Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary

Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

The Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is a renowned conservation area known for its diverse and vibrant ecosystem.

Beyond its natural splendor, Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary also holds cultural significance due to its connection to the historic Jasrota Fort.

Table of Contents Location History Area River Flora Fauna UPSC Questions

Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary Location

The Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the district of Kathua in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is situated at a distance of approximately 75 kilometers from Jammu, and it can be reached via National Highway 44, which runs from Jammu to Lakhanpur. 

The sanctuary is positioned on the banks of the Ujh River, with the river Ujh forming its eastern boundary and Lodoli Wali Khad, a tributary of the Ujh River, forming its western boundary. 

The sanctuary's accessibility by air, rail, and road, as well as its rich biodiversity and historical significance, make it a notable conservation and cultural area in the region.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary is Jammu Airport (also known as Jammu Civil Enclave), which is located in the city of Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is approximately 80 kilometers away from Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary is Kathua Railway Station, which is situated in the town of Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is approximately 25 kilometers eastwards of the sanctuary.

Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary History

The history of Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary is intertwined with its cultural heritage, conservation efforts, and its establishment as a protected area. Here's a brief overview of its history:

1. Early History and Ruling Families: The sanctuary derives its name from the historic Jasrota Fort. The area has a rich historical background, with Jasrota Fort having been built and developed over centuries. The fort and the surrounding region were ruled by various dynasties and rulers, including the Jammu ruling family. The exact origins and establishment of Jasrota as a principality are disputed, but it is known to have a historical legacy dating back to ancient times.

2. Game Reserve and Administrative Control: In the past, the area was declared a Game Reserve under the provisions of the old Game Act of 1942 by the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir. It came under the administrative control of the Jammu and Kashmir Department of Wildlife Protection in 1984.

3. Formation of the Wildlife Sanctuary: The area's transition from a Game Reserve to a designated wildlife sanctuary involved a series of notifications and orders. The sanctuary was initially notified as a Reserve Forest during the pre-independence period in 1945. It was later officially designated as the Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary by the Government of Jammu & Kashmir through an order dated March 19, 1987, under Section 17 of the Jammu & Kashmir Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1978.

4. Cultural and Ecological Significance: The sanctuary's location on the banks of the Ujh River, its association with the historic Jasrota Fort, and its rich biodiversity contribute to its cultural and ecological significance. The sanctuary serves as a valuable natural habitat and a site for conservation and research.

Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary covers a total area of approximately 10.04 square kilometers. Within this relatively compact area, the sanctuary hosts a variety of plant and animal species, contributing to its ecological significance and biodiversity conservation efforts.

Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary River

The Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Ujh River. The Ujh River is a significant water body that flows through the region, and its presence adds to the biodiversity and ecological value of the sanctuary.

Ujh River play a crucial role in shaping the ecosystems of the sanctuary by providing water, supporting diverse plant and animal life, and creating habitats for various species.

Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

The Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora, contributing to its ecological richness and biodiversity. The sanctuary's flora is primarily categorized as "Subtropical Northern Mixed Dry Deciduous Forests." 

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

• Khair
• Sirris
• Phalai
• Brankut or Bhainkar
• Garana
• Bael
• Simul
• Bamboo
• Tillu or Shisham
• Pipal
• Bargad
• Amaltas
• Palas
• Mango
• Kachnar
• Ber
• Chir Pine
• Euphorbia royleana

Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

The Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of fauna, including mammals, birds, and other wildlife species. Here are some of the notable animals that can be found within the sanctuary:

Mammals:

• Nilgai
• Spotted Deer
• Sambar Deer
• Wild Boar 
• Barking Deer
• Rhesus Macaque
• Jackal
• Jungle Cat
• Common Palm Civet 
• Small Indian Civet
• Indian Pangolin
• Porcupine 
• Indian Mongoose
• Northern Palm Squirrel

Birds:

• Peafowl
• Red Junglefowl
• Bush Quail
• Green Pigeon
• Blue Rock Pigeon
• Red Turtle Dove
• Indian Roller
• Black Francoli
• Spotted Owlet
• Parakeets
• Hoopoe
• Bulbul 
• Black Kite 
• Koel 
• Woodpeckers
• Babblers 

Important waterfowl reported from the Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Mallard
• Pin Tail
• Gadwall
• Common Teal
• Wigeon
• Common Pochard

Reptiles:

• Common Krait
• Indian Cobra
• Indian python

Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. Where is Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary?

A. The Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the district of Kathua, in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is situated at a distance of approximately 75 kilometers from the city of Jammu. The sanctuary is positioned on the banks of the Ujh River and is easily accessible via National Highway 44, which runs from Jammu to Lakhanpur.

Q. Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary established in which year?

A. The Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary was officially established and notified as a wildlife sanctuary by the Government of Jammu & Kashmir on March 19, 1987. It was designated as a wildlife sanctuary under Section 17 of the Jammu & Kashmir Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1978. This notification formalized the sanctuary's status as a protected area for the conservation of its flora and fauna.

Q. What is Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?

A. The Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for several reasons:

(i) Biodiversity: The sanctuary is renowned for its diverse range of flora and fauna. It hosts a variety of plant species, including Khair, Sirris, Phalai, Bamboo, and more. The sanctuary is home to a wide array of mammals, birds, and other wildlife, making it a valuable hotspot for biodiversity.

(ii) Avian Diversity: The sanctuary is a haven for birdwatchers and ornithologists. It provides habitat for numerous bird species, such as Peafowl, Red Junglefowl, Indian Roller, Bulbul, and various waterfowl species.

(iii) Cultural Heritage: The sanctuary's name is derived from the historic Jasrota Fort, which adds to its cultural significance. The association with this historical landmark contributes to the unique charm of the sanctuary.

(iv) Location: Situated on the banks of the Ujh River, the sanctuary's scenic location adds to its appeal. Its proximity to the river and the diverse ecosystems within the sanctuary make it an attractive destination for nature enthusiasts.

(v) Conservation: As a designated wildlife sanctuary, Jasrota plays a vital role in the conservation of various plant and animal species. It provides a protected area for these species to thrive and contributes to the overall ecological balance of the region.