Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC (Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC)
Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary, is a protected natural area located in the state of Odisha, India. The sanctuary is also a vital segment of the Sambalpur Elephant Reserve.
The sanctuary encompasses a variety of ecosystems, including moist deciduous forests, bamboo forests, and mixed deciduous forests. It is home to a range of plant species, including sal, sandalwood, arjun, neem, acacia, casuarina, and many others.
The sanctuary is known for its diverse wildlife, including tigers, elephants, sambar deer, leopards, gaur (Indian bison), sloth bears, barking deer (muntjacs), wild boar, and various bird species. It is a habitat for numerous bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers.
The best time to visit Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary is typically from October to April when the weather is more pleasant, and wildlife sightings are more common.
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Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary Location
Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary, is located in the state of Odisha, India. It is situated in the Sundargarh district of western Odisha.
The sanctuary is approximately 22 kilometers away from the city of Sambalpur. The Hirakud Dam lies to the west of the sanctuary.
Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary is the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Bhubaneswar is the capital city of Odisha and is approximately 364 kilometers away from the sanctuary.
Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary is Sambalpur Railway Station. Sambalpur is a city in Odisha and is the closest major railway station to the sanctuary, located at a distance of about 37 kilometers.
Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary History
Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary has a history tied to its establishment and conservation efforts. Here's a brief overview of its history:
Establishment: Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary was officially established in 1962. It was designated as a protected area to conserve the rich biodiversity found in the region and to provide a safe habitat for various wildlife species.
Conservation Purpose: The primary purpose of establishing the sanctuary was to protect the diverse flora and fauna of the region. It is particularly known for its population of elephants and serves as an important corridor for their movement between different forested areas.
Wildlife Conservation: Over the years, the sanctuary has played a vital role in the conservation of several wildlife species, including tigers, leopards, sambar deer, and various bird species. Efforts have been made to minimize human-wildlife conflicts and promote coexistence.
Management: The sanctuary is managed and administered by the Odisha Forest and Environment Department. Forest officials and conservationists work together to protect the sanctuary's ecosystem and ensure the well-being of its wildlife.
Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary Area
Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 304.03 square kilometers (117.36 square miles). This sanctuary encompasses diverse ecosystems, including moist sal forests, bamboo forests, and mixed deciduous forests, making it a vital habitat for a wide range of wildlife species.
Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
What is the flora of Ushakothi wildlife sanctuary?
Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary, is known for its diverse and lush flora, which includes a variety of tree species and vegetation types. Here are some of the notable flora found in the sanctuary:
- Sal (Shorea robusta)
- Sandalwood (Santalum album)
- Arjun (Terminalia arjuna)
- Neem (Azadirachta indica)
- Acacia species
- Bamboo species
- Casuarina (Casuarina equisetifolia)
- Amla
- Bela
- Dhaura
- Jamu
- Kadamba
- Kanchan
- Kangara
- Karanja
- Kasi
- Kendu
- Kurum
- Kusum
- Mahul
- Mango
- Mundi
- Phasi
- Sidha
- Simul
- Teak
Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
What is the fauna of Ushakothi wildlife sanctuary?
Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary, is home to a diverse range of fauna. Here is a list of some of the notable wildlife species found in the sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Tigers
- Asian Elephants
- Leopards
- Sloth Bear
- Hyena
- Sambar Deer
- Gaur (Indian Bison)
- Barking Deer (Muntjacs)
- Wild Boar
- Indian Giant Squirrel
- Langur Monkeys
- Rhesus Macaques
- Porcupines
- Civet Cats
- Wild Dogs (Dholes)
- Common Palm Civet
- Indian Hare
- Indian Pangolin
- Indian Flying Fox (Giant Fruit Bat)
Birds:
- Racket-tailed Drongo
- Red Junglefowl
- Alexandrine Parakeet
- Indian Peafowl (Peacock)
- Hornbills
- Eagles
- Vultures
- Owls
- Kingfishers
- Woodpeckers
- Barbets
- Pigeons and Doves
- Warblers
- Bee-eaters
- Sunbirds
- Orioles
- Drongos
- Babblers
- Flycatchers
- Bulbuls
- Mynas
- Swallows
- Swifts
Reptiles:
- Indian Python
- Cobra
- Monitor Lizard
- Various Snake Species
- Tortoises
Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. Where is Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary located?/Which district of Odisha is Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary?
A. Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Sundargarh district of the state of Odisha, India. The sanctuary is situated in the western part of Odisha and is approximately 22 kilometers away from the city of Sambalpur.
Q. Which wildlife sanctuary is also known as Ushakothi?
A. Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary, which is also known as Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary, is the same sanctuary that goes by both names. It is located in the Sundargarh district of Odisha, India. This dual naming is common for many wildlife sanctuaries and natural areas in India, where different names may be used interchangeably based on local or historical references.
Q. What is Ushakothi wildlife sanctuary famous for?
A. Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary, is famous for several reasons:
(i) Biodiversity: The sanctuary is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including a diverse range of flora and fauna. It is home to various wildlife species, making it an important conservation area in Odisha.
(ii) Elephants: Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its elephant population. It serves as a crucial corridor for the movement of elephants between different forested areas in the region.
(iii) Tigers: The sanctuary is also known to house a population of tigers, one of India's iconic and endangered big cat species.
(iv) Birdwatching: Birdwatchers and ornithologists visit the sanctuary to observe its avifauna. It is home to a variety of bird species, including the racket-tailed drongo and many other migratory and resident birds.
(v) Natural Beauty: The sanctuary offers scenic natural beauty, with lush forests, bamboo groves, and the opportunity for trekking and nature walks.
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