Siju Wildlife Sanctuary

Siju Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

Siju Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Meghalaya, India. It is the state's oldest and first wildlife sanctuary. The sanctuary is named after the village of "Siju," which is dominated by the 'Attong' subtribe of the Garo people.

The sanctuary consists of tropical moist evergreen forests, tropical semi-evergreen forests, and tropical moist deciduous forests. The best time to visit Siju Wildlife Sanctuary is from March to May.

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

Siju Wildlife Sanctuary Location

Siju Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the South Garo Hills district of Meghalaya, India. It is situated in the remote region of the Garo Hills in northeastern India. 

The sanctuary is in close proximity to the village of Siju and shares its borders with the Balpakram National Park on the eastern side. The Simsang River flows along its western edge, and it is connected to the Balpakram-Baghmara and Siju-Rewak elephant corridors in its southern periphery. 

The nearest town to Siju Wildlife Sanctuary is Baghmara, which is approximately 45 kilometers away. Guwahati, Assam, is the nearest major city and serves as a transportation hub for visitors traveling to the region.

Siju Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Siju Wildlife Sanctuary is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (also known as Guwahati Airport) in Guwahati, Assam. Guwahati Airport is the major airport in the region and is approximately 128 kilometers (about 80 miles) away from Siju Wildlife Sanctuary. Travelers can fly into Guwahati Airport and then proceed to Siju Wildlife Sanctuary by road.

Siju Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:

As for the nearest railway station, Guwahati Railway Station in Guwahati, Assam, is the most convenient option. It is located at a distance of about 128 kilometers (approximately 80 miles) from Siju Wildlife Sanctuary. From Guwahati Railway Station, you can arrange for further transportation to reach the sanctuary, either by road or other local means of transportation.

Siju Wildlife Sanctuary History

The history of Siju Wildlife Sanctuary can be traced back to its establishment and the events leading up to its designation as a protected area. Here is a brief history of the sanctuary:

Early Records: Prior to its formal establishment, the area that is now Siju Wildlife Sanctuary was designated as a Reserved Forest by the Lieutenant-Governor of East Bengal and Assam in 1906. This early recognition indicated the ecological significance of the region.

Constitution as a Wildlife Sanctuary: Siju Wildlife Sanctuary was officially constituted as a wildlife sanctuary in 1979. It was the first and oldest wildlife sanctuary in the state of Meghalaya. The sanctuary's establishment was a step toward the conservation and protection of its unique flora and fauna.

Geographical Significance: Siju Wildlife Sanctuary is strategically located in the remote Garo Hills region of Meghalaya. It shares its border on the eastern side with the Balpakram National Park and is blessed with the presence of the longest river in Meghalaya, the Simsang, on its western side.

Name Origin: The sanctuary derives its name from the village of "Siju," which is a growing village dominated by the 'Attong' subtribe of the Garo people. The location of the sanctuary in this village led to its name, "Siju Wildlife Sanctuary."

Siju Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The Siju Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 5.18 square kilometers (1,278 acres). Despite its relatively small size, this sanctuary is ecologically significant and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it an important conservation area in the region. 

The sanctuary's compact size is compensated by its rich biodiversity and unique natural features. Visitors interested in wildlife and birdwatching often find it to be a fascinating destination despite its limited area.

Siju Wildlife Sanctuary Hills

Siju Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Garo Hills region of Meghalaya, India. Specifically, it is situated in the South Garo Hills district. The Garo Hills are a hilly region in the northeastern part of India, known for their lush green landscapes, dense forests, and rich biodiversity. 

The Garo Hills are part of the larger Garo-Khasi range, which is one of the prominent hill ranges in Meghalaya and the northeastern part of India. The sanctuary's location within this hilly region contributes to its unique ecological characteristics and the diversity of flora and fauna found there.

Siju Wildlife Sanctuary River

Siju Wildlife Sanctuary is situated near the Simsang River, which is the longest river in the Indian state of Meghalaya. The Simsang River flows along the western edge of the sanctuary, and its presence adds to the natural beauty and ecological significance of the area.

Siju Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

Siju Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for its rich and diverse flora. Despite its relatively small size, the sanctuary is home to a wide range of plant species, including both endemic and rare flora. The flora within the sanctuary consists of various types of forests. 

Here are some of the notable flora species found in Siju Wildlife Sanctuary:

(1) Tropical Moist Evergreen Forest:

This type of forest is characterized by tall, dense trees that retain their leaves throughout the year. Some prominent tree species in this forest type include Shorea robusta (sal tree), Tectona grandis (teak), Terminalia myriocarpa, and Gmelina arborea.

(2) Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forest:

Semi-evergreen forests have a mix of deciduous and evergreen tree species. In Siju, you may find trees like Artocarpus chaplasha, Lagerstroemia parviflora, Maorus laevigata, Schima wallichii, and Toona ciliata.

(3) Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest:

These forests have a variety of deciduous trees that shed their leaves during the dry season. Some common species include Albizzia lebbeck and Dillenia pentagyna.

Siju Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Siju Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

Siju Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse and unique fauna. Despite its relatively small size, the sanctuary supports a wide range of wildlife species, including both mammals and birds. Here are some of the notable fauna species found in Siju Wildlife Sanctuary:

Mammals:

• Asian Elephant
• Barking Deer
• Sambar 
• Wild Boar
• Tiger
• Clouded Leopard
• Hoolock Gibbon
• Stump-tailed Macaque
• Slow Loris
• Rhesus Macaque

Birds:

• Spoonbill
• Grey Hornbill
• Siberian Ducks

Reptiles:

• Water Monitor
• Rock Python
• King Cobra
• Common Cobra
• Banded Krait
• Common Krait
• Vine Snake
• Green Pit Viper

Siju Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. In which state Siju Bird Sanctuary is located?

A. Siju Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Meghalaya, India. It is situated in the South Garo Hills district of Meghalaya, which is a northeastern state in India known for its lush green landscapes, rich biodiversity, and unique culture. Siju Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the notable protected areas in Meghalaya and is known for its diverse flora and fauna.

Q. What is the area of SIJU Bird Sanctuary?

A. The Siju Wildlife Sanctuary in Meghalaya, India, covers an area of approximately 5.18 square kilometers (1,278 acres). Despite its relatively small size, this sanctuary is ecologically significant and is home to a wide range of plant and animal species, making it an important conservation area in the region.

Q. What is SIJU Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?

A. Siju Wildlife Sanctuary in Meghalaya, India, is famous for several reasons:

(i) Rich Biodiversity: The sanctuary is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna, including a variety of plant species, mammals, and birds. It's known as a biodiversity hotspot in the region.

(ii) Bird Watching: Siju Wildlife Sanctuary is often referred to as the "Siju Bird Sanctuary" due to its rich avian diversity. Birdwatchers visit the sanctuary to observe various bird species, including the Grey Hornbill, spoonbills, Siberian ducks, and other migratory birds.

(iii) Wildlife Conservation: The sanctuary plays a crucial role in the conservation of wildlife in Meghalaya. It provides a protected habitat for various endangered and rare species, including Asian elephants, tigers, leopards, Hoolock gibbons, and more.

(iv) Scenic Beauty: The sanctuary is set in the picturesque Garo Hills region, offering visitors stunning natural landscapes, lush greenery, and the scenic presence of the Simsang River, which enhances its beauty.

(v) Cultural Significance: The sanctuary is named after the village of "Siju," which is inhabited by the 'Attong' subtribe of the Garo people. It holds cultural significance as well, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the local culture and traditions.