Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary

Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

The Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Odisha, India. The sanctuary is famous for its diverse flora and fauna, serene landscapes, and cascading waterfalls. 


It offers a protected habitat for various wildlife species, including leopards, tigers, elephants, gaurs, and numerous bird species.


Visitors to the Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary can enjoy the natural beauty of the area, explore walking trails through dense forests, and have the opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. 


The sanctuary plays a crucial role in biodiversity conservation and is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.


Table of Contents

  • Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary Location
  • Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary History
  • Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary Area
  • Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
  • Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna
    • Mammals
    • Birds
    • Reptile
  • Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions


Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary Location

The Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Sambalpur district of Odisha, India. It is approximately 50 kilometers to the northeast of Sambalpur. It is situated in the Deccan Peninsula region of India.


Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary is Bhubaneswar Airport (Biju Patnaik International Airport), which is located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.


Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway stations to Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary are Sambalpur Railway Station and Rairakhol Railway Station. Sambalpur Railway Station is a major railway junction in the region and provides good connectivity by train.




Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary History

Here is a brief history of the Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary:


Establishment and Notification: Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary was officially notified on 7th January 1982. It was established as a protected area to conserve and protect the natural habitat and diverse wildlife found in the region.


Purpose: The sanctuary was created to provide a safe and secure environment for various wildlife species, including elephants, leopards, tigers, gaurs, deer species, and a variety of bird species. It aims to promote biodiversity conservation and ensure the preservation of endemic flora and fauna.




Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 116 square kilometers (45 square miles). This sanctuary is spread across a significant expanse and provides a protected habitat for various wildlife species and endemic flora within its boundaries.




Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

The Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse and rich flora. Here are some of the notable flora species found in the sanctuary:


  • Sal
  • Simul
  • Teak
  • Piasal
  • Asan
  • Bamboo
  • Amla
  • Bela
  • Dhaura
  • Jamun
  • Kadamba
  • Kanchan
  • Kangara
  • Karanja
  • Kasi
  • Kendu
  • Kurum,
  • Kusum
  • Mahul
  • Mango
  • Mundi
  • Phasi
  • Sidha




Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

The Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of wildlife species. Here are some of the notable fauna found in the sanctuary:


Mammals:

  • Tiger
  • Leopard
  • Elephant
  • Gaur
  • Sambar Deer
  • Spotted Deer
  • Barking Deer
  • Mouse Deer
  • Wild Dog (Dhole)


Birds:

  • Peafowl
  • Red Junglefowl


Reptiles:

  • Mugger
  • Monitor Lizard




Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. Where is Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary located?

A. The Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary is located approximately 50 kilometers to the northeast of Sambalpur in the state of Odisha, India. It is situated in the Deccan Peninsula region of India.



Q. What is the Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?

A. The Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for several reasons, including:


(i) Diverse Wildlife: The sanctuary is renowned for its diverse range of wildlife species, including leopards, tigers, elephants, gaurs, sambar deer, spotted deer, barking deer, wild dogs, and various bird species like peafowl and red junglefowl. It provides a safe and protected habitat for these animals.


(ii) Rich Flora: Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of flora, including dominant sal forests, bamboo, amla, bela, and many other plant species. This rich vegetation supports the sanctuary's wildlife and adds to its natural beauty.


(iii) Natural Beauty: The sanctuary is known for its serene landscape, panoramic greenery, and cascading waterfalls. Visitors can enjoy the picturesque scenery and the opportunity to explore meandering trails through dense forests.


(iv) Biodiversity Conservation: Like other wildlife sanctuaries, Khalasuni is dedicated to the conservation and protection of the natural habitat and biodiversity within its boundaries. It plays a crucial role in preserving endemic flora and fauna.

Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary

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