Phen Wildlife Sanctuary

Phen Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

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

Phen Wildlife Sanctuary Location

Phen Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is a popular buffer zone of Kanha National Park and lies in the southern region of Kanha National Park.

Phen Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

 the nearest airport to Phen Wildlife Sanctuary is Jabalpur Airport. Jabalpur Airport is approximately 160 kilometers (about 99 miles) away from Phen Wildlife Sanctuary and serves as the primary airport for travelers coming to visit the santuary.

Phen Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:

Regarding the nearest railway station to Phen Wildlife Sanctuary, the most commonly used one is Gondia Junction in the state of Maharashtra. Gondia Junction is situated at a distance of about 145 kilometers (approximately 90 miles) from the santuary. Another option is the Jabalpur Junction railway station in Madhya Pradesh, which is also relatively close to Phen Wildlife Sanctuary, at a distance of around 180 kilometers (about 112 miles).

Phen Wildlife Sanctuary History

Designation: The Madhya Pradesh government formally recognized Phen Wildlife Sanctuary as a sanctuary in the year 1983. Phen offers a safe haven for a diverse range of flora and fauna, contributing to the overall conservation efforts in the region.

Relation to Kanha Tiger Reserve: Phen Wildlife Sanctuary operates as a buffer zone to the larger Kanha Tiger Reserve. As a buffer zone, it serves as a transition area between the core protected region of Kanha National Park and the human-inhabited landscapes. This sanctuary has been under the jurisdiction of Kanha Tiger Reserve since 1990 and has been playing a crucial role in biodiversity conservation and habitat protection.

 

Phen Wildlife Sanctuary Area

Phen Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 110.74 square kilometers. As a designated wildlife sanctuary, it provides a protected space for various flora and fauna to thrive and contribute to the overall biodiversity conservation efforts in the region. 

Phen Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

Phen Wildlife Sanctuary boasts a diverse and vibrant range of flora. As an integral part of the larger Kanha Tiger Reserve, Phen is a crucial habitat that supports a multitude of plant species, contributing to the overall ecological balance and biodiversity conservation in the region.

1. Sal Forests (Shorea robusta):

One of the dominant and iconic features of the sanctuary is the vast expanse of Sal forests. These majestic deciduous trees form dense canopies, providing vital shelter and food sources for various wildlife species. The Sal forests lend a unique character to the landscape and are a significant contributor to the rich biodiversity of the region.

2. Mixed Deciduous Forests:

Besides the Sal forests, Phen Wildlife Sanctuary also features mixed deciduous forests comprising various tree species like Teak (Tectona grandis), Saja (Terminalia elliptica), and Mahua (Madhuca longifolia). These diverse forests create a mosaic of habitats that cater to the needs of different plant and animal species.

3. Bamboo Groves:

Bamboo groves are a common sight in Phen Wildlife Sanctuary. The abundance of bamboo, especially the dominant species known as Dendrocalamus strictus, serves as a crucial source of food and shelter for numerous animals, including the endangered Barasingha (Rucervus duvaucelii), a species of deer unique to the region.

4. Grasslands:

The sanctuary also encompasses extensive grasslands that provide valuable grazing grounds for herbivores such as deer, bison, and various antelope species. These grassy areas are vital for the survival of many wildlife species and contribute to the overall biodiversity of the ecosystem.

5. Medicinal Plants:

Phen Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a wide array of medicinal plants and herbs, some of which have traditional and medicinal significance. Local communities have long used these plants for various purposes, including herbal medicine and cultural practices.

6. Aquatic Vegetation:

The sanctuary is dotted with water bodies, including streams and ponds, supporting a diverse range of aquatic vegetation. These aquatic plants serve as essential breeding and feeding grounds for amphibians, birds, and aquatic mammals.

Phen Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Phen Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

Phen Wildlife Sanctuary is a thriving ecosystem that provides a safe refuge for a rich variety of fauna. This sanctuary's strategic location and habitat diversity make it an essential component of the larger conservation efforts in the region, contributing significantly to the protection of various wildlife species.

Mammals:

• Bengal Tigers
• Barasingha
• Leopards
• Indian Bison
• Indian Wild Dogs
• Indian Wolf
• Sloth Bears
• Spotted Deer
• Sambar Deer
• Indian Flying Fox
• Indian Giant Squirrel
• Indian Pangolin
• Common Langur
• Indian Porcupine

Birds:

• Indian Roller
• Malabar Pied Hornbill
• Indian Peafowl
• Junglefowl
• Painted Stork
• Crested Serpent Eagl
• Red Junglefowl
• Black-headed Ibis
• Changeable Hawk-Eagle 
• Indian Pitta 
• Common Kingfisher

Reptiles:

• Indian Rock Python
• Indian Cobra
• Indian Monitor Lizard
• Russell's Viper
• Common Krait
• Indian Chameleon
• Indian Rat Snake
• Fan-throated Lizard

Phen Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. Where is Phen Wildlife Sanctuary located?/Phen Wildlife Sanctuary District?

A. Phen Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is a buffer zone of Kanha National Park and lies in the southern region of Kanha National Park.