Karera Wildlife Sanctuary

Karera Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

Karera Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. It was established in 1981 with the primary aim of protecting the local population of the Great Indian Bustard, a critically endangered bird species. It's worth noting that the Great Indian Bustard has not been spotted in the sanctuary since 1994.

However, due to opposition from local people and the extinction of the Great Indian Bustard in the region, the sanctuary is now in the process of being denotified. Denotification means it will lose its official recognition as a wildlife sanctuary. This decision is awaiting final approval from the Supreme Court of India.

Table of Contents Karera Wildlife Sanctuary Location Karera Wildlife Sanctuary History Karera Wildlife Sanctuary Area Karera Wildlife Sanctuary Lake Karera Wildlife Sanctuary Flora Karera Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna Mammals Birds Reptile Karera Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Karera Wildlife Sanctuary Location

The Karera Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh, India. 

Karera Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to the Karera Wildlife Sanctuary is the Gwalior Airport (Rajmata Vijaya Raje Scindia Airport) in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India. The airport is located at a distance of approximately 160 kilometers (approximately 99 miles) from the sanctuary.

Karera Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:

Regarding the nearest railway station, the Jhansi Junction Railway Station in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, India, is often used by travelers to reach the Karera Wildlife Sanctuary. The distance between Jhansi Junction Railway Station and the sanctuary is approximately 90 kilometers (approximately 56 miles).

Karera Wildlife Sanctuary History

Establishment: The Karera Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1981 by the Government of Madhya Pradesh under the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

Protecting the Great Indian Bustard: The primary aim of creating the Karera Wildlife Sanctuary was to protect and conserve the local population of the Great Indian Bustard. The Great Indian Bustard, known locally as "son chidiya" or the golden bird, was once found in substantial numbers across various regions in India, including parts of Madhya Pradesh. However, due to habitat destruction, hunting, and other human activities, their numbers drastically declined over the years, leading to their classification as critically endangered.

Challenges and Denotification: Over time, despite its establishment and conservation efforts, the population of the Great Indian Bustard in the region continued to decline. Additionally, there was opposition from local communities regarding the sanctuary's existence.

As a result of the declining bird population and public pressure, the National Board for Wildlife and the Government of Madhya Pradesh made the decision to denotify the sanctuary. Denotification meant that the Karera Wildlife Sanctuary would lose its official recognition and protection status as a wildlife sanctuary.

Proposed Denotification Process: The proposal for denotification was awaiting final approval from the Supreme Court of India. If approved, the Karera Wildlife Sanctuary would have become the country's first such reserve to lose its official recognition.

Karera Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The Karera Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 202 square kilometers (about 78 square miles). Out of this total area, approximately 146 square kilometers (about 56 square miles) are privately owned land, while the remaining area is likely to be government-owned or under official sanctuary management.

Karera Wildlife Sanctuary Lake

The Karera Wildlife Sanctuary is known to have a lake called the Dihaliya lake within its borders. The lake serves as an important water body in the sanctuary and attracts various species of migratory birds.

Dihaliya lake provides a vital habitat for these migratory birds, and approximately 245 species of avifauna have been recorded at the Karera Wildlife Sanctuary, including pintails, terns, spoonbills, and teals.

Water bodies like Dihaliya lake are essential for sustaining biodiversity within the sanctuary and play a significant role in supporting various flora and fauna species, including the resident and migratory bird populations.

Karera Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

The Karera Wildlife Sanctuary is characterized by diverse flora, including various types of vegetation typical of the region's ecosystem. Here are some of the prominent flora found within the sanctuary:

(1) Mixed Deciduous Forests:

The sanctuary is home to mixed deciduous forests, which consist of a variety of tree species that shed their leaves during certain seasons. These forests create a rich and diverse habitat for various wildlife species.

(2) Acacia Trees:

Acacia trees, particularly Acacia catechu and Acacia nilotica, are the principal species found in the sanctuary. Acacia trees are known for their thorny branches and provide essential resources for wildlife, including shelter and food.

(3) Riverine and Swamp Vegetation:

Along with the deciduous forests, the sanctuary contains vegetation specific to riverine and swamp areas. These habitats support diverse plant life adapted to thrive in wetter environments.

Karera Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Karera Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

Which animals are found in Karera Wildlife Sanctuary?

The Karera Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of fauna, including several important and notable species. However, the most prominent species that the sanctuary was initially established to protect, the Great Indian Bustard, has not been spotted in the area since 1994. 

Here are some of the significant fauna found within the sanctuary:

Mammals:

• Blackbuck
• Other small mammals (specific species may vary and can include deer, wild boar, etc.)

Birds:

• Great Indian Bustard
• Black-bellied River Terns
• Egrets
• Spoonbills
• Herons
• Indian Robins

Reptiles:

• Indian Rock Python
• Various species of snakes (specific species may include Russell's viper, common krait, etc.)
• Lizards and other reptiles (specific species may vary and can include monitor lizards, skinks, etc.)

Karera Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. Where is Karera Wildlife Sanctuary?

A. Karera Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh, India. 

Q. What is Karera Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?

A. The Karera Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for several reasons, including its initial establishment to protect a critically endangered bird species and its significance as a habitat for migratory birds. Here are the key reasons for its fame:

(i) Protection of the Great Indian Bustard: The sanctuary was initially established in 1981 with the primary aim of protecting and conserving the local population of the Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps). The Great Indian Bustard is one of the heaviest flying birds in the world and was once found in significant numbers across various regions in India, including parts of Madhya Pradesh. However, due to habitat destruction, hunting, and other human activities, their numbers drastically declined, leading to their classification as critically endangered. Despite the sanctuary's efforts, the Great Indian Bustard has not been spotted in the region since 1994.

(ii) Migratory Bird Haven: The Dihaliya lake within the sanctuary attracts a diverse array of migratory bird species. Approximately 245 species of migratory birds have been recorded at the Karera Wildlife Sanctuary. These include pintails, terns, spoonbills, teals, and many others. The presence of the lake makes the sanctuary a significant spot for birdwatching and avian studies.