Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary

Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the state Madhya Pradesh, India. Covering an area of 13 square kilometers, the sanctuary is part of the Kathiawar-Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion. The sanctuary is recognized as a major stop for various migratory birds.

Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary provides a safe habitat for various wildlife species, including the rare 'Kharmour' bird and serves as a significant stop for migratory birds. It is recognized as one of the breeding habitats of the Lesser Florican (Kharmour) in India.

This sanctuary holds significant historical value as Sailana was once the capital of the Sailana State, and remnants of the past include a fort belonging to the former royal family, which now houses the renowned Cactus Garden. The Kedareshwar temples dedicated to Lord Shiva are another notable attraction nearby.

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

Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary Location

Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the district of Ratlam, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. Ratlam is a city in the northwestern part of Madhya Pradesh, and Sailana is a town within the Ratlam district.

Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary is Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The airport is approximately 150 kilometers (about 93 miles) away from Sailana. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use other transportation options to reach the sanctuary.

Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest major railway station to Sailana is Ratlam Junction Railway Station. Ratlam Junction is well-connected to various cities across India through the Indian Railways network. The railway station is located approximately 32 kilometers (about 20 miles) away from Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary. From Ratlam Junction, you can take a taxi or use local transport to reach the sanctuary.

Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary History

Establishment: Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1983 with the aim of preserving and protecting the unique flora and fauna of the region. It was likely designated as a wildlife sanctuary to conserve the biodiversity and provide a safe habitat for various species of wildlife, including the rare 'Kharmour' bird and other migratory birds that visit the area.

Historical Significance: Sailana, the town where the sanctuary is located, has a rich historical background. It was once the capital of the Sailana State, a princely state in India. The area still houses a fort that belonged to the former royal family, which now contains the famous Cactus Garden. The Kedareshwar temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is another notable shrine situated nearby.

Ornithologist Salim Ali: One of the significant historical connections of Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary is its association with the renowned Indian ornithologist, Salim Ali. He visited the sanctuary and documented around 89 species of birds, which later became the basis for his book about the birds of Sailana. Salim Ali's contributions to the study of Indian birds have been invaluable, and his work has had a lasting impact on ornithology in India.

Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary Area

Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary covers a relatively smaller area of 13 square kilometers. Though it might be smaller compared to some larger wildlife reserves, Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary still plays a crucial role in preserving the unique biodiversity of the area.

Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

The Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary, being part of the Kathiawar-Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion, is likely to have a variety of tree species typical of this particular ecosystem. Dry deciduous forests are characterized by trees that shed their leaves during the dry season to conserve water. 

Here are some tree names commonly found in the Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Teak (Tectona grandis)
• Sal (Shorea robusta)
• Babul (Acacia nilotica)
• Neem (Azadirachta indica)
• Jamun (Syzygium cumini)
• Banyan (Ficus benghalensis)
• Peepal (Ficus religiosa)
• Indian Tamarind (Tamarindus indica)
• Anogeissus pendula (Gum Arabic Tree)
• Indian Kino (Pterocarpus marsupium)

Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse fauna, including various species of animals and birds. Here are some examples of the fauna that can be found in the sanctuary:

Mammals:

• Chital (Spotted Deer)
• Sambar Deer
• Nilgai (Blue Bull)
• Wild Boar
• Indian Hare
• Langur (Gray Langur)
• Rhesus Macaque
• Indian Fox
• Hyena
• Jackal
• Indian Porcupine

Birds:

• Kharmour Bird (Lesser Florican)
• Peafowl (Indian Peacock)
• Indian Roller
• Indian Vulture
• Indian Robin
• Indian Cormorant
• Indian Paradise Flycatcher
• Indian Grey Hornbill

Reptiles:

• Indian Rock Python
• Indian Cobra
• Common Monitor Lizard
• Fan-throated Lizard
• Indian Chameleon
• Indian Garden Lizard

Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. In which district of Madhya Pradesh Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary is situated?

A. Sailana Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the district of Ratlam in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. Ratlam is a city located in the northwestern part of Madhya Pradesh, and the sanctuary is a part of this district.