Sunday, September 17, 2023

Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary

Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the Indian state of Telangana. It is named after the Pranahita River, which flows through the sanctuary. This sanctuary is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including various species of wildlife and plants.


The sanctuary provides a habitat for these animals and is an important conservation area. It offers opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers to study and observe the rich biodiversity of the region.


Table of Contents

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


Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary Location

Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Mancherial district (formerly part of Adilabad district) of Telangana, India. It is situated on the bank of the Pranahita River.


The sanctuary is situated in the scenic Deccan plateau landscape and is surrounded by teak woods.


Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary is the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, Telangana. This airport is located approximately 270 kilometers (about 167 miles) away from the sanctuary. From the airport, you can reach the sanctuary by road, and it may take several hours to travel there depending on the mode of transportation chosen.


Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary is the Mancherial Railway Station. Mancherial is the closest town to the sanctuary and serves as a transportation hub for visitors traveling to the sanctuary. The sanctuary is about 35 kilometers away from Mancherial, and you can arrange local transportation from the railway station to reach the sanctuary.




Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary History

Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary has a history that dates back to its establishment. Here's a brief history of the sanctuary:


Establishment: Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary was officially established on March 13, 1980, with the aim of conserving the region's biodiversity and providing a protected habitat for various wildlife species.


Biodiversity Conservation: The sanctuary was established to protect and conserve the rich biodiversity of the region, which includes various species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and plants. It is known for its blackbuck population, among other wildlife species.


Tourism: Over the years, Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary has become a destination for nature enthusiasts and tourists interested in observing wildlife and experiencing the natural beauty of the region. The sanctuary's diverse ecosystems and ancient rock formations along the Pranahita River make it an attractive place for visitors.




Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 136.02 square kilometers (52.49 square miles). This sanctuary area provides a protected habitat for a variety of wildlife species and contains diverse ecosystems, including southern tropical dry deciduous forests, dry scrub jungle, grasslands, and hilly terrain. 


The sanctuary's relatively large size allows for the conservation and preservation of this unique ecosystem and the species.




Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary River

The Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary is named after the Pranahita River, which flows through the sanctuary. The Pranahita River is a significant tributary of the Godavari River, one of the major rivers in India.


The presence of the Pranahita River within the sanctuary is a vital feature as it provides water to the forest and contributes to the region's ecological diversity. The river's flow through the sanctuary adds to the natural beauty of the area and offers a water source for the wildlife that inhabits the region.


The Pranahita River, along with its tributaries, plays a crucial role in the hydrology and ecosystem of the region and supports a variety of aquatic life as well. It's an important part of the sanctuary's ecosystem and a key factor in the conservation of the area's biodiversity.




Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses a range of flora typical of its habitat, which is primarily southern tropical dry deciduous forests, dry scrub jungle, grasslands, and hilly terrain. Here are some of the notable flora species that can be found in the sanctuary:


Bryonopsis laciniosa: Also known as Shivlingi, it's a climbing plant that is often used in traditional medicine.


Adina cordifolia: Commonly referred to as Indian Walnut, this tree is known for its timber and medicinal properties.


Triumfetta acutangula: A plant with various medicinal uses, including in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.


Mitragyna parviflora: Known as Kadambam or Karuka, this tree is valued for its timber and has cultural significance in some regions.


Tamarindus indica: The tamarind tree is well-known for its sour fruit, which is used in cooking and various culinary applications.




Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse fauna, with a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, and other wildlife species. Here are some of the notable fauna species that can be found in the sanctuary:


Mammals:

  • Blackbuck
  • Leopard
  • Wild Dog (Dhole)
  • Jackal
  • Wolf
  • Chinkara
  • Four-horned Antelope


Birds:

  • Pied Cuckoo
  • Yellow Wagtail
  • Wood Sandpiper
  • Crested Lark
  • Yellow-fronted Woodpecker


Reptiles:

  • Marsh Crocodile
  • Monitor Lizard
  • Star Tortoise
  • Termite Hill Gecko
  • Saw-scaled Viper




Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. In which district is the Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary located?

A. Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Mancherial district of the Indian state of Telangana. It was previously part of the Adilabad district before the formation of the Mancherial district.

Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary

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