14 Nov 2024        10:53:27 am

Environmental Ecology

Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary

Tags : Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary

Topic: Protected Areas

Why in the news?

• Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh will be ready to receive cheetahs in nearly four months. The sanctuary, spread over 368 sq km and situated on the northern boundary of Mandsaur and Neemuch districts, will be the second home for cheetahs in India after Kuno National Park.

Source: Deccan Chronicle

About Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary:

• It is situated in northwestern Madhya Pradesh, with one of its boundaries running along the border of Rajasthan.
• It lies in the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion.
• The sanctuary was notified in 1974 and is spread over an area of 368 sq.km.
• The Chambal River flows through the sanctuary, dividing it into two parts.
• It is characterized by its diverse topography, which includes hills, plateaus, and the catchment area of the Gandhi Sagar Dam on the Chambal River.
• It is also a designated Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA).
• Its vegetation comprises northern tropical dry deciduous forest, Northern tropical dry mixed deciduous forest and Dry deciduous scrub.
• Flora: 
  • The principal tree species found here are Khair, Salai, Kardhai, Dhawda, Tendu and Palash.
• Fauna:
  • Herbivores like Chinkara, Nilgai, and Spotted Deer, and carnivores like the Indian Leopard, Striped Hyena, and Jackal are found in good numbers in the region.
  • It also has a good population of crocodiles, fish, otters, and turtles. 
• The sanctuary has many places of historical, archeological, and religious importance, such as Chaurasigarh, Chaturbhuja Nath temple, Bhadkaji rock paintings, Narsinghjhar Hinglajgarh fort, Tarakeshwar temple, etc.

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