Tral Wildlife Sanctuary

Tral Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

Tral Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The establishment of this sanctuary aims to protect the biodiversity and provide a habitat for various species of wildlife, including a relic population of Hangul.

By declaring the Tral Wildlife Sanctuary, the government aims to ensure the sustainable conservation of the state's flora and fauna. It will function as a protected wildlife corridor, allowing for the movement of the relic Hangul population between the Shikargah-Panyar and Khiram conservation reserves in the south and the main population in Dachigam National Park in the north.

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

Tral Wildlife Sanctuary Location

The Tral Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Pulwama district of the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. 

Tral Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport (also known as Srinagar International Airport) located in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. It is approximately the closest major airport to the sanctuary.

Tral Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest major railway station is Jammu Tawi Railway Station in Jammu city, Jammu and Kashmir. Please note that the railway connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir is limited compared to other parts of India.

Tral Wildlife Sanctuary History

Establishment: Tral Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 2019. The sanctuary was created by merging the Changed, Panyar-Shikargah, and Khiram wildlife conservation reserves, along with some forest compartments from the Awantipora Forest Division. 

The establishment of this sanctuary aims to protect the biodiversity and provide a habitat for various species of wildlife, including a relic population of Hangul, which is a significant species existing outside the Dachigam National Park.

Tral Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The Tral Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 154.15 square kilometers. It was established in 2019 by merging various wildlife conservation reserves and forest compartments.  

The sanctuary also serves as a wildlife corridor and a buffer zone around the Dachigam National Park, contributing to the conservation efforts in the area.

Tral Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

Here is  a general overview of the types of flora that found in Tral Wildlife Sanctuary:

(1) Deciduous Trees:

Various species of deciduous trees such as oak, maple, chestnut, and birch are fount. These trees shed their leaves during certain seasons.

(2) Coniferous Trees:

Pine, cedar, and fir trees are examples of coniferous trees that can provide year-round habitat and food sources for wildlife.

(3) Grasses and Shrubs:

Grasses, shrubs, and bushes are essential components of the ecosystem, providing cover and food for many species of animals.

(4) Mosses and Lichens:

These smaller plant forms contribute to the overall biodiversity and play a role in nutrient cycling.

Tral Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Tral Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

The Tral Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna. Here are some examples of the types of fauna that can be found in such a sanctuary:

Mammals:

• Hangul (Kashmir Stag)
• Leopard
• Himalayan Black Bear
• Himalayan Brown Bear
• Wild Boar
• Himalayan Musk Deer
• Red Fox
• Indian Muntjac (Barking Deer)
• Yellow-throated Marten

Birds:

• Himalayan Monal
• Koklass Pheasant
• Chukar Partridge
• Lammergeier
• Himalayan Griffon Vulture
• Snow Partridge
• Himalayan Snowcock
• Golden Eagle
• Black Bulbul
• Himalayan Woodpecker

Reptiles:

• Himalayan Pit Viper
• Kashmir Rat Snake
• Common Krait
• Indian Cobra
• Common Indian Monitor Lizard

Tral Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. Where is Tral Wildlife Sanctuary?

A. The Tral Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Pulwama district of the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.