Monday, July 31, 2023

Semarsot Wildlife Sanctuary

Semarsot Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

Semarsot Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area situated in the state of Chhattisgarh, India. It was officially notified in 1978 and covers an extensive area of approximately 430.36 square kilometers. 


The sanctuary features diverse forest types, including Sal forest, mixed deciduous forest, and riverine forest. Fauna in Semarsot Wildlife Sanctuary is equally diverse, with significant species diversity. 


Table of Contents

  • Semarsot Wildlife Sanctuary Location
  • Semarsot Wildlife Sanctuary History
  • Semarsot Wildlife Sanctuary Area
  • Semarsot Wildlife Sanctuary Hills
  • Semarsot Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
  • Semarsot Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna
    • Mammals
    • Birds
    • Reptile
  • Semarsot Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions


Semarsot Wildlife Sanctuary Location

The Semarsot Wildlife Sanctuary is located near Semarsot on the Ambikapur-Daltongunj road in the Surguja district of Chhattisgarh, India. It is approximately 50 kilometers from Ambikapur, which serves as the district headquarters of Surguja. 


The sanctuary is situated in the northern extension of the Ramgarh hills in a north-easterly direction and shares a border with Bihar state to the east. It is worth noting that the Tropic of Cancer passes through the area, making it an ecologically significant region.


Semarsot Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to the Semarsot Wildlife Sanctuary is Darmia Airport, Ambikapur. It is located about 18 kilometers away from Gandhi Chowk in Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh, India.


Semarsot Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:

As for the nearest railway station, it is Ambikapur Railway Station, situated in the town of Ambikapur, which is the district headquarters of Surguja in Chhattisgarh.




Semarsot Wildlife Sanctuary History

The Semarsot Wildlife Sanctuary was officially notified as a protected area in the year 1978. This notification granted it legal recognition and provided the foundation for its conservation and management efforts. Since then, the sanctuary has been under the administration of the forest department or relevant authorities of the Chhattisgarh state government, aiming to safeguard its rich biodiversity and ensure the preservation of the region's flora and fauna.




Semarsot Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The Semarsot Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 430.36 square kilometers. This extensive expanse of protected land provides a diverse range of habitats, including Sal forests, mixed deciduous forests, and riverine forests. The sanctuary's significant size allows for the conservation of various plant and animal species, making it an essential part of the region's biodiversity conservation efforts.




Semarsot Wildlife Sanctuary Hills

The Semarsot Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the northern extension of the Ramgarh hills. These hills add to the sanctuary's diverse topography and contribute to its unique ecosystem. Being part of the Ramgarh hill region, the sanctuary likely features varied landscapes, which include hilly terrains, slopes, and valleys. Such diverse geographical features provide a suitable habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna, making the sanctuary ecologically rich and interesting for conservation purposes.




Semarsot Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

The Semarsot Wildlife Sanctuary is blessed with a diverse range of flora, contributing to its ecological significance and biodiversity. The sanctuary's varied forest types support numerous plant species, including the following:


Sal Forest (Shorea robusta): Sal is one of the dominant tree species found in the sanctuary. These large, tall trees are characteristic of the Indian subcontinent's tropical forests.


Mixed Deciduous Forest: The sanctuary contains mixed deciduous forests, featuring a blend of various deciduous tree species. These forests add to the overall biodiversity of the region.


Riverine Forest: Along the water bodies and riverbanks within the sanctuary, riverine forests thrive. These areas host specific plant communities adapted to the riparian habitat.


Terminalia Species: Various species of Terminalia trees are present in the sanctuary, such as Terminalia alata, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia arjuna, and Terminalia bellerica.


Lagerstroemia parviflora: This species, commonly known as crape myrtle or pride of India, is found in the sanctuary.


Anogeissus latifolia: Known as axlewood or dhawra, this tree is part of the sanctuary's flora.


Adina cordifolia: Also called Indian walnut or haldina, this tree contributes to the sanctuary's biodiversity.


Emblica officinalis: Commonly known as Indian gooseberry or amla, this tree is found in the sanctuary.


Butea monosperma: Also known as flame of the forest or palash, this tree adds beauty to the sanctuary with its vibrant red flowers.


Pterocarpus marsupium: Known as Indian kino tree or bija, this species is present in the sanctuary.


Grewia species: The sanctuary is likely to have various Grewia species, which belong to the tiliaceae family.




Semarsot Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Semarsot Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

The Semarsot Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna, including a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, and other wildlife. Some of the notable species that can be found in the sanctuary are:


Mammals:

  • Tiger
  • Leopard
  • Gaur (Indian Bison)
  • Chital (Spotted Deer)
  • Sambar
  • Sloth Bear
  • Nilgai (Blue Bull)
  • Chinkara (Indian Gazelle)
  • Wild Boar
  • Fox (Vulpes spp.)
  • Jungle Cat
  • Wild Dogs (Dhole)


Birds:

The sanctuary is likely to be a haven for a variety of bird species, both resident and migratory. Some common bird species found in Indian wildlife sanctuaries include peafowl, Indian roller, Indian vulture, hornbills, parakeets, and various raptors


Reptiles:

  • Indian Python
  • Monitor Lizard




Semarsot Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. Where is Semarsot Wildlife Sanctuary located?

A. The Semarsot Wildlife Sanctuary is located near Semarsot on the Ambikapur-Daltongunj road in the Surguja district of Chhattisgarh, India. It is situated approximately 50 kilometers from Ambikapur, which serves as the district headquarters of Surguja. The sanctuary shares a border with Bihar state to the east and lies in the northern extension of the Ramgarh hills in a north-easterly direction. The Tropic of Cancer also passes through the area, making it an ecologically significant region.

Semarsot Wildlife Sanctuary

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