Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary

Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. The sanctuary is spread over an area of approximately 227 square kilometers and is an important part of the Terai Arc Landscape.

The Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1972 with the aim of conserving the diverse flora and fauna found in the region. The sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to a variety of wildlife species, including the Royal Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, swamp deer, spotted deer, sambar deer, wild boar, and several species of birds.

The sanctuary is characterized by dense forests consisting of sal, teak, and mixed deciduous trees. It also encompasses several wetlands and water bodies, which provide crucial habitats for aquatic species and migratory birds.

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

Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary Location

Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary District

Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Mailani in the Lakhimpur Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is situated near the Indo-Nepal border in the Terai region. It is a part of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve and is contiguous with with Pilibhit Tiger Reserve.

Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary is the Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, located in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. It is approximately 215 kilometers away from the sanctuary. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use other modes of transportation to reach Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary.

Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary is Lakhimpur Kheri Railway Station. The railway station is around 35 kilometers away from the sanctuary. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary.

Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary History

Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary has a history that dates back several decades. Here is an overview of its historical significance:

Establishment: Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1972 as a protected area. The main objective was to conserve the rich biodiversity found in the region and provide a safe habitat for various wildlife species.

Terai Arc Landscape: Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary is part of the Terai Arc Landscape, which is a network of protected areas spanning across India and Nepal. The establishment of this landscape aims to facilitate the movement of wildlife and maintain ecological connectivity between different habitats.

Inclusion in Project Tiger: In 1987, Dudhwa National Park and the Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary was together declared a tiger reserve under Project Tiger.

Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary covers an approximate area of 227 square kilometers (88 sq mi). The Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary is a part of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve.

Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary River

The Sharda River flow through the Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Sharda River, also known as the Mahakali River, forms the international border between India and Nepal. It originates in the Mahakali Zone of Nepal and enters India through the Lakhimpur Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh. As it flows through the district, it passes through or forms the boundary of several protected areas, including the Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary.

The presence of the Sharda River adds to the ecological significance of the Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary, providing water resources, habitat, and supporting diverse aquatic and riparian wildlife. The river and its associated wetlands contribute to the biodiversity and offer a picturesque landscape for visitors.

Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse flora, with a variety of plant species found within its boundaries. The sanctuary is situated in the Terai region, which is characterized by rich forests and wetlands. 

Here are some of the notable flora species that can be found in Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary:

Sal (Shorea robusta): Sal is a dominant tree species in the sanctuary. It is a large deciduous tree with broad leaves and is highly valued for its timber.

Teak (Tectona grandis): Teak is another significant tree species found in the sanctuary. It is known for its durable wood and is widely used for construction and furniture making.

Khair (Acacia catechu): Khair, also known as catechu, is a thorny tree species found in the sanctuary. It has multiple uses, including medicinal and industrial purposes.

Sissoo (Dalbergia sissoo): Sissoo is a fast-growing deciduous tree found in the sanctuary. It has durable wood and is commonly used for furniture, flooring, and other woodworking purposes.

Bamboo (Bambusoideae): Various species of bamboo are found in Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary. Bamboo provides important habitats for wildlife and is also used for various purposes by local communities.

Grasslands: The sanctuary is also characterized by extensive grasslands, which support a variety of herbaceous plants and grass species that form an important part of the ecosystem.

Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and other wildlife species. The sanctuary's varied habitats, such as forests, wetlands, and grasslands, support a rich biodiversity. 

Here are some of the notable fauna species found in Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary:

Mammals:

• Royal Bengal Tiger
• Indian Leopard 
• Swamp Deer
• Spotted Deer
• Sambar Deer
• Wild Boar
• Indian Crested Porcupine
• Indian Pangolin
• Indian Civet
• Sloth Bear
• Indian Gray Mongoose
• Indian Hare
• Indian Flying Fox

Birds:

• Great Hornbill
• Indian Peafowl
• Painted Stork
• Grey-headed Fish Eagle
• Crested Serpent Eagle
• Oriental Pied Hornbill
• White-rumped Vulture
• Indian Roller
• Black Stork
• Grey Francolin
• Changeable Hawk-Eagle
• White-throated Kingfisher
• Black-headed Ibis

Reptiles:

• Indian Rock Python
• Indian Cobra
• Indian Rat Snake
• Common Monitor Lizard
• Indian Chameleon
• Checkered Keelback
• Common Sand Boa
• Indian Skimmer
• Common Indian Krait
• Indian Marsh Crocodile

Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. What is Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?

A. Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for several reasons:

Royal Bengal Tigers: The sanctuary is known for its population of Royal Bengal tigers. These magnificent and endangered big cats attract wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists from around the world.

Biodiversity: Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. The sanctuary's diverse habitats, including forests, wetlands, and grasslands, support a wide range of wildlife species, making it a significant center of biodiversity.

Terai Arc Landscape: Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary is part of the Terai Arc Landscape, which spans across India and Nepal. This landscape aims to establish corridors for wildlife movement and maintain ecological connectivity, promoting the long-term survival of species in the region.

Ecotourism: The sanctuary attracts nature lovers, wildlife photographers, and adventure enthusiasts who visit to experience its natural beauty and observe wildlife in their natural habitats. Ecotourism activities like safaris and nature trails provide opportunities for visitors to appreciate and learn about the sanctuary's diverse flora and fauna.