Kathlour Wildlife Sanctuary

Kathlour Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

The Kathlour-Kushalia Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Punjab, India. The sanctuary covers an area of 1896 acres of Government Protected Forest land. It was officially notified as a Wildlife Sanctuary by the Punjab Government through in 2007.

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

Kathlour Wildlife Sanctuary Location

The Kathlour Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the new bypass of the Amritsar–Jammu Highway in Tehsil Pathankot of District Pathankot in Punjab, India. It is situated on the banks of the Ravi River. 

The sanctuary encompasses portions of Village Kushalia and Village Kathlour, along with adjoining areas of Rajpur, Bahadurpur, and Jaswa.

Kathlour Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Kathlour Wildlife Sanctuary is the "Pathankot Airport" (also known as Pathankot Domestic Airport or Kangra Airport) which is located approximately 60-70 kilometers away, depending on the route taken.

Kathlour Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest major railway station to Kathlour Wildlife Sanctuary is the "Pathankot Junction Railway Station," which is located at a distance of about 20-25 kilometers, depending on the route taken.

Kathlour Wildlife Sanctuary History

Establishment as a Wildlife Sanctuary: The Kathlour Wildlife Sanctuary was officially established as a protected area through the Punjab Government Notification No. 34/13/2007/Ft-V/6133 dated 28.06.2007. This significant step marked its recognition as a designated wildlife sanctuary.

Declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zone: On December 27, 2016, a significant step was taken with Notification No. 4204 (E), which pertains to the declaration of an Eco-Sensitive Zone. This designation aimed to regulate human activities within the sanctuary's vicinity to ensure the preservation of its natural environment.

Kathlour Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The Kathlour Wildlife Sanctuary covers an expansive area of 1896 acres. Of this, 346 acres belong to Village Kushalia and 1550 acres belong to village Kathlour and adjoining villages Rajpur, Bahadurpur, and Jaswa.

This vast expanse includes different types of terrain, ranging from dense closed-canopy forests to open grasslands of Saccharum. Additionally, the sanctuary's location along the banks of the river Ravi contributes to the diversity of its landscape and provides essential water bodies for the resident flora and fauna. 

Kathlour Wildlife Sanctuary River

The Kathlour Wildlife Sanctuary is situated along the banks of the river Ravi. The presence of the river Ravi enhances the biodiversity and ecological significance of the sanctuary by providing water sources and creating a diverse habitat for various plant and animal species. 

The sanctuary's proximity to the river contributes to the presence of water bodies and supports the overall health of the ecosystem within the sanctuary area. The river Ravi plays a vital role in shaping the landscape and fostering a rich and dynamic environment for wildlife and vegetation within the Kathlour Wildlife Sanctuary.

Kathlour Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

The Kathlour Wildlife Sanctuary boasts a diverse and vibrant array of flora, contributing to the richness and ecological balance of the ecosystem. The sanctuary's plant life includes various species of trees, shrubs, grasses, and other vegetation types. 

Here are some of the notable flora found within the sanctuary:

• Saccharum (Sarkanda, Kana Kahi)
• Khair (Acacia catechu)
• Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo)
• Kikar (Acacia nilotica)
• Amla (Emblica officinalis)
• Bamboos (Bambusa bambos) and Dendrocalamus strictus
• Amrud (Psidium gujava)
• Terminalia arjuna
• Willow (Salix sp.)
• Safeda (Eucalyptus hybrid)

Kathlour Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Kathlour Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

What animals are in the Kathlour wildlife sanctuary?

The Kathlour Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna, including various mammal, reptile, and bird species. This rich biodiversity contributes to the ecological balance and significance of the sanctuary. 

Here are some of the notable fauna species that can be found within the Kathlour Wildlife Sanctuary:

Mammals:

• Hog Deer
• Barking Deer
• Sambar
• Nilgai
• Wild Boar
• Pangolin
• Porcupine
• Hare

Birds:

• Peafowl
• Parakeets
• Owl species
• Partridge (black and grey)
• Hawk Eagle
• Vultures (including White Humped Vulture)

Reptiles:

• Snakes
• Lizards

Kathlour Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. Which district is Kathlour Wildlife Sanctuary in?

A. The Kathlour Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Pathankot district of Punjab, India.