Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

The Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. It is named after the town of Bhairamgarh, which is situated in the Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh. 

The sanctuary is spread over a considerable area and is known for its diverse flora and fauna. The sanctuary area falls under Tropical climate zone.

The Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary plays a crucial role in the conservation of endangered and vulnerable species. It was set up to protect the Wild Asian Buffalo.

Table of Contents Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary Location Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary History Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary Area Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary River Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary Flora Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna Mammals Birds Reptile Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary Location

Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Bijapur district of the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. It is situated in the southern part of Chhattisgarh, near the border with the state of Maharashtra. It is geographically situated on the east of Bhairamgarh in Bijapur. It is approximately 50 kms. away from Bijapur. 

Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to the Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is the Raipur Airport (Swami Vivekananda Airport ). Raipur Airport is the primary airport serving the capital city of Chhattisgarh, Raipur, and it is well-connected to major cities in India. The distance between Raipur Airport and Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is approximately 370 to 400 kilometers, depending on the specific location within the sanctuary.

Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary Near Railway Station:

The nearest major railway station to the Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is the Dantewada Railway Station. The distance between Dantewada Railway Station and Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is approximately 120 to 150 kilometers, depending on the specific entry point to the sanctuary. From the railway station, you may need to hire a taxi or use local transportation to reach the sanctuary.

Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary History

Establishment: The history of Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary dates back to the year 1983 when the Government of Chhattisgarh took a significant step in conservation. Recognizing the urgent need to safeguard the region's rich biodiversity, the sanctuary was established in this year.

Protecting the Wild Buffaloes: One of the primary objectives behind the sanctuary's establishment was to protect the remaining three groups of wild buffaloes, which were facing the threat of extinction. These magnificent creatures found a sanctuary to thrive and survive, thanks to this dedicated conservation effort.

Administrative Attachment to Indravati Tiger Reserve: In 1995, recognizing the significance of Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary's conservation efforts, it was administratively attached to the prestigious Indravati Tiger Reserve. This step enhanced the sanctuary's protection and allowed for better coordination in combating excessive hunting and preserving the precious forest buffalo.

Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary Area

Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 138.95 square kilometers (53.63 square miles). This size gives an idea of the extent of land set aside for the protection and conservation of the region's biodiversity, including various wildlife species, plants, and trees.

Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary River

The Indravati River, which is a tributary of the Godavari River, separates the Indravati National Park from the Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. This river acts as a natural boundary between these two protected areas.

The Indravati National Park is a prominent wildlife sanctuary and tiger reserve located in the state of Chhattisgarh, India. It is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna and is considered one of the key protected areas for conservation in the region.

On the other hand, the Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, as previously mentioned, is also situated in the Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh and serves as an important habitat for various wildlife species, including the protection of the endangered wild buffaloes.

The presence of the Indravati River between these two protected areas adds to the ecological significance of the region. Rivers often serve as lifelines for wildlife, providing water, nourishment, and essential resources that support diverse ecosystems and enable the coexistence of various plant and animal species.

Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is characterized by a diverse range of vegetation types, contributing to its ecological richness and importance for wildlife conservation. Here are some of the main flora found in the Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary:

(1) Mixed Deciduous Forest:

The mixed deciduous forest is a prevalent vegetation type in the sanctuary. These forests consist of a variety of tree species that shed their leaves during specific seasons. The mix of trees includes both hardwood and softwood species, creating a rich and varied habitat for wildlife.

(2) Teak Forest:

Teak (Tectona grandis) is a valuable hardwood tree known for its durability and high-quality timber. Teak forests are likely an essential component of the Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary's flora and contribute to the overall forest composition.

(3) Dry Tropical River Rain Forest:

The presence of dry tropical river rain forests suggests that the sanctuary might have areas influenced by seasonal rivers or watercourses. These riverine forests can be rich in biodiversity and provide critical habitats for various plant and animal species.

(4) Bamboo Brakes:

Bamboo brakes, or stands of bamboo, are another important vegetation type in the sanctuary. Bamboo provides valuable resources for wildlife, including shelter, food, and nesting material. Additionally, bamboo brakes can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion.

Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

The Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna, showcasing the rich biodiversity of the region. The sanctuary provides a protected habitat for various wildlife species, including both mammals and avifauna. 

Here are some of the prominent fauna found in the Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary:

Mammals:

• Wild Buffalo
• Nilgai
• Sambar
• Gaur
• Barking Deer
• Sloth Bear
• Wild Boar
• Jackal
• Striped Hyena

Birds:

• Darters
• Woodpeckers
• Peacocks
• Jungle Fowls
• Green Pigeons
• Quails
• Parrots
• Storks

Reptiles:

• Snakes
• Lizards
• Turtles

Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. Where is Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary?

A. The Bhairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. It is situated in the Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh, which is in the southern part of the state.