Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary UPSC
The Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary, also known as the Solapur Sanctuary, is a protected area located in the state of Maharashtra, India. It is renowned for its efforts to conserve the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps), one of the heaviest flying birds in the world. The bustard locally called Maldhok in Maharashtra.
The sanctuary was established with the primary objective of conserving the Great Indian Bustard, a majestic bird species that is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The sanctuary is situated in an arid and drought-prone landscape that provides a suitable habitat for the Great Indian Bustard and other wildlife species adapted to such environments.
The Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary stands as a symbol of dedicated conservation efforts to protect a critically endangered species and its fragile habitat. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving biodiversity and the need for collaborative actions to ensure the survival of species facing the threat of extinction.
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Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary Location
The Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary is located in the Solapur District of Maharashtra, India. It's situated in the arid and drought-prone landscape of this district. The nearest town is Solapur, which is approximately 22 km away from the sanctuary.
Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to the Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary is Pune Airport, which is approximately 250 km away.
Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to the Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary is Solapur Railway Station, which is about 22 km away.
Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary History
The history of the Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary is marked by efforts to conserve the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) and its habitat. Here is an overview of its history based on the information you provided:
Discovery: The sanctuary was discovered by Mr. B.S. Kulkarni in the year 1972. This discovery highlighted the significance of the area for the conservation of the Great Indian Bustard.
Recognition as a Wildlife Reserve: Recognizing the importance of protecting the endangered Great Indian Bustard species, the Government of Maharashtra took a significant step in its conservation efforts. On 27th September 1979, the sanctuary was officially declared as a wildlife reserve. This declaration aimed to establish legal protection for the area and its unique biodiversity.
Conservation Objective: The primary objective of establishing the Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary as a wildlife reserve was to conserve the rarest species of Great Indian Bustard, which was and still is endangered with the threat of extinction. The sanctuary serves as a safe haven for this majestic bird and other wildlife species that inhabit the region.
Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary Area
The Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary covers an area of 1222 square kilometers. This expanse of land is dedicated to the conservation of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard and its habitat.
The sanctuary's significant size is intended to provide enough space for the various species that inhabit the area to thrive and contribute to their conservation.
Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary Flora
The Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary is home to a variety of plant species that thrive in the arid and drought-prone landscape of the Solapur District, Maharashtra, India. The natural vegetation of the sanctuary can be classified as Southern Tropical Thorn Forest and Tropical Grassland. However, the natural vegetation has more or less disappeared, and in the non-agricultural areas, scrub and grasslands are seen.
Here are some of the plant species:
Acacia Leucophloea: Also known as the "safed babul," this tree is native to the Indian subcontinent and is commonly found in arid and semi-arid regions.
Acacia Nilotica Sp. Indica: Also known as the "desi babul," this species of acacia is well-adapted to dry regions and is often found in scrublands.
Bauhinia Racemosa: A flowering tree commonly known as the "kurdu," it is known for its attractive flowers and is often found in arid and semi-arid regions.
Azadirachta Indica: Commonly referred to as the "neem" tree, it has various medicinal and ecological benefits.
Dalbergia Sissoo: Also known as "shisham" or Indian rosewood, this tree is valued for its timber and is found in dry deciduous forests.
Capparis Aphylla: Also called the "kirad," this shrub is adapted to arid environments and can survive in sandy soils.
Carissa Auriculata: Known as the "karonda" plant, it produces small edible berries and is found in dry regions.
Rhus Mysurensis: This species of sumac is native to India and is adapted to dry conditions.
Alternanthera Sessilis: Also known as "sessile joyweed," this plant is commonly found in moist and dry habitats.
Grasses: Such as Sehima nervosum, Eremopogon foveolatus and Cymbopogon martinii dominate the land.
Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary Fauna (Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary Animals)
The Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna that inhabit the arid and drought-prone landscape of the Solapur District, Maharashtra, India. Apart from the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard itself, the sanctuary supports various other animal species.
Here are some of the fauna species that can be found in the sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Blackbuck
- Chinkara
- Indian or Grey Wolf
- Indian Fox
- Striped Hyaena
- Common Mongoose
- Golden Jackal
Birds:
Which bird is Solapur sanctuary famous for?
- Great Indian Bustard
- Indian Bushlark
- Ashy-crowned Sparrowlark
- Rufous-tailed Lark
- Southern Grey Shrike
- Yellow-wattled Lapwing
- Red-necked Falcon
- White-eyed Buzzard
- Rock Bush Quail
- Barred Buttonquail
- Grey Francolin
- Eurasian Collared Dove
- Pied Bushchat
- Common Myna
- Large Grey Babbler
- Indian Silverbill
- Painted Stork
- White-necked Stork
- Black-winged Kite
- Long-legged Buzzard
- White-eyed Buzzard
- Scavenger Vulture
- Black-headed or White Ibis
- Eurasian Spoonbill
- Greater Flamingo
- Ruddy Shelduck
- Northern Pintail
- Common Teal
- Spotbilled Duck
- Gadwall Anas
- Great Horned Owl
- Lesser Florican
- Indian Courser
- Chestnut bellied Sandgrouse
- Rain Quail or Black-breasted Quail
- Redheaded Falcon
Reptiles:
- Monitor Lizard
- Fan-throated Lizard
Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. What is Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary (Solapur Sanctuary) famous for?
A. The Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary, also known as the Solapur Sanctuary, is famous for being a dedicated conservation area aimed at protecting the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) and its habitat. Here are some key aspects for which the sanctuary is renowned:
(i) Conservation of Great Indian Bustard: The sanctuary is primarily established to conserve the Great Indian Bustard, a majestic bird species that is on the brink of extinction. The sanctuary plays a crucial role in providing a safe habitat for this critically endangered bird and implementing conservation measures to ensure its survival.
(ii) Endangered Species: The sanctuary's prominence lies in its efforts to safeguard one of the rarest and most endangered bird species in India, the Great Indian Bustard. With fewer than 150 individuals remaining in the wild, the sanctuary's role in protecting these birds is of utmost importance.
(iii) Habitat Protection: The sanctuary encompasses a landscape that is conducive to the survival of the Great Indian Bustard and other wildlife species. Its arid and drought-prone habitat supports a unique ecosystem that needs to be protected from various threats.
(iv) Biodiversity: While the sanctuary is known for its focus on the Great Indian Bustard, it also supports a variety of other flora and fauna that are adapted to the arid environment. This biodiversity contributes to the ecological balance of the region.
(v) Conservation Awareness: The sanctuary serves as a platform for raising awareness about the conservation needs of the Great Indian Bustard and its habitat. It helps educate the public and stakeholders about the importance of preserving endangered species and their ecosystems.
(vi) Research and Monitoring: The sanctuary likely engages in research and monitoring activities to better understand the behaviors, habitats, and threats faced by the Great Indian Bustard. Such data is crucial for formulating effective conservation strategies.
(vii) Tourism and Ecotourism: The sanctuary might attract nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and researchers who are interested in observing the Great Indian Bustard and the diverse wildlife species that inhabit the area. This could contribute to ecotourism and the local economy.
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