Yangoupokpi Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
The Yangoupokpi Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the northeastern state of Manipur, India. The sanctuary was established to protect and conserve the unique biodiversity found in the region.
The sanctuary primarily consists of tropical moist deciduous forests and tropical semi-evergreen forests, which are characteristic of the region.
The sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity, including a variety of animals and plants. Notable species include the red panda, clouded leopard, hoolock gibbon, Asiatic black bear, sambar, barking deer, and many more.
The best time to visit the Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary is between October and April.
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Yangoupokpi Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary Location
The Yangoupokpi Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Chandel district of the Indian state of Manipur. It is situated along the India-Myanmar border, approximately 110 kilometers away from Imphal, which is the capital of Manipur.
Its strategic location on the international border makes it an important area for wildlife conservation in the region.
Yangoupokpi Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to the Yangoupokpi Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary is Imphal International Airport (also known as Bir Tikendrajit International Airport). It is located in Imphal, the capital city of Manipur, at a distance of approximately 130 kilometers from the sanctuary. From Imphal Airport, you can reach the sanctuary by road.
Yangoupokpi Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest major railway station to the sanctuary is Dimapur Railway Station, which is situated in Dimapur, Nagaland. Dimapur is approximately 300 kilometers away from the sanctuary. However, please note that there is no direct railway connection to Chandel, the district where the sanctuary is located. From Dimapur, you would need to continue your journey to Chandel by road.
Yangoupokpi Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary History
The Yangoupokpi Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary has a relatively short but important history in terms of conservation. Here is a brief overview of its history:
Establishment: The sanctuary was officially established in the year 1989. It was designated as a protected area under the Wildlife Protection Act of India, with the primary objective of conserving the rich biodiversity found in the region.
Important Bird Areas (IBA): Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary is identified as one of the nine Important Bird Areas (IBA) in Manipur. It is home to a variety of bird species, including the vulnerable Green Peafowl. The area is vital for the conservation of birdlife in the East Himalayas Endemic Bird Area.
Strategic Location: The strategic location of the sanctuary along the India-Myanmar border makes it a crucial refuge for wildlife from both sides of the international border, possibly even housing Southeast Asian components of biodiversity.
Conservation Efforts: Since its establishment, the sanctuary has been a focal point for conservation efforts in the northeastern state of Manipur. It was created to safeguard the diverse flora and fauna, including several rare and endangered species that inhabit the region.
Yangoupokpi Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary Area
The Yangoupokpi Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 184.4 square kilometers (70.9 square miles). This sanctuary is known for its diverse flora and fauna and plays a significant role in the conservation of biodiversity in the region.
Its relatively compact size is home to various wildlife species and unique ecosystems along the India-Myanmar border.
Yangoupokpi Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
What is the flora of Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary?
The Yangoupokpi Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse flora, which contributes to its ecological significance. The sanctuary's flora includes a wide range of plant species typical of the region's tropical forests and hilly terrain.
Here are some of the notable flora found in the sanctuary:
Dipterocarpus tuberculatus: Dipterocarpus species are known for their valuable timber. They are large trees commonly found in tropical rainforests. They produce hardwood used in various applications, including construction and furniture.
Tectona grandis (Teak): Teak is one of the most well-known tropical hardwood trees. It's highly prized for its quality timber, which is used for making furniture, flooring, and other wooden products.
Melanorrhoea usitata: Melanorrhoea usitata is a tropical hardwood tree species native to Southeast Asia. It may have applications in woodworking and other industries.
Terminalia chebula (Haritaki): Terminalia chebula is a medicinal plant used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. It is known for its fruit, which has various health benefits.
Emblica officinalis (Amla): Emblica officinalis, also known as Indian gooseberry or Amla, is a medicinal plant rich in vitamin C. It is used for various health and culinary purposes.
Cedrela toona: Cedrela toona, commonly known as Australian red cedar or toon, is a valuable timber tree known for its hardwood. It's used in making furniture and musical instruments.
Quercus Spp. (Oak): The presence of oak trees, represented by various Quercus species, adds to the biodiversity of the sanctuary. Oaks are known for their strong wood and are used in various woodworking applications.
Meloconna Spp.: The specific genus "Meloconna" is not commonly recognized, so it may refer to a local or regional plant species.
Bambusa Spp. (Bamboo): Bamboo is a versatile plant used for construction, crafts, and various other purposes. It's known for its rapid growth and sustainability.
Yangoupokpi Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Yangoupokpi Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
What animals are in the Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary?
The Yangoupokpi Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna, including various mammal, bird, reptile, and amphibian species. Here are some of the notable fauna found in the sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Red Panda
- Asian Elephant
- Clouded Leopard
- Gaur
- Goral
- Large Indian Civet
- Assamese Macaque
- Capped Langur
- Malayan Sun Bear
- Hoolock Gibbon
- Himalayan Black Bear
- Chinese Pangolin
- Crab-eating Mongoose
- Giant Flying Squirrel
- Perny’s Long-nosed Squirrel
- Wild Boar
- Sambar
- Barking Deer
Birds:
- Grey Peacock-pheasant
- Green Peafowl
- Kalij Pheasant
- Wreathed Hornbill
- Oriental Pied Hornbill
- Manipur Bush-quail
Reptiles:
- Blind Snake
- Diard’s Blind Snake
- Buff-striped Keelback
- Tawny Cat Snake
- Himalayan Keelback
- White-striped Kukri Snake
- Manipur Green Snake
- Indo-China Red Snake
- Checkered Keelback
- Banded Krait
- Monocellate Cobra
- King Cobra
- Monitor Lizard
Yangoupokpi Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. What are the endangered species in Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary?
A. The Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary in Manipur, India, is home to several endangered and vulnerable species. Here are some of the endangered or vulnerable species that may be found in the sanctuary:
(i) Green Peafowl (Pavo muticus): The Green Peafowl is listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It has a rapidly declining population due to hunting and habitat destruction. This species is one of the key inhabitants of the sanctuary.
(ii) Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens): Red pandas are listed as Endangered by the IUCN. They are elusive and rare, and their population is under threat due to habitat loss and poaching. The sanctuary is known to be home to the red panda.
(iii) Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock hoolock): Hoolock gibbons are listed as Endangered. They are the only ape species found in India and are known for their distinct vocalizations. The sanctuary is a habitat for these gibbons.
Q. What is Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. The Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for several reasons:
(i) Rich Biodiversity: The sanctuary is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna. It is home to a wide range of wildlife species, including endangered and rare animals such as the green peafowl, red panda, clouded leopard, and hoolock gibbon. The sanctuary's biodiversity contributes to its ecological significance and draws the attention of researchers, wildlife enthusiasts, and conservationists.
(ii) Important Bird Area (IBA): Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary is recognized as one of the nine Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in Manipur. It is known for its avian diversity, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers and ornithologists. The presence of the vulnerable green peafowl adds to its significance as a birding hotspot.
(iii) Conservation Efforts: The sanctuary plays a critical role in the conservation of endangered and vulnerable species, including the green peafowl and red panda. Conservation efforts within the sanctuary aim to protect and preserve these species and their habitats.
(iv) Unique Ecosystem: The sanctuary's location along the India-Myanmar border, encompassing hills, valleys, and riverine areas, creates a unique and vibrant ecosystem. This diverse landscape adds to its fame as a place of natural beauty and ecological importance.
(v) Strategic Location: Its location on the international border with Myanmar makes it a critical refuge for wildlife from both sides of the border, potentially housing Southeast Asian components of biodiversity. This strategic location enhances its value for conservation efforts.
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