Thursday, August 17, 2023

Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary

Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

The Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the state of Rajasthan, India. It covers an area of approximately 422.95 square kilometers and is known for its diverse ecosystems, rich biodiversity, and scenic landscapes. 


The sanctuary is situated at the confluence of three different geological formations—the Malwa Plateau, the Vindhyachal Hills, and the Aravalli mountain ranges. This diverse topography creates a variety of habitats, including hills, valleys, and slopes.


The sanctuary is characterized by dry deciduous forests, bamboo thickets, and a variety of plant species. Trees like teak, tendu, salar, amla, ber, and many others contribute to the diverse flora of the sanctuary.


Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a range of animal species, including the four-horned antelope, caracal, wild boar, leopard, striped hyena, golden jackal, and various bird species. It provides a habitat for both herbivores and carnivores, contributing to a balanced ecosystem.


Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary stands as a testament to the efforts to conserve and protect natural habitats and wildlife in Rajasthan. Its combination of diverse flora, fauna, and landscapes make it a valuable area for research, conservation, and sustainable tourism.


Table of Contents

  • Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary Location
  • Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary History
  • Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary Area
  • Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary Hills
  • Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
  • Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna
    • Mammals
    • Birds
    • Reptile
  • Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions


Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary Location

The Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Pratapgarh and Chittorgarh districts of the state of Rajasthan, India. It is situated approximately 108 kilometers from Udaipur city. The sanctuary is set in the midst of dry deciduous forests and bamboo, extending over the foothills of the Aravalli mountain range. 


The undulating landscape of the sanctuary is a result of the confluence of three different geological formations: the Malwa Plateau, the Vindhyachal Hills, and the Aravalli mountain ranges.


Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to the Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary is the Dabok Airport in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. This airport serves as the closest air transportation hub to the sanctuary.


Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to the Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary is Mandsaur, which is located at a distance of approximately 28 kilometers. Please note that while Mandsaur is the nearest railway station, it might still require additional travel by road to reach the sanctuary.




Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary History

What is the history of Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary?

The Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Pratapgarh and Chittorgarh districts of Rajasthan, India, has a history rooted in conservation and protection of its diverse ecosystem

Declaration as a Protected Forest Area: The Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary was officially designated as a protected forest area by the Government of Rajasthan through Notification No. F 11 (9) Revenue/8/79, dated 2nd November 1979. This crucial declaration marked the formal establishment of the sanctuary and set the foundation for its conservation efforts.


Historical Establishment: The sanctuary's history is rooted in its formal establishment in 1979, when it gained recognition as a protected forest area. This milestone was achieved through the government's proactive measures to conserve and safeguard the diverse ecosystem of Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary.




Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses a substantial land area, contributing to its role as a vital habitat for various species and a center for conservation efforts. 


The Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary spans an expansive area of approximately 422.95 square kilometers. This extensive land expanse provides ample space for a diverse range of flora and fauna to thrive and coexist within its protected boundaries.


The sanctuary's considerable size, covering over 40% of the total land area of the Pratapgarh district, underscores its significance in preserving the region's natural heritage. This generous expanse enables the sanctuary to support a variety of ecosystems, habitats, and ecological niches.


The vast area of Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses a variety of habitats, including dry deciduous forests, bamboo thickets, and foothills of the Aravalli mountain range. These distinct ecosystems contribute to the sanctuary's rich biodiversity and provide shelter for numerous plant and animal species.




Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary Hills

The Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in an area with a diverse and undulating landscape that includes hills and mountain ranges. The sanctuary's location at the confluence of the Malwa Plateau, the Vindhyachal Hills, and the Aravalli mountain ranges contributes to its unique topography and habitats. 


Specifically, the sanctuary extends over the foothills of the Aravalli range, which is known as one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. This hilly terrain creates a mosaic of ecosystems, including valleys, slopes, and ridges, which provide diverse niches for a wide range of plant and animal species. 


Apart from its ecological importance, the hills enhance the scenic beauty of the sanctuary, making it an attractive destination for nature enthusiasts and researchers alike. However, these hills also present conservation challenges that need to be addressed to ensure the long-term health of the ecosystem.




Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

Which type of forest found in Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary?

The Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for its rich and diverse flora, encompassing a variety of plant species that contribute to the sanctuary's unique ecosystem. Here are some examples of the flora that can be found within the sanctuary:


  • Teak
  • Tendu
  • Bad
  • Peepal
  • Babool
  • Neem
  • Siras
  • Churail
  • Kachnar
  • Gulmohar
  • Amaltas
  • Bakayan
  • Ashok
  • Mahua
  • Semal
  • Goondi
  • Khejadi
  • Kumta
  • Amla
  • Bamboo
  • Sindoor
  • Chironjee
  • Rudraksha
  • Bel




Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

The Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse array of fauna, including a variety of animal species that inhabit its diverse habitats. Here are some examples of the fauna that can be found within the sanctuary:


Mammals:

  • Four-horned Antelope
  • Caracal
  • Wild Boar
  • Pangolin
  • Leopard
  • Striped Hyaena
  • Golden Jackal
  • Bengal Fox
  • Jungle Cat
  • Indian Crested 
  • Bluebull


Birds:

  • Little Grebe or Dabchick
  • Little Cormorant
  • Oriental Darter
  • Grey Heron
  • Pond Heron
  • Cattle Egret
  • Little Egret
  • Painted Stork
  • Woolly-necked Stork
  • Spoonbill, Ruddy Shelduck
  • Pintail
  • Cotton Teal
  • Spotbill Duck
  • Comb Duck
  • Black Kite
  • Shikra
  • White-eyed Buzzard
  • King Vulture
  • White-rumped Vulture
  • Tawny Eagle
  • Scavenger Vulture
  • Black Partridge
  • Rain Quail
  • Jungle Bush Quail
  • Indian Peafowl
  • Sarus Crane
  • White-breasted Waterhen
  • Purple Moorhen


Reptiles:

  • Indian Rock Python
  • Monitor Lizard
  • Indian Star Tortoise
  • Mugger




Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. In which state Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary is situated?/Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary located in which place of Rajasthan?/Where is Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary?

A. The Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is located in the Pratapgarh and Chittorgarh districts of Rajasthan. The sanctuary extends over a diverse landscape that includes hills, dry deciduous forests, and bamboo thickets, making it a significant conservation area within the region.



Q. What is Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?

A. The Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its rich biodiversity, diverse ecosystems, and its role in conserving a wide variety of plant and animal species. Here are some key reasons for its fame:


(i) Diverse Flora: The sanctuary is known for its varied plant species, including teak, tendu, salar, bamboo, amla, and many others. These plants contribute to the unique ecosystem and provide habitats and food for various wildlife.


(ii) Rich Fauna: Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of animals, including the four-horned antelope, caracal, wild boar, leopard, striped hyena, golden jackal, and various bird species. This biodiversity is a significant draw for nature enthusiasts, researchers, and wildlife photographers.


(iii) Natural Landscapes: The sanctuary's undulating terrain, hills, and dry deciduous forests create picturesque landscapes that attract visitors interested in nature and outdoor activities.


(iv) Recreational Activities: Visitors can engage in activities such as birdwatching, wildlife spotting, trekking, and photography, enhancing its reputation as a destination for nature-based recreation.

Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary

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