Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary

Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the state of Chhattisgarh, India. It is one of the significant wildlife sanctuaries in the region, known for its diverse flora and fauna. The sanctuary is named after the Udanti River, which flows through the area. The river serves as a vital water source for the wildlife within the sanctuary.

The sanctuary is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including several species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. The Sanctuary is principally created to protect the wild water buffaloes. Some of the other notable wildlife species found here are tigers, leopards, sloth bears, wild boars, chital (spotted deer), sambar deer, langurs, and various types of birds.

Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary comprises mainly dry deciduous forests, which are typical of the central Indian region. These forests are characterized by trees like sal, teak, bamboo, and other mixed vegetation.

The sanctuary is also relatively close to other prominent protected areas, such as Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary and Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary, making it an essential part of the wildlife conservation landscape in the state.

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

Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary Location

Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the  south-eastern portion of Gariaband Tehsil of Raipur District of Chattisgarh, India. It lies in the central part of the country and is approximately 150 kilometers away from the state capital, Raipur.

Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

Swami Vivekananda Airport (Raipur Airport) in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, is the closest airport to Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary. It is approximately 150 kilometers away from the sanctuary. From Raipur Airport, visitors can take road transport, such as taxis or buses, to reach Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary.

Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:

Raipur Junction Railway Station is the nearest major railway station to Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary. It is situated in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, at a distance of about 150 kilometers from the sanctuary. Once you arrive at Raipur Junction, you can hire a taxi or use other means of road transport to travel to Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary.

Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary History

Establishment: Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary was established in the year 1983 under the provisions of the Wild Life Protection Act of 1972. This legislation aims to protect and conserve wildlife and their habitats in India.

Protection of Wild Buffaloes: One of the primary objectives behind the creation of Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary was to protect and preserve the population of wild buffaloes in the region. These magnificent animals are considered an important species for conservation due to their ecological significance and endangered status.

Tiger Reserve Status: In 2008-09, the Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary, along with the Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary, was granted the prestigious status of a tiger reserve, officially becoming the Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve. 

Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The total area of Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary is approximately 247 square kilometers (about 95 square miles). 

Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary River

The Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary is named after the Udanti River, which flows through the sanctuary. The Udanti River is a significant water body in the region and plays a crucial role in supporting the wildlife and vegetation within the sanctuary.

Rivers like Udanti are essential for the survival of various animal species, providing them with a water source throughout the year. The presence of the river also contributes to the diverse ecosystem of the sanctuary, as it supports a variety of plant and animal life.

Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

The sanctuary's vegetation falls primarily under two forest types:

(1) Tropical Dry Peninsular Sal Forests:

These forests are characterized by the dominance of sal trees (Shorea robusta), a valuable timber species, and are typical of the peninsular region of India.

(2) Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Mixed Forests:

These forests are a mix of various deciduous tree species and are common in the southern part of the country.

The major flora found in Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary includes:

• Teak (Tectona grandis)
• Sal (Shorea robusta)
• Salai (Boswellia serrata)
• Bamboo (Bambusa spp.)
• Mahua (Madhuca longifolia)
• Semal (Bombax ceiba)
• Amla (Phyllanthus emblica)
• Tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon)
• Harra (Terminalia chebula)
• Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana)

Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna, including several species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and other wildlife. The sanctuary's rich biodiversity makes it an important conservation area. Here are some of the notable fauna found in Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary:

Mammals:

• Wild Buffalo
• Panther
• Tiger
• Jungle Cat
• Barking Deer
• Sloth Bear
• Wild Dog
• Porcupine
• Monkey
• Jackal
• Indian Bison
• Striped Hyena

Birds:

• Parakeets
• Bulbuls
• Peafowl
• Drongos
• Pintails
• Rollers
• Herons
• Green Pigeons
• Storks
• Darters
• Woodpeckers
• Jungle Fowls
• Quails
• Gray Partridges

Reptiles:

• Indian Rock Python
• Common Indian Monito
• Common Indian Krait

Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. In which state the Udanti Sanctuary is situated?

A. Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the  south-eastern portion of Gariaband Tehsil of Raipur District of Chattisgarh, India.