Askot Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
Askot Wildlife Sanctuary, also knows as Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary, is a protected area located in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated in the western part of the Kumaon Himalayas and covers an area of approximately 600 square kilometers (230 square miles). The sanctuary area is known as ‘Green Paradise on the Earth’.
The Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary, established in 1986, is named after the town of Askot, which is located within its boundaries. This sanctuary has been set up primarily with the object of conserving the Musk Deer (Moschus leucogaster) and its habitat.
In terms of wildlife, the sanctuary is home to several rare and endangered species, including the Himalayan musk deer, Himalayan black bear, brown bear, snow leopard, serow, goral, and bharal (blue sheep). It is also a habitat for various bird species, such as the Himalayan monal, koklass pheasant, cheer pheasant, and several species of eagles and vultures.
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Askot Wildlife Sanctuary Location
Askot Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated in the western part of the Kumaon Himalayas. The sanctuary encompasses an area that spans across the Askot-Munsiyari and Pancheshwar regions of the district. The town of Askot, from which the sanctuary derives its name, is located within its boundaries.
To reach the sanctuary, one can travel to Pithoragarh town, which serves as a gateway to the region, and then proceed towards Askot, which is approximately 54 kilometers (34 miles) away.
Askot Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Askot Wildlife Sanctuary is the Pantnagar Airport (also known as Naini Saini Airport) located in Pantnagar, Uttarakhand. It is approximately 210 kilometers (130 miles) away from the sanctuary. From Pantnagar Airport, you can hire a taxi or use public transportation to reach Askot.
Askot Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Askot Wildlife Sanctuary is Tanakpur Railway Station, located in Tanakpur, Uttarakhand. It is approximately 170 kilometers (105 miles) away from the sanctuary. From Tanakpur Railway Station, you can hire a taxi or use public transportation to reach Askot.
Askot Wildlife Sanctuary History
The Askot Wildlife Sanctuary has a rich historical background. The region around Askot has been of strategic importance for centuries due to its location near the Indo-Tibetan border. Here's the information about the history of Askot Wildlife Sanctuary:
Katyuri Kingdom: During the medieval period, Askot served as the capital of the Katyuri kings who ruled the region. The Katyuri dynasty left a mark on the history of Askot and its surrounding areas.
Chand Dynasty of Kumaon: The Askot region later came under the control of the Chand dynasty of Kumaon. The Chand rulers recognized the strategic importance of the area and maintained control over it to defend their kingdom from external threats.
British Colonial Period: In the 19th century, Askot became part of the British Indian territories. The region was considered a buffer zone to prevent incursions from Tibet and neighboring regions. The dense forests of Askot provided valuable resources for the British administration.
Establishment of Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary: In 1986, the government of Uttarakhand declared the region as the Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary. The sanctuary aimed to protect the endangered Himalayan musk deer species, recognizing the ecological significance of the area.
Upgradation to Askot Wildlife Sanctuary: In 2009, the sanctuary was upgraded and renamed as the Askot Wildlife Sanctuary. This upgrade expanded the scope of conservation efforts to encompass a wider range of species and habitats present in the sanctuary.
Askot Wildlife Sanctuary Eco Sensitive Zone: In December 2021, Askot Wildlife Sanctuary has been declared as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) by the Union Environment Ministry.
Askot Wildlife Sanctuary Area
Askot Wildlife Sanctuary covers an approximate area of 600 square kilometers (230 square miles). The sanctuary area encompasses a diverse range of habitats, including forests, alpine meadows, and high-altitude regions.
The varying altitudes within the sanctuary, ranging from around 600 meters (1,970 feet) to 6,313 meters (20,705 feet) above sea level, contribute to the sanctuary's rich biodiversity and support a wide array of flora and fauna.
Askot Wildlife Sanctuary Mountains
The Askot Wildlife Sanctuary is surrounded by several famous peaks that enhance its natural beauty. Here are some prominent peaks in the vicinity of the sanctuary:
(1) Panchchuli Peaks:
The Panchchuli group of peaks, consisting of Panchchuli I to Panchchuli V, is a renowned mountain range visible from the sanctuary. These majestic snow-capped peaks create a stunning backdrop to the sanctuary's landscape.
(2) Neodhura Peak:
Neodhura Peak is another notable mountain in the area. It offers a picturesque view and adds to the overall charm of the surroundings.
(3) Naukana Peak:
Naukana Peak is a prominent mountain near Askot Wildlife Sanctuary. Its towering presence and scenic beauty make it a notable landmark in the region.
(4) Chhiplakot Peak:
Chhiplakot Peak is a picturesque mountain located in the vicinity of the sanctuary. It contributes to the stunning vistas and enriches the visual appeal of the area.
(5) Najirikot Peak:
Najirikot Peak is another well-known mountain near the sanctuary. Its scenic grandeur and imposing stature enhance the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Askot Wildlife Sanctuary River
The Askot Wildlife Sanctuary is crisscrossed by several rivers and streams that add to the natural beauty and ecological significance of the area. Here are some notable rivers that flow through or near the sanctuary:
(1) Kali River:
The Kali River forms a natural border between India and Nepal. It flows along the western boundary of the Askot Wildlife Sanctuary, providing water and supporting the diverse ecosystems of the region.
(2) Gori Ganga River:
The Gori Ganga River is one of the prominent rivers that flows through the Askot Wildlife Sanctuary. It originates from the Milam Glacier in the Pithoragarh district and is a major tributary of the Kali River.
(3) Dhauli River:
The Dhauli River originates from the Askot region, specifically the Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary, which is a part of the larger Askot Wildlife Sanctuary. It flows through the sanctuary area, nourishing the surrounding landscapes and supporting the diverse flora and fauna.
(4) Ikli River:
The Ikli River also originates from the Askot Wildlife Sanctuary. It begins its journey within the sanctuary, flowing through the picturesque landscapes before joining other tributaries or larger river systems in the region.
Askot Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
The Askot Wildlife Sanctuary is blessed with diverse flora, thanks to its varying altitudes and varied climatic conditions. The sanctuary encompasses a range of vegetation types, including forests, alpine meadows, and shrublands.
Here are some of the notable flora species found in the Askot Wildlife Sanctuary:
(1) Coniferous Trees:
The sanctuary is home to various coniferous trees, such as Deodar (Cedrus deodara), Blue Pine (Pinus wallichiana), and Fir (Abies spp.). These trees dominate the higher altitudes and create a dense forest canopy.
(2) Broadleaf Trees:
Lower elevations of the sanctuary feature broadleaf tree species like Oak (Quercus spp.), Rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.), and Maple (Acer spp.). These trees provide habitat and food sources for numerous wildlife species.
(3) Alpine Flora:
As the altitude increases, the sanctuary showcases alpine meadows adorned with a variety of colorful flowers. These include Primula, Gentiana, Bistorta, Saxifrage, and various species of Orchids. They paint the meadows with vibrant hues during the blooming season.
(4) Medicinal Plants:
The sanctuary is also rich in medicinal plants that have been traditionally used by local communities for their healing properties. Species like Aconitum heterophyllum (Atis), Picrorhiza kurroa (Kutki), and Swertia chirayita (Chirayita) can be found in the sanctuary.
(5) Shrubs and Understory Plants:
The understory of the forests in the sanctuary is adorned with shrubs like Berberis spp., Cotoneaster spp., and various species of wild roses (Rosa spp.). These shrubs provide food and shelter for many bird species and small mammals.
Askot Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Askot Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
The Askot Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a wide array of fauna, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and more. The sanctuary's diverse habitats support a variety of species, including some rare and endangered ones.
Here are some notable fauna found in the Askot Wildlife Sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Himalayan Musk Deer
- Snow Leopard
- Himalayan Black Bear
- Red Fox
- Himalayan Serow
- Himalayan Goral
- Bharal (Blue Sheep)
- Himalayan Mouse Hare
Birds:
- Himalayan Monal
- Cheer Pheasant
- Koklass Pheasant
- Himalayan Griffon
- Golden Eagle
- Himalayan Owl
- Hill Partridge
Reptiles:
- Himalayan Pit Viper
- Common Krait
- Indian Rock Python
Askot Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. Where is Askot Wildlife Sanctuary?/Askot Wildlife Sanctuary in which state/district?/In which district of Uttarakhand is Askot wildlife located?
A. Askot Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, India.
Q. Which states Askot Wildlife Sanctuary has been declared as the Askot Wildlife Sanctuary eco sensitive zone?
Q. What is Askot Wildlife Sanctuary also known as?
A. Askot Wildlife Sanctuary is also known by its alternative name, "Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary." It was initially established and recognized primarily for the conservation of the endangered Himalayan musk deer species. Over time, the sanctuary was expanded to encompass a wider range of wildlife and habitats, leading to its renaming as the "Askot Wildlife Sanctuary." Both names are used interchangeably to refer to the protected area in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, India.
Q. Askot Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. Askot Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for several aspects, including:
(i) Himalayan Musk Deer: The sanctuary gained initial recognition as the Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary, primarily for its efforts in conserving the endangered Himalayan musk deer species. The sanctuary plays a crucial role in protecting the habitat of these elusive creatures.
(ii) Biodiversity: The sanctuary is renowned for its rich biodiversity, with diverse flora and fauna. It is home to a variety of mammal species, including the elusive snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, and numerous bird species.
(iii) Scenic Beauty: Nestled in the Kumaon Himalayas, the sanctuary offers breathtaking natural beauty. It is surrounded by majestic peaks, lush forests, alpine meadows, and picturesque landscapes, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
(iv) Trekking and Adventure: The sanctuary provides opportunities for trekking and adventure activities. Several trekking trails, including the famous Panchachuli Base Camp trek, pass through the sanctuary, allowing visitors to explore its natural wonders while enjoying thrilling outdoor experiences.
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