Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary

Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary located in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The sanctuary draws its name from the nearby village of Lachipora, nestled within the protected area's catchment zone. It is situated on the northern banks of the Jhelum River.

The sanctuary's landscape exhibits a diverse range, encompassing gentle to steep slopes, punctuated by imposing rocky cliffs. This geographical variety extends to its upper reaches, where intricate undulations form narrow gullies, locally referred to as "nars."

The primary motive behind the creation of Lachipora Sanctuary was the preservation of the Markhor, a species of wild goat found in parts of Kashmir, Pakistan, and neighboring countries. The sanctuary is a part of Kazinag National Park (2007).

Significant avian species documented within the sanctuary include the Western Tragopan, Himalayan Monal, Koklass Pheasant, and Chukar Partridge. The sanctuary's birdlife, contiguous with the Limber Valley and Gulmarg (both Important Bird Areas or IBAs), showcases similarities.

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

Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary Location

Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is located in the Kupwara district of the region, approximately 90 kilometers to the west of Srinagar, the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir. 

The sanctuary spans the northern banks of the Jhelum River and encompasses the catchment area around the village of Lachipora. 

Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary is the Srinagar International Airport (Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport). It is located in Srinagar, which is the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir. The airport is approximately 90 kilometers (about 56 miles) east of the sanctuary.

Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:

Regarding the nearest railway station, the Jammu Tawi Railway Station is one of the major railway stations in the region and is often used by travelers visiting areas in Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated in Jammu city, which is further south from Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary.

Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary History

Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary has a history rooted in conservation efforts and the protection of its unique biodiversity. Here's a brief overview of its history:

Establishment and Conservation: Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1987 with the primary objective of safeguarding the Markhor (Capra falconeri), a species of wild goat that inhabits the region. The sanctuary was created through the collaborative efforts of the Department of Wildlife Protection and local conservation authorities.

Kazinag National Park: In the year 2007, a momentous stride was taken in the realm of wildlife preservation and environmental safeguarding with the establishment of Kazinag National Park. This landmark initiative not only symbolized a dedication to protecting nature's treasures but also united two distinct wildlife sanctuaries, Limber and Lachipora, and the Naganari conservation reserve. Spearheaded by the visionary efforts of the Wildlife Trust of India, this amalgamation heralded a new era in holistic conservation.

Markhor Conservation: The establishment of the sanctuary was motivated by the need to provide a protected habitat for the Markhor, which is an endangered species in the region. Markhors are known for their distinctive twisted horns and are found in parts of Kashmir, Pakistan, and neighboring countries. Lachipora Sanctuary was designated as a refuge to help ensure the survival of this remarkable species.

Habitat Protection: Beyond its focus on Markhor conservation, Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary also serves as a vital habitat for a variety of other flora and fauna. The sanctuary's diverse landscape, ranging from gentle slopes to steep cliffs, as well as its montane forests and alpine meadows, contribute to its ecological significance. The protected area ensures the preservation of these diverse habitats and the species that depend on them.

Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary Area

Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 37.65 square kilometers (14.54 square miles) .

Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary River

Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary is situated along the northern banks of the Jhelum River in the Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The Jhelum River is a significant water body in the region and plays a crucial role in providing water and supporting the local ecosystem within the sanctuary. 

Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

What is the flora of Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary?

Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse flora, which includes a range of vegetation types due to variations in elevation and terrain. Some of the notable flora found in the sanctuary includes:

(1) Broadleaf Forests:

These forests consist of trees with broad leaves and include species like Horse Chestnut, Birch (Betula spp.), Aesculus indica, Juglans regia (Walnut), Acer cappadocicum, and Betula utilis (Himalayan Birch). These forests provide important habitat for various wildlife species.

(2) Coniferous Forests:

Coniferous trees dominate certain areas of the sanctuary. These include Deodar (Cedrus deodara) and Blue Pine (Pinus griffithii) forests. These forests are important for their role in stabilizing the soil, providing cover for wildlife, and contributing to the overall ecosystem health.

(3) Silver Fir Woodland:

Found on steep slopes at higher elevations, this type of forest consists of species like Abies pindrow, Picea smithiana, and Pinus griffithii, with scattered Betula utilis. These forests are adapted to the colder conditions at higher altitudes.

(4) Alpine Meadows (Margs):

As you move higher up, you'll find alpine meadows characterized by herbaceous vegetation. Plants like Primula, Potentilla, Caltha, Inula, Gentiana, Anemone, and Corydalis thrive in these areas. Rhododendron and Junipers can form woody clumps in these meadows.

Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna, including various mammal, bird, and other animal species. Some of the notable fauna found in the sanctuary include:

Mammals:

• Markhor
• Goral
• Himalayan Musk Deer
• Brown Bear 
• Asiatic Black Bear
• Leopard 

Birds:

• Western Tragopan 
• Himalayan or Impeyan Monal 
• Koklass Pheasant 
• Chukar Partridge

Reptiles:

• Snakes
• Lizards

Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. Where is Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary located?/Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which district?

A. Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Kupwara district of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is situated along the northern banks of the Jhelum River, approximately 90 kilometers to the west of Srinagar, which is the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir. 

Q. When was Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary established?

A. Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary was established in the year 1987. It was created with the aim of conserving the biodiversity of the region and providing protection to various plant and animal species, including the endangered Markhor goat. The sanctuary's establishment was an important step in promoting wildlife conservation efforts in the Jammu and Kashmir region.

Q. What is Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?

A. Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary is primarily famous for its efforts in conserving and protecting the endangered Markhor (Capra falconeri), a species of wild goat with distinctive twisted horns. The sanctuary was established in 1987 with the main objective of safeguarding the Markhor population and providing a protected habitat for this rare and iconic species.

In addition to Markhor conservation, Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse range of flora and fauna, including various other mammal and bird species. The sanctuary's varied habitats, ranging from broadleaf forests to alpine meadows, contribute to its ecological significance.

Furthermore, the sanctuary's location along the northern banks of the Jhelum River and its picturesque landscapes make it an attractive destination for nature enthusiasts, researchers, and tourists interested in exploring the region's natural beauty and wildlife.

In summary, Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for:

• Markhor conservation efforts.
• Diverse flora and fauna.
• Varied habitats and landscapes.
• Contribution to biodiversity conservation in the region.
• Potential for ecotourism and nature exploration.