eastern Himalayan region.
(ii) Scenic Beauty: Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its picturesque landscapes, including the scenic Senchal Lake, dense forests, and hilly terrain. It offers breathtaking views and is a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers.
(iii) Birdwatching: The sanctuary is a haven for birdwatchers. It hosts a wide variety of avian species. Bird enthusiasts visit the sanctuary to observe and photograph these feathered residents.
(iv) Trekking and Nature Walks: Visitors to Senchal can explore the sanctuary through various trekking trails and nature walks. These activities provide opportunities to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of the region while discovering its biodiversity.
(v) Historical Significance: The sanctuary has historical significance dating back to the colonial era when it was established to protect the natural resources of the region, including the important Senchal Lake.
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