Sudhagad Wildlife Sanctuary

Sudhagad Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

The Sudhagad Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the state of Maharashtra, India. The sanctuary is known for its historical and cultural significance, as well as its rich biodiversity, including various plant and animal species.

The sanctuary is named for the Sudhagad Fort, located at its centre. The fort affords a view of two lakes as well as historic and religious structures in the vicinity. The Thanale Caves and Khadsamble Caves are near Sudhagad. 

There is immense biodiversity within the region with populations of charismatic animals like the Indian gazelle, the Indian gray wolf, Indian fox. The bird and reptile population in also significant.

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

Sudhagad Wildlife Sanctuary Location

The Sudhagad Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. The sanctuary is centered around the Sudhagad Fort. 

The nearest city to the Sudhagad Wildlife Sanctuary is Pune, located around 38 km away.

Sudhagad Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to the Sudhagad Wildlife Sanctuary is the Pune Airport (Lohegaon Airport).

Sudhagad Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to the Sudhagad Wildlife Sanctuary is also in Pune, which is about 40 km away from the sanctuary.

Sudhagad Wildlife Sanctuary History

The Sudhagad Wildlife Sanctuary holds a history of conservation efforts and ecological significance. 

Establishment: Established in the year 2014, this sanctuary was named after the iconic Sudhagad Fort that graces its central landscape. The historical and cultural heritage of the fort, along with the surrounding natural beauty, played a pivotal role in the decision to establish the sanctuary

Sudhagad Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The Sudhagad Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 77.128 square kilometers. This sizable expanse provides ample space for diverse flora and fauna to thrive and is crucial for maintaining a balanced and healthy ecosystem within the sanctuary's boundaries. 

The sanctuary's considerable area allows for the conservation of a variety of habitats and the protection of numerous plant and animal species.

Sudhagad Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

The Sudhagad Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora, contributing to its ecological richness and supporting the various animal species that inhabit the sanctuary. 

Here are some of the plant species found in the Sudhagad Wildlife Sanctuary:

Acacia catechu: Commonly known as Khair, this tree species is native to South Asia and is valued for its wood and tannin-rich bark.

Acacia species: Acacia trees are known for their adaptations to arid environments and provide habitat and food sources for various wildlife.

Dalbergia latifolia: Also known as Indian Rosewood, this tree species is prized for its valuable timber and is found in tropical and subtropical regions.

Ziziphus mauritiana: Known as Indian Jujube or Ber, this tree produces edible fruits and provides habitat and food for birds and insects.

Carissa opaca: Commonly known as Karanda, this shrub produces small edible berries and is used in traditional medicine.

Alysicarpus bupleurifolius: This plant is a member of the legume family and contributes to nitrogen fixation in the soil.

Cyathocline purpurea: A flowering plant species that adds to the sanctuary's floral diversity.

Eriocauion diane: This is a botanical name that may refer to a specific plant species, but without more information, its characteristics can't be precisely determined.

Merremia emarginata: A plant species that can belong to the bindweed family and may have ecological roles such as erosion control.

Cucumis melo: Known as muskmelon or cantaloupe, this plant produces edible fruits.

Cyperus kyllingia: A species of sedge, a type of grass-like plant often found in wetlands.

Striga densiflora: Also known as witchweed, this plant is parasitic and can negatively impact crop plants.

Mareilea minuta: A plant species that could belong to the watermilfoil family and may be found in aquatic habitats.

Sudhagad Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Sudhagad Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

The Sudhagad Wildlife Sanctuary hosts a diverse array of animal species, contributing to its ecological significance and promoting biodiversity within the protected area. Here are some of the notable fauna species found in the Sudhagad Wildlife Sanctuary:

Mammals:

• Indian Gazelle
• Striped Hyaena
• Indian Gray Wolf
• Jackal
• Indian Fox
• Black-Naped Hare

Birds:

• Indian Roller
• Black-winged Kite
• Eurasian Collared Dove
• Ashy-Crowned Sparrow Lark
• Blue-Cheeked Bee-eater
• Gray Francolin
• Yellow-wattled Lapwing
• Common Hawk-cuckoo
• Short-toed Snake Eagle
• Bonelli’s Eagle
• Rufous-fronted Prinia
• Indian Bush-lark
• Bay-Backed Shrike
• Southern Gray Shrike

Reptiles:

• Indian Rock Python
• Dhaman
• Indian Cobra
• Russell’s Viper
• Checkered Keelback
• Common Monitor

Sudhagad Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. Where is Sudhagad Wildlife Sanctuary located?/ Which district is Sudhagad Wildlife Sanctuary in?

A. The Sudhagad Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. This district is situated in the western part of the state and is known for its diverse landscapes, historical sites, and ecological significance. The sanctuary is centered around the Sudhagad Fort and covers an area of approximately 77.128 square kilometers within the Raigad district.