Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary

Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is known for its unique ecosystem and is primarily a grassland habitat, often referred to as a "Chhapar" in the local language. The sanctuary is famous for being a habitat for blackbucks (Antilope cervicapra), a species of antelope native to the Indian subcontinent.

The sanctuary is recognized for its efforts in conserving the blackbuck population and providing them a safe and conducive environment to thrive. It has provided an ideal habitat for the Blackbucks since the 1940s.

Additionally, the area supports a variety of other wildlife species and avian fauna, making it an important destination for birdwatching and wildlife enthusiasts. The sanctuary is host to about 4,000 blackbucks, over 40 species of raptors and more than 300 species of resident and migratory birds.

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

Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary Location

Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Churu district of the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is situated on the border of the Great Indian Thar Desert. The sanctuary is situated about 210 kilometers (130 miles) northwest of the state capital, Jaipur.

Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary is the Jaipur International Airport. It is located in Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, and is approximately 210 kilometers (130 miles) southeast of the sanctuary. From Jaipur, you can travel by road to reach the sanctuary.

Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest major railway station to Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary is Churu Railway Station. It is located in Churu, which is the district headquarters. The sanctuary is situated at a distance of about 85 kilometers (53 miles) from Churu Railway Station. From the railway station, you can hire local transportation or take a bus to reach the sanctuary.

Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary History

Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary has a history rooted in its conservation efforts and its significance as a protected area for wildlife. Here is an overview of the sanctuary's history:

1. Hunting Reserve of the Maharaja:

Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary has a storied history, beginning as a hunting reserve under the patronage of the Maharaja of Bikaner. The sanctuary's origins trace back to its role as a favored hunting ground for the royal family.

2. Blackbuck and Demoiselle Crane Shoots:

The sanctuary gained prominence for its distinctive Blackbuck and Demoiselle Crane shoots. These pursuits captured the Maharaja's fascination, with Demoiselle Crane hunting being particularly noteworthy. To facilitate the hunts, innovative methods like the placement of approximately 200 life-size wooden dummies of Demoiselle Cranes were employed, reflecting the ingenuity of the era.

3. Deception and Crane Luring:

The wooden dummies of Demoiselle Cranes were strategically positioned to deceive and entice wild cranes, bringing them within range of waiting guns. This unique approach showcases the resourcefulness of the Maharaja's hunting strategies and offers insight into the historical practices of wildlife pursuit.

4. End of an Era:

The tradition of Demoiselle Crane shoots culminated in 1962, marking the conclusion of this distinct chapter in the sanctuary's history. The last crane shoot became a pivotal moment that signified the changing times and attitudes toward wildlife conservation.

5. Evolution into a Sanctuary:

In recognition of the ecological significance of the area and the need for conservation, Tal Chhapar underwent a transformation. In 1966, it was officially designated as a wildlife sanctuary, signifying a shift from a hunting reserve to a protected area aimed at safeguarding the diverse flora and fauna within its boundaries.

6. Conservation and Ecotourism:

With its newfound status as a sanctuary, Tal Chhapar began to evolve into a hub of conservation efforts. The sanctuary's focus shifted from hunting to preserving the unique grassland ecosystem, providing a safe haven for various species, most notably the Blackbuck. It also emerged as a destination for ecotourism, attracting visitors keen to observe wildlife and appreciate the natural beauty of the region.

8. A Testament to Change:

Tal Chhapar's history encapsulates a journey from a royal hunting reserve to a protected wildlife sanctuary. This transition underscores the evolving perceptions of our relationship with nature, highlighting the importance of preservation and sustainable coexistence with the natural world.

Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary Area

Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 7.19 square kilometers (about 2.77 square miles). This relatively small but ecologically significant area is dedicated to the conservation of the unique grassland ecosystem and the diverse flora and fauna it supports, including the blackbuck and various bird species.

In the western side of the Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary, rocks of slate and quartzite can be found, along with some small hillocks. The catchment area is found between these hillocks and the Sanctuary. 

Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary River

Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary does not have a significant river or water body within its boundaries. The sanctuary is primarily characterized by its flat grassland ecosystem and is located in a semi-arid region. It is not known for having a flowing river or a permanent water source.

The sanctuary's habitat is more focused on the conservation of grasslands and the species that inhabit them, such as the blackbuck and various bird species. While there might be seasonal water sources like small ponds or water holes that attract wildlife, a major river is not a prominent feature of Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary is characterized by its unique grassland ecosystem, which supports a variety of plant species adapted to the arid and semi-arid conditions of the region. While the sanctuary is primarily known for its wildlife, particularly the blackbuck antelope, it also hosts a diverse range of flora. 

Here are some of the common plant species that can be found in Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary:

Grasses: Various grass species dominate the grassland ecosystem, providing essential grazing habitat for wildlife.

Herbs and Shrubs: Herbaceous plants and shrubs contribute to the sanctuary's biodiversity, supporting insects and small animals.

Acacia (Acacia spp.): Acacia trees and shrubs are a notable component of the flora. Species like Acacia katechu (katha), Acacia senegal (kher), and Acacia nilotica (kikar) provide browse for herbivores.

Prosopis (Prosopis spp.): Prosopis juliflora is an invasive tree species present in the sanctuary, offering habitat and food resources for wildlife.

Salar Trees: Salar trees (Boswellia serrata) might be found in the sanctuary. These trees are known for their resin, which is used in traditional medicine.

Dhavda (Anogeissus pendula): A species of tree that contributes to the diversity of the sanctuary's vegetation.

Dhau (Anogeissus latifolia): Another tree species that adds to the overall ecosystem structure.

Dhak (Butea monosperma): This tree, also known as the flame of the forest, is known for its vibrant red flowers.

Katha (Acacia katechu): Used for its medicinal properties, this Acacia species is an important component of the flora.

Kher (Acacia senegal): Known for producing gum arabic, a natural plant-derived gum with various applications.

Kikar (Acacia nilotica): Also called the Indian gum arabic tree, it provides valuable resources for both wildlife and humans.

Godal (Lannea coromandelica): A tree species that contributes to the plant diversity of the sanctuary.

Kadam (Mitragyna parviflora): Another tree species found in the sanctuary, adding to its ecological richness.

Ber (Ziziphus nummularia): The ber tree, also known as Indian jujube, is a common sight and provides fruit for various animals.

Note-  The dangerously invasive Prosopis juliflora, has pushed out the native floral biodiversity of the region.

Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of fauna, with a focus on conserving the blackbuck antelope (Antilope cervicapra) and providing habitat for various bird species.

Here is a list of some of the notable wildlife that can be found in the sanctuary:

Mammals:

• Blackbuck
• Chinkara
• Desert Fox
• Desert Cat
• Golden Jackal
• Red Fox
• Desert Hare

Birds:

• Demoiselle Crane
• Imperial Eagle
• Tawny Eagle
• Grey Hornbill
• Short-toed Eagle
• Little Green Bee Eater
• Black Ibis
• Crested Lark
• Little Brown Dove
• European or Kashmir Roller 
• Oriental Skylark 
• Crested Lark 
• Indian Ring Dove or Eurasian Collared Dove 
• Little Brown Dove or Laughing Dove 
• Indian Roller 
• Bluetailed Bee-eater 
• Bar-headed Goose 
• Oriental White-backed or White-rumped Vulture 
• Long-billed Vulture 
• Red-headed or King Vulture
• Cinereous Vulture 

Reptiles:

• Spiny-tailed Lizard
• Monitor Lizard

Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. Where is Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary?/In which city is Tal Chhapar Bird Sanctuary situated?/Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary state?

A. Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Churu district of the northwestern state of Rajasthan, India. It is not far from the town of Chhapar, which is located within the Churu district. The sanctuary is approximately 210 kilometers (130 miles) northwest of the state capital, Jaipur.

Q. What is the black buck in Tal Chhapar?

A. The blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) is a species of antelope that can be found in Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary. The blackbuck is known for its distinctive appearance, with males having a dark blackish-brown coat and long twisted horns, while females have a lighter, yellowish-brown coat.

In Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary, the blackbuck is a significant and prominent resident species. The sanctuary provides a protected habitat for these antelopes to thrive, and they are one of the key attractions for visitors and wildlife enthusiasts. Blackbucks are known for their graceful and swift movements across the grasslands, and observing them in their natural habitat is a unique experience.

Conservation efforts within Tal Chhapar Sanctuary have helped in maintaining a healthy blackbuck population, contributing to the overall biodiversity and ecological balance of the region.

Q. What are the migratory birds in Tal Chhapar?

A. Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary is a significant stopover and wintering ground for various migratory bird species. These birds travel long distances during their annual migrations, making Tal Chhapar an important site for birdwatching and ornithological research. Some of the migratory birds that can be observed at Tal Chhapar include:

• Demoiselle Crane (Grus virgo)
• Bar-headed Goose (Anser indicus)
• European Roller (Coracias garrulus)
• Steppe Eagles (Aquila nipalensis)
• Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus)
• Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus)
• Greater Short-toed Lark (Calandrella brachydactyla)
• Tawny Pipit (Anthus campestris)
• Citrine Wagtail (Motacilla citreola)
• Isabelline Wheatear (Oenanthe isabellina)
• Various Warblers
• Various Waterfowl

Q. What is Tal Chhapar Lake famous for?

A. Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for its unique grassland ecosystem and its role in conserving wildlife, particularly the blackbuck antelope and various bird species.

Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for the following reasons:

(i) Blackbuck Conservation: The sanctuary is a crucial habitat for the blackbuck antelope (Antilope cervicapra), a species native to the Indian subcontinent. It provides a safe haven for the blackbucks to thrive, contributing to their conservation.

(ii) Bird Watching: Tal Chhapar is a popular destination for birdwatchers and ornithologists due to its role as a stopover and wintering ground for various migratory bird species, including Demoiselle Cranes and harriers.

(iii) Demoiselle Crane Migration: One of the most spectacular natural events at Tal Chhapar is the annual migration of Demoiselle Cranes (Grus virgo). Thousands of these graceful birds visit the sanctuary during their migration, attracting bird enthusiasts and researchers.

(iv) Grassland Ecosystem: The sanctuary's unique grassland ecosystem, along with its flora and fauna, makes it an important site for ecological research and understanding arid land habitats.