Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
The Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary is a significant protected area located in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is renowned for its role in conserving the critically endangered bird species known as Jerdon's courser (Rhinoptilus bitorquatus), which was rediscovered in the sanctuary after being thought extinct for nearly a century.
The sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora, including dry deciduous mixed thorn forests, thorny shrubs, and trees adapted to arid conditions. Notably, it is known for the presence of Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus), an endemic plant species.
The sanctuary forms part of the catchment area for the Pennar River, and the Pennar River is drained by the Telugu Ganga Canal, which passes through the eastern side of the sanctuary.
The recommended time to visit the Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary is between October and March.
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Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary Location
The Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh, India. It is situated in the Lankamalai Hill ranges, approximately 30 kilometers from the city of Kadapa (Cuddapah).
This sanctuary is known for its unique ecosystem and its role in conserving the critically endangered Jerdon's courser, among other wildlife species and plant diversity.
Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the city of Kadapa (Cuddapah). This airport serves the region and is the closest option for travelers arriving by air.
Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary is also located in Kadapa (Cuddapah). Travelers can reach Kadapa by train, and from there, they can make further arrangements to reach the sanctuary. The railway station provides connectivity to various parts of the country.
Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary History
The Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary has a history closely tied to the rediscovery of the critically endangered bird species known as Jerdon's courser. Here's a brief history of the sanctuary:
Discovery and Early Observations (1848-1900): Jerdon's courser, a small, ground-dwelling bird species, was first discovered and described by the British surgeon-naturalist Thomas C. Jerdon in 1848. For several decades, it was observed in the wild, particularly in the Deccan Peninsula region of India. However, after the turn of the 20th century, there were no reported sightings of the bird, and it was believed to be extinct.
Rediscovery (1986): Jerdon's courser remained elusive for many years, leading to its classification as "extinct" in the wild. However, in 1986, the bird was rediscovered in the scrub jungles of Reddipally village in Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh. This rediscovery was a significant event in the field of ornithology and conservation.
Declaration of Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary: Following the rediscovery of Jerdon's courser, the area where the bird was found was declared as the Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary in 1988. This designation was made to protect the habitat of this critically endangered species and ensure its survival.
Conservation Efforts: The sanctuary has since played a crucial role in the conservation of Jerdon's courser and other wildlife species. Conservation efforts include habitat protection, research, and monitoring of the bird population.
Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary Area
The Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 464.42 square kilometers. This sanctuary encompasses a diverse range of habitats, including dry deciduous mixed thorn forests, deep gorges, steep slopes, and scrub jungles.
The sanctuary is not only home to the critically endangered Jerdon's courser but also harbors a significant number of plant species and a variety of wildlife, making it an important conservation area in the region.
Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary Hills
The Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Lankamalai Hill ranges in Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh, India. These hills are part of the Eastern Ghats, a prominent mountain range in India.
The sanctuary's location in the hilly terrain contributes to its unique ecosystem, including dry deciduous mixed thorn forests and scrub jungles. These hills provide important habitat for a variety of wildlife, including the critically endangered Jerdon's courser, as well as numerous plant species.
The topography and weather conditions of the Lankamalai Hill ranges are suitable for the survival and conservation of the sanctuary's diverse flora and fauna.
Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary River
The Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary is associated with the Pennar River. The sanctuary plays a crucial role as part of the catchment area for the Pennar River.
Here's how it's connected:
(1) River Catchment:
The sanctuary forms a part of the catchment area for the Pennar River, which means that it contributes to the flow and maintenance of this river.
(2) Telugu Ganga Canal:
The Pennar River is drained by the Telugu Ganga Canal, which traverses the eastern side of the sanctuary. This canal is an important waterway that serves for irrigation and other purposes in the region.
The sanctuary's location within the Pennar River catchment area is significant as it not only provides habitat for diverse wildlife and plant species but also contributes to the broader ecosystem services of the region, including water resources and conservation.
Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
The Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse flora, including a wide range of plant species. Here are some of the notable flora found in the sanctuary:
(1) Dry Deciduous Forests:
The sanctuary features dry deciduous forests, characterized by trees that shed their leaves during the dry season. These forests typically include species like teak, palmyra, neem, and tamarind.
(2) Mixed Thorn Forests:
The habitat includes mixed thorn forests, which are dominated by thorny shrubs and trees adapted to arid conditions. These may include species like Acacia, Ziziphus, and Carissa.
(3) Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus):
One of the most noteworthy plant species found in the Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary is Red Sanders, also known as Red Sandalwood. This species is endemic to Andhra Pradesh and is highly valued for its aromatic heartwood.
(4) Endemic Species:
The sanctuary is known to harbor endemic plant species that are unique to the region. Endemic species are those found only in a specific geographic area and are often of conservation concern.
(5) Other Native Flora:
The sanctuary's flora includes a diverse array of native plants, including grasses, herbs, and smaller flowering plants that provide essential food and habitat for the wildlife in the area.
Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
The Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna, including both common and rare species. Here are some of the notable wildlife species found in the sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Leopard
- Sloth Bear
- Spotted Deer
- Sambar Deer
- Four-horned Antelope
- Chinkara
- Bluebull
- Wild Boar
- Indian Fox
- Dhole or Indian Wild Dog
- Sloth Bear
- Wolf
Birds:
- Jerdon’s Courser
Reptiles:
- Garden Lizard
- Indian Python
- Common Cobra
- Common Sand Boa
- Russell’s Viper
- Saw-scaled Viper
- Common Wolf Snake
Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. What is Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. The Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary is primarily famous for two significant reasons:
(1) Jerdon's Courser:
The sanctuary is renowned for being the only habitat in the world for the critically endangered bird species known as Jerdon's courser (Rhinoptilus bitorquatus). This small, ground-dwelling bird was first described by surgeon-naturalist Thomas C. Jerdon in 1848 but was believed to be extinct after 1900 due to a lack of sightings.
However, in 1986, Jerdon's courser was rediscovered in the scrub jungles of Reddipally village in Kadapa District. This rediscovery was a remarkable event in the world of ornithology and conservation, and the sanctuary has since played a crucial role in the conservation efforts for this rare and endangered bird.
(2) Biodiversity Conservation:
Apart from Jerdon's courser, the Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity. It is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, including leopards, sloth bears, spotted deer, sambar, chinkara, bluebull, wild boar, Indian fox, and various bird species.
The sanctuary's diverse flora and fauna make it a valuable conservation area in the region, contributing to the preservation of both common and rare species.
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