Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary

Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

The Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary is one among the most popular tourist destination of Madhya Pradesh. The sanctuary is known for its rich flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.

Its diverse topography, comprising hills, plateaus, valleys, and plains, creates a variety of microhabitats, fostering a rich and vibrant ecosystem. The sanctuary is nourished by seasonal rivers, including the Ghoghara River and the Barna River, which provide essential water sources for the region's flora and fauna.

Aside from its abundant wildlife, Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary holds cultural significance, as it houses historical monuments like Choukigarh Fort, Bhandariya Temple, and archaeological caves of Jamgarh. The Bhandariya Shiva Temple hosts a vibrant fair during Shivaratri, adding to the sanctuary's allure.

Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary not only serves as a popular tourist destination but also underscores the importance of conserving and protecting India's unique biodiversity. As a designated protected area, it plays a vital role in preserving the region's natural heritage and fostering the sustainable coexistence of humans and wildlife.

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

Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary Location

Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Bari Tehsil of Raisen district in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India.

• State: Madhya Pradesh
• District: Raisen
• Tehsil: Bari

Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

Raja Bhoj Airport, Bhopal is the nearest airport to Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary. The distance between Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal and Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary is approximately 90 to 100 kilometers, depending on the specific entry point to the sanctuary.

Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:

Bhopal Junction Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary. The distance between Bhopal Junction Railway Station and Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary is approximately 90 to 100 kilometers, depending on the specific entry point to the sanctuary.

Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary History

Establishment and Early History: The Government of Madhya Pradesh, recognizing the significance of protecting its unique wildlife and natural habitats, established the Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary on 2nd July 1976. Since its inception, the sanctuary has been a vital part of the state's conservation efforts, fostering the growth and sustainability of diverse flora and fauna.

Historical Monuments and Cultural Significance: Adding a touch of mystique to its natural beauty, the sanctuary houses several historical monuments. The Choukigarh Fort, Bhandariya Temple, and archaeological caves of Jamgarh take visitors on a journey through time, offering glimpses of ancient civilizations that once thrived in the region. The Bhandariya Shiva Temple hosts a lively fair on the auspicious occasion of Shivaratri, enriching the sanctuary's cultural heritage.

Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 288 square kilometers. The sanctuary's relatively large size allows for the preservation of significant biodiversity and the establishment of natural habitats for a variety of wildlife species.

Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary River

The Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary is graced by the presence of several rivers that flow through its picturesque landscape. Two main rivers that are prominent within the sanctuary are the Ghoghara River and the Barna River.

(1) Ghoghara River:

The Ghoghara River is one of the primary rivers that flow through the Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary. It serves as a lifeline for the sanctuary's diverse wildlife, providing a permanent water source, especially during dry periods. The Bhadaria Kund, located in the Ghoghara River, is a significant water body within the sanctuary and plays a crucial role in sustaining the wildlife population throughout the year.

(2) Barna River:

The Barna River is another significant river within the sanctuary's boundaries. Like the Ghoghara River, it contributes to the sanctuary's water resources, providing essential sustenance to the flora and fauna that call the region their home.

Both rivers are characterized by seasonal fluctuations in their water levels, which can significantly impact the local ecosystem. During the monsoon season, these rivers swell, rejuvenating the landscape and supporting the growth of vegetation. As the dry season approaches, the water levels decrease, creating various waterholes and puddles that become vital water sources for the wildlife.

Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

The Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary is blessed with a diverse range of flora, comprising various tree species, shrubs, grasses, and other vegetation types. The sanctuary's flora plays a crucial role in providing habitats for wildlife, maintaining ecological balance, and enhancing the overall biodiversity of the region.

Some of the notable flora found in the Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary include:

(1) Tropical Dry Deciduous Trees:

These trees are well-adapted to the seasonal changes in the region and typically shed their leaves during the dry months. Some common species in this category are:

• Daora (Anogeissus latifolia)
• Bija (Pterocarpus marsupium)
• Salai (Boswellia serrata)
• Khair (Acacia catechu)
• Saja (Terminalia alata)
• Tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon)

(2) Tropical Mixed Deciduous Forests:

In addition to the dominant deciduous trees, there are mixed forests in the sanctuary, consisting of a combination of various tree species, creating a diverse and dynamic ecosystem.

(3) Bamboo:

Dendrocalamus strictus, a species of bamboo, is found in the sanctuary. Bamboo forests are crucial for various wildlife species, providing them with food, shelter, and nesting sites.

(4) Teak Forests:

Teak (Tectona grandis) is an important tree species that forms distinct forests in the Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary. Teak wood is highly valued and known for its strength and durability.

Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

The Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a rich and diverse array of fauna, showcasing the incredible biodiversity that thrives within its protected boundaries. The sanctuary's varied habitats, which include hills, plateaus, valleys, and water sources, provide ideal conditions for a wide range of animal species to flourish. 

Some of the notable fauna found in the Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary includes:

Mammals:

• Royal Bengal Tiger
• Leopard
• Sambhar
• Chital
• Wild Boar
• Indian Bison
• Indian Wolf
• Indian Fox
• Indian Jackal
• Langurs
• Macaques
• Indian Civet
• Indian Hare
• Indian Porcupine
• Indian Pangolin

Birds:

• Indian Peafowl
• Indian Vulture
• Egyptian Vulture
• Crested Serpent Eagle
• Changeable Hawk-Eagle
• Common Kestrel
• Indian Roller
• White-throated Kingfisher
• Indian Pitta
• Painted Stork
• Woolly-necked Stork
• Sarus Crane
• Junglefowl
• Peacock Pheasant
• Indian Grey Hornbill

Reptiles:

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

Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. In which district is Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary?

A. The Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh, India. Raisen district is situated in the central part of Madhya Pradesh and is known for its diverse landscapes.