Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary

Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

The Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, India. The sanctuary was established in 1988 and covers an area of approximately 452 square kilometers (175 square miles).

The Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse flora and fauna. It is primarily composed of moist deciduous forests, grasslands, and marshes. The sanctuary provides a habitat for various wildlife species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. 

Some of the prominent wildlife species found in Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary include tigers, leopards, elephants, spotted deer, sambar deer, wild boars, sloth bears, jackals, foxes, and langurs. The sanctuary is also home to a variety of avian species, making it a haven for birdwatchers. It is known for its resident and migratory birds, including sarus cranes, peafowls, owls, vultures, eagles, and waterfowl.

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

Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary Location

Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Shravasti, Balrampur and Gonda districts of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is situated in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, near the border with Nepal. The sanctuary is approximately 170 kilometers (105 miles) north-east of Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh.

Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary is the Lucknow Airport (Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport) in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. It is approximately 170 kilometers (105 miles) away from the sanctuary. From the airport, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary.

Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary is the Balrampur Railway Station, which is located in Balrampur district, Uttar Pradesh. It is approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) away from the sanctuary. From the railway station, one can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary.

Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary History

The Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary has a relatively short but important history in terms of wildlife conservation and protection. Here's an overview of its history:

Establishment: The Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1988 with the aim of conserving the biodiversity of the Terai region in Uttar Pradesh, India. 

Expansion: Over the years, efforts have been made to expand the sanctuary to increase its protected area. 

Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 452 square kilometers (175 square miles). This protected area is situated in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, India. The sanctuary comprises a diverse landscape consisting of moist deciduous forests, grasslands, and marshes, which provide a suitable habitat for a variety of wildlife species. 

Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

The Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary is indeed rich in diverse flora, as you have mentioned. Here is some additional information about the flora found in the sanctuary:

(1) Tree Species:

The sanctuary is home to several tree species, including Sal (Shorea robusta), Asna (Terminalia elliptica), Khair (Acacia catechu), and Teak (Tectona grandis). Other important tree species found in the sanctuary include Black Sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo), Jamun (Syzygium cumini), Haldu (Adina cordifolia), Faldu (Adina pubescens), Zigna (Cassia fistula), Harra (Terminalia chebula), Bahera (Terminalia bellirica), and Rohani (Soymida febrifuga).

(2) Medicinal Plants:

The Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its rich collection of medicinal plants. Some of the notable medicinal plant species found in the sanctuary include White Musali (Chlorophytum arundinaceum), Black Musali (Curculigo orchioides), Piper longum, Adhatoda vasica, Tinospora cordifolia, Swertia chirayita, Holarrhena antidysenterica, Acorus calamus, Lantana camara, Nyctanthes arbortristis, Withania somnifera, Rauvolfia serpentina, Murraya koenigii, and Asparagus racemosus.

Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

The Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Here are some notable species found in the sanctuary:

Mammals:

• Tigers
• Leopards
• Elephants
• Spotted Deer
• Sambar Deer
• Wild Boars
• Sloth Bears
• Jackals 
• Foxes
• Langurs 
• Nilgai

Birds:

• Indian Cormorant
• Little Cormorant
• Darter
• Indian Pond Heron
• Cattle-egret
• Great-egret
• Little-egret
• Common Teal
• Spot-Billed Duck
• Black-Shouldered Kite
• Black Kite
• Greater Spotted Eagle
• Long-Billed Vulture
• White Rumped Vulture
• Grey Francolin
• Sarus Crane
• Water Cock
• Common Moorhen
• Purple Moorhen
• Pheasant-Tailed Jacana
• Bronze-Winged Jacana

Reptiles:

• Indian Python 
• King Cobra 
• Indian Cobra 
• Common Krait

Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. In which state is the Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary?

A. Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Shravasti, Balrampur and Gonda districts of Uttar Pradesh, India.