Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular wildlife sanctuary located in the Indian state of Tripura.
The presence of clouded leopard enclosures, a diverse range of bird species, primates like Phayre's langur, and the revival of the crab-eating mongoose after decades adds to the sanctuary's significance in terms of wildlife conservation and research.
Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary features a botanical garden that showcases a rich collection of orchids, bamboo, and other exotic plants. The garden is divided into sections dedicated to different types of flora and serves as a great place for nature enthusiasts and botanists.
The sanctuary also has a zoo that houses various species of animals and birds, making it an attractive destination for families and tourists. The zoo serves both educational and conservation purposes.
The sanctuary's lush green landscape and temperate weather make it a year-round destination for nature enthusiasts. The man-made lake and boating facilities, as well as the Dak bungalow for adventurous night stays, adds to its appeal for tourists.
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Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary Location
Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Sepahijala District of Tripura, India. It is situated near the town of Bishalgarh, which is approximately 25 kilometers (about 16 miles) away from the city center of Bishalgarh.
The sanctuary is easily accessible from Agartala, the capital city of Tripura. It is a prominent wildlife conservation area and a popular destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts in the region.
Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary is the Agartala Airport, also known as Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport. It is located approximately 40 kilometers (about 25 miles) away from the sanctuary. Agartala Airport serves as the primary airport for the state of Tripura and provides domestic flight connections to major Indian cities.
Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary is the Agartala Railway Station, which is situated approximately 22 kilometers (about 13.7 miles) away from the sanctuary. Agartala Railway Station is well-connected by rail to various parts of India, making it a convenient transportation option for visitors traveling by train. From the railway station or airport, you can arrange for local transportation to reach Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary.
Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary History
Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary has a history tied to its establishment and development as a protected area for wildlife conservation. Here is a brief overview of its history:
Establishment: Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary was officially notified as a wildlife sanctuary on February 2, 1987. It was established with the primary aim of conserving the region's rich biodiversity and providing a protected habitat for various wildlife species.
Conservation Efforts: Over the years, the sanctuary has been the focus of conservation efforts to protect and rehabilitate endangered and threatened species. These efforts include the revival of the crab-eating mongoose, which was last seen in the 1930s.
Biodiversity Conservation: The sanctuary plays a crucial role in conserving various species of animals, including clouded leopards, Four species of Fyre langur (rhesus macaques, pig-tail macaques, scalloped langurs and spectacled langurs), and a wide variety of bird species. It is also surrounded by lush greenery throughout the year.
Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary Area
The total area of Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary is approximately 18.05 square kilometers (7.15 square miles). This sanctuary covers a relatively compact but ecologically diverse region. Within this area, it houses a variety of flora and fauna, making it a significant wildlife conservation area and a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and tourists.
Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary Lakes
Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary features an artificial lake known as "Amrit Sagar." This man-made lake is one of the prominent attractions within the sanctuary. Visitors can enjoy boating on Amrit Sagar, which provides a tranquil and picturesque setting for experiencing the natural beauty of the sanctuary.
Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora, contributing to its rich biodiversity. The sanctuary encompasses several types of vegetation and plant species. Some of the notable flora found in Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary include:
- Shorea robusta (Sal Tree)
- Cassia species
- Artocarpus chaplasa (Chapalish)
- Schima wallichii (Kabok)
- Syzygium cumini (Jamun)
- Lagerstroemia species (Crape Myrtle)
- Terminalia species
- Albizia species (Silk Trees)
- Mallotus species
- Dillenia species
- Bauhinia species
- Ficus species (Fig Trees)
- Lannea species
- Dipterocarpus turbinatus
- Vitex species
- Alstonia scholaris (Blackboard Tree)
- Mesua ferrea (Nagkesar)
- Bombax ceiba (Red Silk Cotton Tree)
Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna, including various mammals, birds, and other wildlife species. Here is a list of some of the notable fauna found in Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Phayre’s Langur
- Rhesus Macaques
- Pig-tail Macaques
- Scalloped Langurs
- Spectacled Langurs
- Clouded Leopard
- Leopard Cat
- Himalayan Palm Civet
- Crab-eating Mongoose
Birds:
- White-backed Vulture
- Long-billed Vulture
- Lesser Adjutant
- Nilgiri Wood-Pigeon
- Yellow-throated Bulbul
- Broad-tailed Grass
- Warbler
- Black and Orange Flycatcher
- Imperial Pigeon
- Kaleej Pheasant
- Oriental Pied Hornbill
Reptiles:
- Python
- Lizards
Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. Where is Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary situated?/Which district is Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary?
A. Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Indian state of Tripura. It is located in the western part of Tripura, near the town of Bishalgarh. Specifically, the sanctuary is in the Bishalgarh sub-division of the Sepahijala district in Tripura.
Q. What is the Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary in Tripura, India, is famous for several reasons:
(i) Diverse Flora and Fauna: The sanctuary is renowned for its rich biodiversity. It is home to a wide variety of flora, including numerous tree species, and a diverse range of fauna, including clouded leopards, Phayre's langurs, pig-tailed macaques, and various bird species.
(ii) Clouded Leopard Enclosures: Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary is well-known for its clouded leopard enclosures. These enclosures provide a safe environment for these endangered big cats and contribute to their conservation.
(iii) Birdwatching: The sanctuary is a haven for birdwatchers, with around 150 different bird species, including hornbills, woodpeckers, kingfishers, and migratory birds visiting in the winter season.
(iv) Botanical Garden: It features a botanical garden showcasing a diverse collection of orchids, bamboo, and other exotic plants, making it a destination for botany enthusiasts.
(v) Zoo: Sepahijala has a zoo that houses various animal species, making it a family-friendly attraction and an educational opportunity for visitors.
(vi) Recreational Activities: Visitors can enjoy boating in the sanctuary's lakes, with one of them being named "Amrit Sagar." There are also trekking trails and opportunities for night stays in the forest.
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