Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the southeastern corner of Tripura, India. It is Tripura's largest wildlife sanctuary. Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary falls within the North-East Himalayan biogeographic zone.
Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary is characterized by deciduous to semi-evergreen forests. It is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including animals like elephants, gaur, sambar deer, barking deer, wild goats (serow), and various reptiles.
The sanctuary is also known for its birdlife, attracting both resident and migratory water birds to the nearby water reservoir.
The best time to visit Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary is between October and March.
|
Table of Contents
|
Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary Location
Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the southeastern corner of the Indian state of Tripura. It is situated between the Gumti and Dhailai districts of Tripura. This sanctuary is Tripura's largest wildlife sanctuary, covering a significant area of the state's southeastern region.
Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary is the Agartala Airport in Agartala, the capital city of Tripura. This airport is approximately 100 kilometers away from the sanctuary.
Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary is the "Ambasa Railway Station," which is located in Ambasa town in the Dhalai district of Tripura. Ambasa is relatively close to the sanctuary, making it a convenient point of access for travelers arriving by train.
Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary History
Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary has a history that revolves around its establishment and conservation efforts. Here's a brief overview of the history of Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary:
Establishment: Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary was officially notified as a wildlife sanctuary on December 1, 1988. This legal designation provided protection and conservation status to the area, recognizing its importance for preserving the region's biodiversity.
Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary Area
Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary covers a total area of approximately 389.54 square kilometers. This sanctuary is known for its diverse ecosystems, including deciduous to semi-evergreen forests and wetland areas, making it a significant conservation area in the state of Tripura.
Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary River
The sanctuary is named after the Gumti River, which flows through the region. The Gumti River is a significant watercourse in the area, and its waters support the ecosystem within the sanctuary. It's not only a water source for the wildlife but also contributes to the overall biodiversity of the region.
Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary Lake
The Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary is adjacent to the Dumbur Lake, which is also known as the Gumti Reservoir.
The Dumbur Lake, often referred to as the Gumti Reservoir, is the largest artificial lake in the state of Tripura. It was formed due to the construction of a hydroelectric dam in 1974 across the Gumti River, near the confluence of the Raima and Sarma rivers. The lake spans approximately 300 square kilometers, and it is situated adjacent to the Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary.
Dumbur Lake is of great ecological importance to the region. It provides a source of water and supports a variety of aquatic life, including fish species. The lake and its surrounding wetlands are also attractive to both resident and migratory bird species, making it a significant destination for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Within the Dumbur Lake, there are approximately 48 islands. Some of these islands are rich in wildlife and provide habitat for various species, including primates and birds.
Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora due to its varied habitats, including deciduous and semi-evergreen forests. Here are some examples of the flora that can be found in the sanctuary:
Artocarpus chaplasa: This tree species, commonly known as "Chaplasa," is found in the sanctuary. It belongs to the mulberry family (Moraceae) and produces edible fruits.
Albizia procera: Albizia procera, or "Siris," is a deciduous tree with feathery leaves and is part of the pea family (Fabaceae). It is often used in traditional medicine.
Caryea arborea: Caryea arborea, also known as "Caryota," is a palm species found in the sanctuary. Palms are known for their diverse uses, including the production of palm wine.
Gmelina arborea: Gmelina arborea, commonly called "Gambhari," is a tree species that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is known for its timber and medicinal properties.
Lagerstroemia: Lagerstroemia, or "Lagerstroemia speciosa," is a genus of flowering trees commonly known as "Pride of India" or "Crepe Myrtle." These trees are known for their vibrant and colorful flowers.
Mangifera indica: The mango tree, Mangifera indica, is a familiar species found in the sanctuary. Mangoes are a popular fruit in India and have cultural and economic significance.
Schima wallichii: Schima wallichii is an evergreen tree species found in the sanctuary. It belongs to the Theaceae family and is known for its timber and ornamental value.
Bombax ceiba: Also known as the "Silk Cotton Tree" or "Semal," Bombax ceiba is a large deciduous tree with bright red flowers. It belongs to the Bombacaceae family.
Bamboo (Kalai): Bamboo is a common plant in the region and has various uses, including construction, crafts, and as a food source.
Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse range of fauna, including a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, and other wildlife species. Here are some examples of the fauna that can be found in the sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Clouded Leopard
- Leopard Cat
- Asiatic Elephant
- Slow Loris
- Barking Deer
- Wild Boar
- Hoolock Gibbon
- Phayre’s Langur or Leaf Monkey
- Spectacle Langur
- Capped Langur
- Pig-tailed Macaque
- Crab-eating Mongoose
- Porcupine
Birds:
- Lesser Adjutant
- Darter
- Waders
- Ducks
Reptiles:
- Python
- Lizrads
Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. In which district is the Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary situated?
A. Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Gumti and Dhailai districts of the Indian state of Tripura. It is located in the southeastern part of Tripura, near the border with Bangladesh.
Q. Which is the biggest wildlife sanctuary in Tripura?
A. Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary is the largest wildlife sanctuary in the Indian state of Tripura. It covers a significant area (389.54 km2) in the southeastern part of the state, making it Tripura's most extensive protected area for the conservation of wildlife and biodiversity.
No comments:
Post a Comment