Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary

Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC (Daksum Wildlife Sanctuary)

The Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as the Daksum Wildlife Sanctuary, is situated near Anantnag city in Jammu and Kashmir, India. The sanctuary is characterized by diverse habitats such as riverine vegetation, coniferous forests, alpine pastures, and rocky terrains. 

Established in 1981, the sanctuary was upgraded from a historical game reserve that focused on conserving the endangered Hangul deer. Today, the sanctuary serves as a vital refuge for various flora and fauna, including the critically endangered Hangul deer. 

The Rajparian Nallah, a significant watercourse, flows through the sanctuary, nurturing riverine vegetation and contributing to its ecological balance.

Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary is a conservation haven situated amidst picturesque landscapes in Jammu and Kashmir. Its historical significance, diverse flora and fauna, and efforts to preserve endangered species make it a vital component of the region's natural heritage.

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

Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary Location

The Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as the Daksum Wildlife Sanctuary, is located near Anantnag city in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The sanctuary is situated in the Rajparian Nallah region.

It lies approximately 42 kilometers from Anantnag city, the district headquarters, and about 85 kilometers (53 miles) south of Srinagar, which is the largest city and summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir.

Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to the Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary (Daksum Wildlife Sanctuary) is the Srinagar International Airport, also known as Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport. It is located in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The airport is approximately 85 kilometers (53 miles) north of the sanctuary.

Rajparian 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. It is located in Jammu city, which is further south of the sanctuary compared to Srinagar.

Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary History

Game Reserve for Hangul Conservation: The roots of the Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary can be traced back to the historical period before 1948, during the rule of the Maharajas in the region. At that time, the area was designated as a game reserve with a specific focus on protecting the Hangul deer, a subspecies of red deer native to the Kashmir Valley. The establishment of this reserve reflected the recognition of the importance of preserving the unique biodiversity of the region.

Upgrade to Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary: In 1981, a significant step was taken to elevate the conservation status of the area. The game reserve was officially upgraded and designated as the Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary. This upgrade marked a pivotal moment in the history of the sanctuary, emphasizing its significance as a protected area for the conservation of not only Hangul deer but also various other species of flora and fauna.

Promoting Ecological Balance: The establishment and maintenance of the Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary not only contribute to the conservation of individual species but also work towards maintaining the larger ecological balance of the region. The sanctuary serves as a crucial refuge for wildlife, helping to prevent habitat loss, promote genetic diversity, and support the overall health of the ecosystem.

Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses a total area of approximately 48.99 square kilometers. The expansive area allows for the establishment of various habitats, contributing to the sanctuary's role in conservation efforts and maintaining ecological balance.

Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary River

The Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary is closely associated with the Rajparian Nallah, a significant watercourse that traverses the sanctuary's landscape. The sanctuary derives its name from this important waterway, which plays a crucial role in shaping the sanctuary's ecosystem and supporting its diverse flora and fauna.

The Rajparian Nallah serves as a lifeline for the sanctuary, providing essential water resources that sustain various habitats and species. The presence of this watercourse contributes to the development of riverine vegetation, one of the distinct habitat types within the sanctuary.

Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

The Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary boasts a rich and diverse range of flora. The sanctuary's varied altitudes, aspects, and soil conditions create an ideal environment for various vegetation types to flourish. 

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

1. Riverine Vegetation:

The sanctuary features a riverine vegetation zone along the banks of the Rajparian Nallah. This area is adorned with a mix of broad-leaved genera, including Aesculus indica, Juglanus regia, Quercus incana, Rhus succedanea, Morus, and more. The shrub layer includes species like Parrotiopsis jacquemontiana, Rosa species, Viburnum, and Berberies species.

2. Coniferous Forests:

Coniferous forests are a hallmark of the sanctuary's landscape. These forests encompass Kail (Pinus griffithii) and spruce (Picea smithiana), along with other broad-leaved species like Aesculus indica, Quercus incana, and fir (Abies pindrow). These evergreen associations flourish primarily on the steep slopes of the sanctuary.

3. Alpine Pasture and Scrubs:

Higher altitudes within the sanctuary give rise to alpine pastures dominated by Birch (Betula utilis) and interspersed with unidentified grasses. Rhododendron, Primula, Anemone, Juniperus, and other species are found in these areas, contributing to the diverse flora.

4. Rock Faces:

On hilltops and in gullies known as 'Nars,' the sanctuary exhibits rock faces with distinctive vegetation. This vegetation is characterized by coarse grasses, Juniperous species, and Rhododendron species, adapted to the rocky terrain.

Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

The Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse and fascinating array of wildlife. The sanctuary's varied habitats, including riverine zones, coniferous forests, alpine pastures, and rocky areas, provide shelter and sustenance for a wide range of animal species. 

Here are some of the notable inhabitants of the Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary:

Mammals:

• Kashmiri Stag (Hangul)
• The Musk Deer
• Serow
• Himalayan Marmot
• Himalayan Mouse-Hare
• Kashmiri Flying Squirrel
• Himalayan Yellow Throated Martin
• Brown Bear
• Himalayan Black Bear
• Red Fox
• Jackal
• Small Indian Mongoose
• Leopard Cat
• Leopard
• Common Langur
• Rhesus Macaque
• Snow Leopard 

Birds:

• Black Eared Kite
• Himalayan Griffon Vulture
• White Backed Vulture
• Monal
• Himalayan Snow Cock
• Chucker
• Koklas
• Blue Rock Pigeon
• Himalayan Rufus Turtle dove
• Ring Dove
• Red Turtle Dove
• Asiatic Cuckoo
• Alpine Swift
• Kashmir Roller
• European Hoopoe
• Kashmiri Woodpecker
• Common Swallow
• Rufus Backed Shrike
• Golden Oriol
• Indian Myna
• Himalayan Jungle Crow
• Large Spotted Nutcracker
• White Checked Bulbul
• Streaked Laughing Thrush
• Kashmir Wren
• Grey Tit
• Kashmir House Sparrow
• Black and Yellow Gross-Beak
• Pink-Browed Rose Finch
• Chaffinch
• Pine Bunting
• White Checked
• Black Throated
• Indian Barn Owl

Reptiles:

• Snakes
• Lizards

Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. Where is Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary located?

A. The Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary is located near Anantnag city in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is situated in the Rajparian Nallah region, approximately 42 kilometers from Anantnag city, which serves as the district headquarters, and about 85 kilometers (53 miles) south of Srinagar, the largest city and summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir.

Q. Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary was established in which year?

A. The Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary was established in the year 1981. It was during this year that the sanctuary was officially upgraded and designated as the Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary, elevating its status for the conservation and protection of wildlife and their habitats.

Q. What is Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary also known as?

A. The Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary is also known as the "Daksum Wildlife Sanctuary." These two names refer to the same protected area located near Anantnag city in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The sanctuary is often referred to by both names interchangeably. It is a significant conservation area that supports a variety of flora and fauna in its diverse habitats.

Q. Which endangered species is found in Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary?

A. The Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the critically endangered Hangul deer (Cervus hanglu hanglu), which is one of the most notable and significant species found within the sanctuary. The Hangul deer, also known as the Kashmir stag, is a subspecies of red deer and is native to the Kashmir Valley.

Conservation efforts within the Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary are particularly focused on protecting and preserving the Hangul deer population. The sanctuary's habitats provide a refuge for this endangered species, contributing to its survival and the overall biodiversity of the region.

Efforts to conserve the Hangul deer and its habitat are crucial for maintaining the delicate ecological balance of the sanctuary and ensuring the survival of this iconic and rare species.