Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary

Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area situated on the banks of the Ken River in Madhya Pradesh, India. Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary has been playing a crucial role in the conservation of the region's biodiversity for several decades.

The Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary boasts a variety of plant and animal species. It serves as a crucial buffer zone for the nearby Panna National Park. Buffer zones act as transitional areas that help protect the core areas of the national park and allow for the movement of wildlife.

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

Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary Location

Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Chhatarpur District, Madhya Pradesh, India. It is situated on the banks of the Ken River. The sanctuary is approximately 38 kilometers south-west of Khajuraho, a well-known tourist destination famous for its ancient temples.

Chhatarpur District is part of the Bundelkhand region in the state of Madhya Pradesh. 

Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Khajuraho. Khajuraho Airport serves as the closest air gateway for visitors who wish to travel to the sanctuary. From the airport, you can make further arrangements to reach Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary via road.

Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:

As for the nearest railway station, Satna Railway Station is the closest railhead to Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary. Satna Railway Station is well-connected to various major cities in India through regular train services. Once you arrive at Satna Railway Station, you can take local transportation or hire a cab to reach Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary, which is approximately 38 kilometers away from Khajuraho.

Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary History

Wildlife sanctuaries in India were established with the primary objective of conserving and protecting the natural habitats and biodiversity of various animal and plant species. These protected areas serve as crucial refuges for endangered and vulnerable species and help maintain ecological balance.

The creation of wildlife sanctuaries in India was driven by the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, which aimed to provide legal protection to wildlife and their habitats. The act empowered the government to declare certain areas as wildlife sanctuaries to safeguard the flora and fauna found there.

Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary, established in 1975, falls within this broader context of wildlife conservation efforts in India. Over the years, the sanctuary has likely contributed to preserving the unique ecosystem along the banks of the Ken River in Madhya Pradesh, supporting a diverse range of plant and animal life.

Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary Area

Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 69 square kilometers. The sanctuary comprises the territorial forests of the present North and South Panna Forest Division. 

With an area of 69 square kilometers, Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary serves as an essential buffer for the nearby Panna National Park, helping to maintain ecological connectivity and support wildlife movement between the two protected areas.

Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary River

Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Ken River. The Ken River is a prominent river that flows through the central Indian states of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. It is a tributary of the Yamuna River, which eventually joins the Ganges River.

The Ken River is known for its scenic beauty and plays a crucial role in supporting the ecosystem of the region, including the wildlife and vegetation found in and around Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary. Rivers like the Ken are vital for sustaining the diverse flora and fauna in the sanctuary, providing water sources for wildlife and supporting the growth of vegetation.

Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary boasts a diverse range of flora, contributing to the sanctuary's ecological significance and providing essential habitats for various wildlife species. Here an overview of the typical types of flora that may be encountered there:

Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests: The predominant forest type in Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary is tropical dry deciduous forest. These forests shed their leaves during certain seasons, and the trees found here have adapted to the region's dry and arid climate.

Teak Trees: Teak (Tectona grandis) is a prominent tree species in the Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary and is known for its high-quality timber.

Mahua Trees: The mahua tree (Madhuca longifolia) is another common tree species found in the Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary. It produces edible flowers and seeds that are essential food sources for several wildlife species.

Sal Trees: Sal (Shorea robusta) forests are also found in some parts of the Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary. Sal trees are known for their dense foliage and provide important habitat for various animals.

Bamboo: Bamboo (Bambusa arundinacea) thickets are found in certain areas of the Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary. These fast-growing plants are vital for the survival of many animal species.

Grasslands: Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary has grasslands that provide crucial feeding and breeding grounds for various herbivores and support the park's ecosystem.

Riparian Vegetation: The sanctuary's water bodies and riverbanks are home to diverse riparian vegetation, including aquatic plants and shrubs that thrive in the wetter areas.

Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna, including a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, and other wildlife species. Here are some of the notable animal species that may be encountered there:

Mammals:

• Striped Hyena
• Chital (Spotted Deer)
• Sambar Deer
• Four-horned Antelope
• Nilgai (Bluebull)
• Wild Boar
• Indian Hare 
• Indian Gray Mongoose
• Sloth Bear
• Indian Fox
• Jungle Cat 
• Indian Pangolin 

Birds:

• Indian Peafowl
• Indian Vulture
• Indian Roller
• Painted Stork
• Crested Serpent Eagle
• Common Kingfisher
• Indian Pitta

Reptiles:

• Indian Rock Python
• Indian Cobra
• Indian Rat Snake
• Common Krait
• Indian Monitor Lizard

Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary in which district?

A. Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Chhatarpur District, Madhya Pradesh, India. Chhatarpur is one of the districts in the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh. The sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Ken River in this district.