Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a sanctuary located in the state of Gujarat, India. This sanctuary is named for the Girnar Hills, a site of religio-cultural significance. It is a highly revered pilgrimage for the Jain and Hindu communities.

The sanctuary is known for its diverse flora and fauna, and it provides habitat to various species of wildlife.

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

Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary Location

Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Junagadh district of the state of Gujarat, India. It is situated near the Girnar Hill and is part of the Gir Protected Area, which also includes the Gir Forest National Park. 

Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary is Rajkot (103 km) and Diu (200 km).

Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary is Junagadh Railway Station, which is situated in the city of Junagadh, Gujarat. From the railway station, you would need to arrange further transportation to reach the sanctuary.

Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary History

Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary has a rich history. Here is a brief overview of its history:

Historical Significance: The Girnar region has a long history of human habitation and religious significance due to the presence of Mount Girnar, which is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and Jains. The sanctuary's history is intertwined with the history of the Gir Forest and the conservation efforts for the Asiatic lion.

Establishment and Expansion: On 31 May 2008, Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary was initially established as a sanctuary to protect the wildlife of the area. Over time, efforts were made to expand the protected area to provide more habitat for wildlife.

Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary Area

Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 178.8 square kilometers (approximately 69 square miles), that is indeed a more precise and current measurement of the sanctuary's size. 

Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary Hills

Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the foothills and slopes of the Girnar mountain range, which is a significant geographical feature in the region. The sanctuary is characterized by its hilly terrain and diverse ecosystems that range from dry deciduous forests to grasslands.

The Girnar mountain range itself is a prominent geological and religious landmark in Gujarat, India. It is composed of several peaks and hills, with the highest peak being Girnar Hill, also known as Guru Dattatreya Peak, which has religious significance for both Hindus and Jains. The hills and slopes of the Girnar range provide habitat to a variety of flora and fauna, including the critically endangered Asiatic lion that the sanctuary is known for.

The hilly landscape of Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary contributes to the unique biodiversity of the area and offers opportunities for visitors to explore its natural beauty and observe wildlife in their natural habitat. 

Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary River

The Hiran River flows through the Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to diverse ecosystems, and the presence of the Hiran River further enhances its ecological richness by providing water sources and supporting the local flora and fauna. The river is an important lifeline for the wildlife and vegetation within the sanctuary.

Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse flora, which includes a range of plant species adapted to the semi-arid and deciduous forest environment of the region. The sanctuary's vegetation plays a crucial role in providing habitat and sustenance for the various wildlife species that inhabit the area. 

Here are some of the notable types of flora found in Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary:

(1) Dry Deciduous Forest Trees:

The sanctuary is home to various species of dry deciduous trees, such as teak (Tectona grandis), tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon), khair (Acacia catechu), dhawda (Anogeissus latifolia), dhak, and salai (Boswellia serrata).

(2) Grasses and Shrubs:

Grasslands and shrubby vegetation are also part of the sanctuary's landscape, providing food and shelter for animals. Various grass species and shrubs like Acacia species contribute to the biodiversity of the area.

(3) Flowering Plants:

The sanctuary features a variety of flowering plants, including species like flame of the forest (Butea monosperma), palash (Butea monosperma), Indian laburnum (Cassia fistula), and many others that add color and beauty to the landscape.

Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

Which animals are found in Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary?

Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of wildlife species, many of which are adapted to the semi-arid and deciduous forest environment of the region. The sanctuary's fauna includes various mammals, birds, reptiles, and other creatures.

Here are some of the notable types of fauna found in Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary:

Mammals:

• Leopard
• Striped Hyaena
• Jungle Cat
• Ruddy Mongoose
• Ratel
• Bluebull
• Four-horned Antelope
• Indian Gazelle

Birds:

• Peafowl
• Rock Bush Quail
• Crested Tree Swift

Reptiles:

• Marsh Crocodile
• Monitor Lizard
• Cobra

Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. In which state is the Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary located?

A. Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Gujarat, India. It is situated near the Girnar mountain range in the Junagadh district of Gujarat.

Q. What is Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?

A. Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for several reasons:

(i) Biodiversity: The sanctuary is known for its diverse ecosystems, ranging from dry deciduous forests to grasslands, which support a wide variety of plant and animal species. It is a biodiversity hotspot and provides habitat to various mammals, birds, reptiles, and more.

(ii) Ecotourism: Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary attracts tourists and nature enthusiasts who come to witness the unique flora and fauna. The sanctuary offers opportunities for wildlife viewing and appreciating the natural beauty of the region.

(iii) Religious and Cultural Significance: The sanctuary is located near the Girnar mountain range, which has religious significance for both Hindus and Jains. This blend of natural and cultural significance adds to the sanctuary's appeal.