Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the northeastern part of India, in the state of Assam. The Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary extends along the Great Himalayan foothills, making it a significant protected area in the region.
The sanctuary has earned the nickname "Jewel of Assam" due to its unique landscape, diverse wildlife, and scenic beauty. This title reflects its importance and its role in the conservation of the region's natural heritage.
Despite the local extinction of some species, the sanctuary still hosts a diverse range of flora and fauna. This includes the presence of the big four: Asian Elephant, Tiger, Leopard, and Gaur, as well as various primates and smaller carnivores.
The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of bird species, including threatened and rare birds like the White-winged Duck, Bengal Florican, Swamp Francolin, and Rufous-necked Hornbill. The Gelgeli grassland within the sanctuary is considered suitable for the Bengal Florican.
The sanctuary's proximity to Arunachal Pradesh and its connection with Doimara Reserve Forest and Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary contribute to its rich biodiversity. It serves as a vital wildlife corridor for species moving between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
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Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary Location
The Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the district of Sonitpur in Assam, India. The sanctuary is approximately 40 kilometers northwest of Tezpur town, a major city in Assam.
It shares its border with the state of Arunachal Pradesh and is contiguous with the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh. This location places it along the Great Himalayan foothills, making it a region of ecological significance and biodiversity.
Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to the Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary is Tezpur Airport (also known as Salonibari Airport), which is located in Tezpur, Assam. Tezpur is the closest major town to the sanctuary, and the airport is approximately 40 kilometers away from the sanctuary.
Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
As for the nearest railway station, the closest one to the Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary is the Rangapara North Railway Station. Rangapara North Railway Station is situated in the Rangapara town of Sonitpur district in Assam. It is the most convenient railway station for reaching the sanctuary, and it is located at a distance of approximately 30 kilometers from the sanctuary.
Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary History
The history of the Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary is intertwined with its evolution as a protected area to conserve the rich biodiversity and natural heritage of the region. Here is a brief overview of its history:
Early Recognition: The area that now comprises the Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary was recognized for its ecological significance and wildlife diversity in the early 20th century.
Game Reserve: Sonai Rupai was initially designated as a Game Reserve in 1934 during the British colonial period. This recognition was primarily due to the presence of significant wildlife species, including the Indian One-horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) and Wild Buffalo (Bubalus arnee). At that time, it served as a protected area for hunting and conservation.
Renamed as Wildlife Sanctuary: In subsequent years, as conservation priorities evolved, the area was re-designated as a wildlife sanctuary. The sanctuary was officially declared as the Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary in 1998, with the primary focus shifting towards the protection and conservation of its diverse flora and fauna.
Inclusion in Charduar Reserve Forest: Prior to its transformation into a wildlife sanctuary, the region now known as Sonai-Rupai was included within the expansive Charduar Reserve Forest. This designation highlighted the region's value as a natural habitat and its role in preserving the flora and fauna indigenous to this part of Assam.
Recognition as "Jewel of Assam": The sanctuary has gained recognition not only for its wildlife but also for its scenic beauty. It has earned the nickname the "Jewel of Assam" due to its picturesque landscape, rich biodiversity, and cross-border location between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary Area
The Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary covers an approximate area of around 220 square kilometers (85 square miles). The sanctuary extends along the foothills of the Great Himalayas, making it an ecologically significant region known for its diverse flora and fauna.
Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary River
The Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary is intersected by several rivers and streams, which play a crucial role in shaping the landscape and providing water sources for the diverse wildlife and vegetation in the sanctuary. Some of the notable rivers that flow through or near the sanctuary include:
(1) Gabharu River:
The Gabharu River flows through the sanctuary, and its waters contribute to the ecosystem within the protected area.
(2) Gelgeli River:
Another significant river in the sanctuary is the Gelgeli River. This river is known for its grassland areas, which are important for certain bird species, including the Bengal Florican.
(3) Sonai River:
The Sonai River, after which the sanctuary is named, also flows through this region. It adds to the overall hydrology of the sanctuary.
(4) Rupai River:
The Rupai River is another watercourse that flows through the sanctuary, contributing to the region's biodiversity.
Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
The Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary is characterized by a diverse range of flora, owing to its location along the foothills of the Great Himalayas and its varied ecological zones. Here are some of the common types of flora that can be found in the sanctuary:
- Hollang
- Mekai
- Dhuna
- Udiyam
- Nahar
- Samkothal
- Bheer
- Hollock
- Nahor
Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for which animal?
The Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for its diverse and rich fauna, with a wide range of wildlife species inhabiting its varied ecosystems. Here are some of the notable fauna found in the sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Tiger
- Asian Elephant
- Leopard
- Gaur
- Wild Boar
- Hog Deer
- Barking Deer
- Sambar Deer
- Gaur
- Assamese Macaque
- Rhesus Macaque
- Jungle Cat
- Leopard Cat
- Golden Jackal
- Large Indian Civet
- Small Indian Civet
Birds:
- White-winged Wood Duck
- Rufous-necked Hornbill
- Grey Peacock Pheasant
- Himalayan Flameblack
- Slaty Blue Flycatcher
- Maroon Oriole
- Black-winged Cuckoo Shrike
- Small Niltava
- Black-backed Forktail
- Slatybacked Forktail
- Sultan Tit
- White-throated Bulbul
- Slaty-bellied Tesia
- Black-chinned Yuhina
- Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrush
- Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush
- Rufous-necked Laughingthrush
- Black-throated Sunbird
- Streaked Spiderhunter
Reptiles:
- Python
- Russell’s Viper
Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. Where is Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary?/Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary located in which district?
A. The Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the northeastern part of India, primarily in the state of Assam. It is situated in the Sonitpur district of Assam.
Q. What is Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. The Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for several reasons:
(i) Biodiversity: It is renowned for its rich and diverse biodiversity. The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including iconic species like the Bengal tiger, Indian elephant, and gaur (Indian bison). It also harbors numerous other mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
(ii) Endangered Species: Sonai Rupai is famous for its role in conserving endangered and threatened species. It is one of the few places where you can find the critically endangered Bengal Florican, a bird species, in its natural habitat.
(iii) "Jewel of Assam": The sanctuary has earned the nickname the "Jewel of Assam" due to its ecological significance and the sheer beauty of its landscape. This title reflects its importance as a natural heritage site in Assam.
(iv) Conservation: The sanctuary plays a crucial role in the conservation of various wildlife species, including the Bengal tiger and Indian elephant. It serves as a protected area where conservation efforts are focused on preserving the region's unique flora and fauna.
(vii) Himalayan Foothills: It is located along the Great Himalayan foothills, which adds to its appeal. The sanctuary's diverse topography, including riverine forests and grasslands, provides habitats for a wide range of species.
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