Thursday, October 5, 2023

Tokalo Wildlife Sanctuary

Tokalo Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

Tokalo Wildlife Sanctuary in the state of Mizoram, India. It is home to the largest lake in Mizoram, known as Palak Lake.


The sanctuary encompasses various habitats, including tropical evergreen forests, tropical semi-evergreen forests, and scrub jungle. The sanctuary is situated in the North-east biogeographic zone.


The best time to visit the sanctuary is from October to April.


Table of Contents

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


Tokalo Wildlife Sanctuary Location

The Tokalo Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Siaha district of Mizoram, India. Mizoram is situated in the northeastern region of the Indian subcontinent, and the sanctuary is within this state. 


It's known for its rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes, including the Palak Lake, which is the largest lake in Mizoram and is found within the Tokalo Wildlife Sanctuary. 


Tokalo Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to the Tokalo Wildlife Sanctuary is the Lengpui Airport (also known as Aizawl Airport). Lengpui Airport is located in Aizawl, the capital city of Mizoram. It serves as the primary gateway to the state and is the closest airport for travelers visiting the sanctuary. From Lengpui Airport, you can make arrangements for transportation to reach the sanctuary.


Tokalo Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:

Regarding the nearest railway station, the closest major railway station to the Tokalo Wildlife Sanctuary is in Silchar, which is located in the neighboring state of Assam. Silchar Railway Station is a significant railway hub in the region and is often used by travelers heading to various destinations in Mizoram, including the sanctuary. Once you reach Silchar Railway Station, you can continue your journey to the sanctuary by road.




Tokalo Wildlife Sanctuary History

The Tokalo Wildlife Sanctuary was established to protect and conserve the rich biodiversity and natural beauty of the region. Here is a brief overview of the history and establishment of the Tokalo Wildlife Sanctuary:


Establishment: The Tokalo Wildlife Sanctuary was officially notified as a protected area in the year 2007. This means that it gained legal recognition and protection status as a wildlife sanctuary in that year.




Tokalo Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The Tokalo Wildlife Sanctuary covers an approximate area of 250 square kilometers (about 96.5 square miles). This protected area encompasses a variety of habitats, including tropical evergreen forests, tropical semi-evergreen forests, and scrub jungle, making it an important sanctuary for preserving biodiversity in the region. 




Tokalo Wildlife Sanctuary Lake

The Tokalo Wildlife Sanctuary is known for housing the largest lake in Mizoram, which is called Palak Lake. Palak Lake is a significant natural feature within the sanctuary and adds to its ecological importance and scenic beauty. The lake is surrounded by dense forests and lush greenery, creating a picturesque and serene environment.


Visitors to the Tokalo Wildlife Sanctuary often come to Palak Lake to enjoy its natural beauty, birdwatching, and to experience the tranquility of the area. The mists that often hang over the lake in the morning are said to give the place a magical and fairy tale-like atmosphere.




Tokalo Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

The Tokalo Wildlife Sanctuary features a rich and diverse flora due to its various habitat types, which include tropical evergreen forests, tropical semi-evergreen forests, and scrub jungle. Here are some of the notable plant species that can be found in the sanctuary:


Ficus semicordata: This is a species of fig tree commonly found in tropical regions. It is known for its large, glossy leaves and is a valuable resource for wildlife as it provides fruit for various animals.


Actephila excelsa: This is a tree species found in tropical forests. It is a part of the Phyllanthaceae family and contributes to the sanctuary's overall vegetation.


Strobilanthes capitata: Strobilanthes species are often known as "neelakurinji" and are famous for their mass flowering events that occur at intervals of several years. They add to the sanctuary's biodiversity.


Aeschynanthus parasiticus: This is a species of epiphytic plant, meaning it grows on other plants for support. It typically produces bright red tubular flowers.


Torenia vegans: Torenia is a genus of flowering plants, and Torenia vagans is one of its species. It produces attractive, trumpet-shaped flowers.


Hoya lobii: This is a species of Hoya, also known as a wax plant. It's often cultivated for its unique waxy flowers.


Hedyotis scandens: This is a climbing or trailing plant found in tropical regions. It's a part of the coffee family (Rubiaceae).


Mussaenda roxburghii: Mussaenda species are known for their colorful bracts that surround their small, inconspicuous flowers.


Melastoma malabathricum: This is a shrub that produces attractive pink to purple flowers and is often found in tropical and subtropical regions.


Mikania micrantha: This plant is also known as the "mile-a-minute weed" and is considered invasive in some regions. It has small white flowers and rapidly spreads.


Begonia roxburghii: Begonias are a diverse group of plants, and this species is likely one of the many begonia species found in the sanctuary.




Tokalo Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Tokalo Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

The Tokalo Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse array of wildlife species due to its varied habitats, including tropical evergreen forests, tropical semi-evergreen forests, and scrub jungle. Here are some of the notable fauna found in the sanctuary:


Mammals:

  • Leopard
  • Clouded Leopard
  • Golden Cat
  • Jungle Cat
  • Leopard Cat
  • Himalayan Black Bear
  • Malayan Sun Bear
  • Wild Dog
  • Ferret Badger
  • Binturong
  • Yellow-throated Marten
  • Hog Badger
  • Sambar
  • Gaur
  • Barking Deer
  • Wild Boar
  • Serow
  • Hoolock Gibbon
  • Stump-tailed Macaque
  • Assamese Macaque
  • Slow Loris


Birds:

  • Great Indian Hornbill
  • Wreathed Hornbill
  • Imperial Pheasant
  • Kaleeej Pheasant
  • Red Junglefowl
  • Greater Coucal
  • Jungle Myna
  • Crested Serpent Eagle


Reptiles:

  • Snakes
  • Lizards
  • Tortoise




Tokalo Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. The Tokalo Wildlife Sanctuary is located at?

A. The Tokalo Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Mizoram, which is in the northeastern part of India. 

Tokalo Wildlife Sanctuary

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