Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary

Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary UPSC

Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary is a protected area located in the state of Gujarat, India. Managed by the Gujarat Ecological Education and Research (GEER) Foundation. It is known for its unique ecological features, diverse flora and fauna, and educational initiatives aimed at promoting environmental awareness and conservation.

The sanctuary is involved in organizing nature education camps, particularly during the monsoon season, aimed at raising awareness about the environment and wildlife conservation. These camps are often attended by school children.

Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary serves as an important space for learning about nature, observing wildlife, and understanding the delicate balance of ecosystems in an arid region. 

Table of Contents Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary Location Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary History Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary Area Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary Flora Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary Fauna Mammals Birds Reptile Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary Location

Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary is located in the Rajkot District of the Indian state of Gujarat.

Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary is Rajkot Airport (also known as Civil Aerodrome Rajkot). It's approximately 77 km away from the sanctuary.

Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway stations are:

• Botad Railway Station, located about 32 km away from the sanctuary.
• Gondal Railway Station, located about 45 km away from the sanctuary.

Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary History

Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary has a history and significance that revolves around its establishment, ecological value, and conservation efforts. Here's a brief overview of its history:

Establishment and Declaration as a Sanctuary: Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary was declared a protected area in 1980. The sanctuary's establishment was likely driven by the recognition of its unique ecological features, diverse wildlife, and the need to conserve and protect its natural resources. Designating it as a sanctuary helped ensure the preservation of its flora and fauna while providing opportunities for education and research.

Wildlife Conservation and Education: Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary is managed by the Gujarat Ecological Education and Research Foundation (GEER). The foundation plays a pivotal role in organizing nature education camps, particularly during the monsoon season. These camps, often attended by school children, help raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation, ecosystem protection, and environmental education.

Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary Area

Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 6.54 square kilometers. This relatively compact area encompasses a diverse range of habitats, including dry deciduous thorny forests and savannah grasslands, which support a variety of plant and animal species. The sanctuary's compact size doesn't diminish its ecological importance and the wealth of biodiversity it harbors.

Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary Flora

Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary boasts a diverse array of flora that thrives in its unique ecological setting, which includes dry deciduous thorny forests and savannah grasslands. 

Here are some of the plant species that can be found in the sanctuary:

• Gorad
• Desi Baval
• Kasedo
• Neem
• Gugal
• Thor
• Satodi
• Batkumi

These plant species have adapted to the arid and semi-arid conditions of the region, and they play a crucial role in maintaining the sanctuary's ecosystem and supporting the diverse wildlife that inhabits it.

Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary Fauna (Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary Animals)

Which major species is the Hingolgadh Wildlife Sanctuary known for?

Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna, including various mammals, birds, and reptiles. Here are some of the notable species that can be found in the sanctuary:

Mammals:

• Indian Gazelle
• Bluebull
• Blackbuck
• Wolf
• Indian Porcupine
• Flying Fox

Birds:

• Red-vented Bulbul
• Green Bee-Eater
• Spotted Dove
• Shrike
• Woodpecker
• Indian Roller

Reptiles:

• 19 species of Snakes
• Lizards

Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. When was the Hingolgadh Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat established?

A. Hingolgadh Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary, was declared a protected area in the year 1980. This designation marked the official establishment of the sanctuary, aimed at conserving its unique ecological features, diverse flora and fauna, and promoting environmental education and awareness.

Q. How many square Kilometres of the Hingolgadh Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat is reserved area?

A. Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 6.54 square kilometers as a reserved area for conservation and environmental education. This relatively small yet ecologically diverse sanctuary is located in the Rajkot District of Gujarat, India.