Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary

Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It covers an area of approximately 428.2 square kilometers and is situated on the west bank of the Gandak River, close to the border with Nepal. 

Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary provides a habitat for various wildlife species. The sanctuary is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Species such as tigers, leopards, elephants, sambar deer, barking deer, wild boars, and a variety of bird species can be found in the sanctuary. Sohagi Barwa is one of the tiger habitats of in Uttar Pradesh. 

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

Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary Location

The Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Maharajganj district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is situated on the west bank of the Gandak River, near the border with Nepal. It shares its northern boundary with Nepal and is adjacent to Bihar's Valmiki Tiger Reserve on its eastern border.

Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary is the Gorakhpur Airport, also known as Mahayogi Gorakhnath Airport. It is located in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, which is approximately 105 kilometers (65 miles) away from the sanctuary. From the airport, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary.

Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary is the Gorakhpur Junction railway station. It is a major railway station in the region and is well-connected to various cities across India. From Gorakhpur Junction, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the sanctuary, which is about 100 kilometers (62 miles) away.

Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary History

The Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary has a relatively short history compared to some other wildlife sanctuaries in India. Here's a brief overview of its history:

Establishment: The Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1987. It was created as a protected area under the Wildlife Protection Act of India, 1972. The sanctuary was established with the aim of conserving the region's biodiversity and providing a safe habitat for various wildlife species.

Conservation Efforts: Since its establishment, the Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary has been a focus of conservation efforts aimed at preserving its natural heritage. The sanctuary plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the region and protecting the diverse flora and fauna found within its boundaries. Measures have been taken to prevent poaching, habitat destruction, and encroachment in the sanctuary.

Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary covers an approximate area of 428.2 square kilometers (165.3 square miles). The sanctuary encompasses a significant land area, providing habitat to a diverse range of flora and fauna.

Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary is divided into seven forest ranges, namely; 

• Pakdi
• Madhwaliya
• Laxmipur
• North Chouk
• South Chouk
• Seopur
• Nichlaul Ranges

Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary River

Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary is drained by the great Gandak, the little Gandak, Pyas and Rohin rivers.

(1) The Great Gandak River:

• The Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary is drained by the Great Gandak River.
• The Great Gandak River is a major river in the region, flowing through parts of Nepal and India.
• It is an important water source for the sanctuary and contributes to the overall ecosystem.

(2) The Little Gandak River:

• The Little Gandak River also flows through the Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary.
• It is a tributary of the Great Gandak River and adds to the water resources of the sanctuary.
• The presence of the Little Gandak River further enhances the biodiversity and habitat diversity within the sanctuary.

(3) Pyas River:

• The Pyas River is another significant river that drains the Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary.
• It is a tributary of the Gandak River and contributes to the water flow and dynamics of the sanctuary.
• The Pyas River plays a vital role in maintaining the ecosystem and supporting the wildlife and vegetation in the sanctuary.

(4) Rohin River:

• The Rohin River is yet another river associated with the Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary.
• It is also a tributary of the Gandak River and helps shape the landscape of the sanctuary.
• The presence of the Rohin River adds to the overall water availability and supports the diverse wildlife found within the sanctuary.

Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

The Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary boasts a diverse range of flora within its boundaries. Here is some information about the flora found in the sanctuary:

(1) Sal Forest: Approximately 75% of the sanctuary area is covered by Sal forests (Shorea robusta). Sal is a dominant tree species in the region and forms dense canopies, providing shade and habitat for various wildlife species.

(2) Jaamun (Syzigium Cumini): The sanctuary includes areas with Jaamun trees. Jaamun, also known as Indian blackberry, is a fruit-bearing tree that is native to the Indian subcontinent.

(3) Gutal (Trewia Nudiflora): Gutal trees are found in the humid areas of the sanctuary. Trewia nudiflora is a deciduous tree species that belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family.

(4) Semal (Bombax Ceiba): The sanctuary is home to Semal trees. Semal, also known as silk cotton tree, is a tall deciduous tree known for its large and colorful flowers. 

(5) Khair (Acacia Catechu): Khair trees are present in the sanctuary. Acacia catechu, commonly known as catechu or black catechu, is a medium-sized deciduous tree.

(6) Grasslands and Cane Forests: The lower regions of the sanctuary, which are waterlogged during the rainy season, consist of grasslands and patches of cane forests. These areas provide a unique habitat for various grass species and contribute to the overall biodiversity of the sanctuary.

Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

The Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna. Here is some information about the wildlife found in the sanctuary:

Mammals:

• Tigers
• Leopards
• Elephants
• Sambar Deer
• Barking Deer
• Wild Boars
• Sloth Bears
• Indian Civets
• Jungle Cats
• Indian Gray Mongooses
• Indian Flying Foxes
• Langur
• Blue Bull

Birds:

• Little Cormorant
• Brahimini Duck
• Common Teal
• Little Egret
• Cattle Egret
• Paddy Bird
• Pintail
• White Ibis
• Black Ibis
• Spoon Bill
• Grey Partridge
• Swamp Partridge
• Red Jungle Fowl
• Blue Rock Pigeon 
• Spotted Dove
• Peafowl
• Indian Pied Hornbill
• Tree Pie
• Little Green Bee-eater
• Pond Heron
• Golden Backed Wood Pecker 
• Pied King Fisher
• Blue King Fisher

Reptiles:

• Indian Pythons
• Russell's Vipers
• Indian Cobras
• Common Kraits
• Indian Rock Pythons

Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. Where is Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary?

A. Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Maharajganj district of Uttar Pradesh, India.