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Type: National Parks/WS

  • Similipal Tiger Reserve

    Why in the News?

    The Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha has witnessed a significant reduction in poaching incidents following the installation of TrailGuard AI, an AI-powered early alert system that detects intruders in the forest.

    About Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR)

    • Located in Mayurbhanj District, Northern Odisha, characterized by hilly and undulating terrain with open grasslands and dense forests.
    • Twin peaks: Khairiburu and Meghashini, reaching 1,515 meters above sea level.
    • Inhabited by tribal communities such as Kolha, Santhala, Bhumija, Gondas, Khadia, Mankadia, and Sahara.
    • Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1956 and brought under Project Tiger in 1973.
    • Recognized as part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2009.
    • Flora:
      • 1,078 species of plants, including 94 species of orchids.
      • Sal (Shorea robusta) is the dominant tree species.
    • Fauna:
      • Rich in wildlife, including Leopards, Elephants, Gaurs, Langurs, Barking Deer, Sloth Bears, Sambar, Pythons, Pangolins, and Flying Squirrels.
      • Diverse birdlife, including migratory species like Bar-Headed Geese and Brahmini Ducks.
      • Home to freshwater snails (Radix genus) in its water bodies.

    Melanistic Tigers of Similipal:

    • Similipal is the only place in the world where pseudo-melanistic tigers are found in the wild.
    • 27 of Odisha’s 30 tigers (AOTE-2023-24) live in Similipal, including 13 pseudo-melanistic tigers.
    • The unique black-striped pattern in these tigers is due to a mutation in the Taqpep gene.

     

    PYQ:

    [2011] Two important rivers – one with its source in Jharkhand (and known by a different name in Odisha), and another, with its source in Odisha – merge at a place only a short distance from the coast of Bay of Bengal before flowing into the sea. This is an important site of wildlife and biodiversity and a protected area.

    Which one of the following could be this?

    (a) Bhitarkanika

    (b) Chandipur-on-sea

    (c) Gopalpur-on-sea

    (d) Simlipal

     

  • Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

    Why in the News?

    The Karnataka government’s move to build a tribal village in Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary’s buffer zone has sparked debates on environmental conservation, tribal rights, and human-wildlife conflict.

    Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

    About Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary:

    • The Brahmagiri WLS is located in Kodagu District, Karnataka, within the Western Ghats.
    • It serves as a crucial ecological corridor, facilitating wildlife movement between Nagarhole National Park and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
    • Geographical Location and Features
      • It is situated approximately 250 km from Bengaluru and derives its name from the Brahmagiri Peak, the highest point in the region.
      • The sanctuary was declared a protected area on June 5, 1974, to conserve its unique flora and fauna.
      • The terrain consists of evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, grasslands, and shola forests, which provide a habitat for various species.
    • Flora:
      • Bamboo species are widely spread across the region, providing food for herbivores like elephants and deer.
      • The diverse vegetation supports a wide range of faunal species by offering food, shelter, and nesting sites.
    • Fauna:
      • Carnivores: Tigers, jungle cats, leopard cats, wild dogs, and sloth bears.
      • Herbivores: Indian elephants, gaurs, sambars, spotted deer, barking deer, mouse deer, and wild pigs.
      • Primates: Lion-tailed macaques, Nilgiri langurs, slender loris, bonnet macaques, and common langurs.
      • Small Mammals & Rodents: Malabar giant squirrels, giant flying squirrels, Nilgiri martens, common otters, brown mongooses, civets, porcupines, and pangolins.
      • Reptiles: King cobras, Indian cobras, pythons, Malabar pit vipers.
      • Birds: Emerald doves, square-tailed bulbuls, and Malabar trogons.

    PYQ:

    [2020] Which one of the following protected areas is well-known for the conservation of a sub-species of the Indian swamp deer (Barasingha) that thrives well on hard ground and is exclusively graminivorous?

    (a) Kanha National Park

    (b) Manas National Park

    (c) Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

    (d) Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary

     

  • Centre clears exploratory drilling in Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary

    Why in the News?

    Exploratory drilling for oil and gas has been approved within the eco-sensitive zone surrounding the Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary.

    About the Hollongapar Gibbon WLS

    • Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary was initially established as Hollongapar Reserve Forest in 1997 and renamed in 2004.
    • It is the only habitat for hollock gibbons in India.
    • Located in Assam, with the Bhogdoi River along its northern boundary.
    • Biome classified as plains alluvial semi-evergreen forests with patches of wet evergreen forests.
    • Flora:
      • Upper canopy: Dominated by Hollong trees (Dipterocarpus macrocarpus), Sam, Amari, Sopas, Bhelu, Udal, and Hingori.
      • Middle canopy: Features Nahar trees.
      • Lower canopy: Composed of evergreen shrubs and herbs.
    • Fauna:
      • Primates: Includes Hoolock Gibbons, Bengal Slow Loris (only nocturnal primate in Northeast India), stump-tailed macaques, northern pig-tailed macaques, eastern Assamese macaques, rhesus macaques, and capped langurs.
      • Other mammals: Indian elephants, tigers, leopards, jungle cats, wild boars, civets, squirrels, and more.

    About the Hoolock Gibbons:

    • Gibbons are the smallest and fastest apes, and they inhabit tropical and subtropical forests across Southeast Asia.
    • It is the only ape specie found in India.
    • They possess high intelligence, exhibit distinct personalities, and have strong familial bonds, reflecting characteristics similar to other ape species.
    • The current population of hoolock gibbons is estimated at around 12,000, found primarily in Northeast India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and southern China.
    • Two distinct species, the eastern hoolock gibbon (Hoolock leuconedys) and the western hoolock gibbon (Hoolock hoolock), were previously reported in India.
    • Conservation Status
      • IUCN Red List: the western hoolock gibbon is classified as Endangered, and the eastern hoolock gibbon is classified as Vulnerable.
      • Both gibbon species in India are placed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

     

    PYQ:

    [2010] Consider the following pairs:

    Protected Area:: Well-known for

    1. Bhitarkanika, Orissa :: Salt Water Crocodile

    2. Desert National Park, Rajasthan :: Great Indian Bustard

    3. Eravikulam, Kerala :: Hoolock Gibbon

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 1 and 2 only

    (c) 2 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Inland Mangrove of Guneri

    Why in the News?

    The Gujarat government has declared the Guneri Inland Mangrove in Kutch as the state’s first Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) under The Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

    Inland Mangrove of Guneri

    Quick Facts about Mangroves in India:

    • “Red List of Mangrove Ecosystems” report released on May 22 (International Day for Biodiversity), 2024.
    • India holds 3% of South Asia’s total mangrove cover.
    • Mangrove cover increased by 54 sq km (1.10%), reaching 4,975 sq km (0.15% of India’s total area).
    • West Bengal leads (42.45%), followed by Gujarat (23.66%) and Andaman & Nicobar Islands (12.39%).
    • South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, alone contributes 41.85% of India’s mangrove cover, including Sundarbans National Park.
    • Gujarat recorded the highest increase, adding 37 sq km of mangrove cover.

    About Guneri Inland Mangroves:

    • Guneri Inland Mangroves (32.78 hectares) are a rare and unique mangrove ecosystem located in Kutch district, Gujarat.
    • It is India’s last remaining inland mangrove site and one of only eight such sites globally.
    • Unlike coastal mangroves, which thrive in tidal zones, Guneri mangroves exist inland without direct seawater contact.
    • These mangroves have historical and ecological significance, possibly originating after the Miocene marine transgression or forming along the banks of the ancient Saraswati River in the Great Rann of Kutch.

    Geographical Features:

    • It is located about 45 km from the Arabian Sea and 4 km from Kori Creek.
    • Terrain:
      • Flat land, unlike coastal mangroves that grow in muddy, tidal zones.
      • Devoid of sludge, making it resemble a forest rather than a typical mangrove swamp.
    • Water Source:
      • Thrives on limestone deposits, which help retain groundwater to sustain the mangroves.
      • No direct tidal water influx, relying entirely on underground water connectivity.
    • Biodiversity:
      • Home to 20 migratory bird species and 25 resident migratory avifaunal species.
      • Functions as a vital habitat for local and seasonal wildlife.

    PYQ:

    [2015] Which one of the following regions of India has a combination of mangrove forest, evergreen forest and deciduous forest?

    (a) North Coastal Andhra Pradesh

    (b) South-West Bengal

    (c) Southern Saurashtra

    (d) Andaman and Nicobar Islands

  • Four new sites to get Ramsar Tag

    Why in the News?

    Ahead of World Wetlands Day (February 2nd), the Environment Ministry announced the inclusion of four new Ramsar sites, bringing India’s total to 89.

    The newly designated sites are Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary and Therthangal Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, Khecheopalri Wetland in Sikkim, and Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary in Jharkhand.  With this, Tamil Nadu now has 20 Ramsar sites, the highest in the country, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 10 sites.

    About the Newly Added Ramsar Sites: 

    Description
    Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
    • Location: Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu.
    • Originally an irrigation tank, now a designated bird sanctuary.
    • Recharged by northeast monsoon (Oct-Jan).
    • Supports 42+ bird species, including Spot-billed Pelican, Grey Heron, Little Cormorant, and Black Kite.
    Therthangal Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
    • Location: Theerthangal Village, Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu.
    • A freshwater ecosystem and an important breeding ground for waterbirds.
    • Recorded 96 bird species across 18 orders and 44 families.
    • Notable species include Oriental Darter, Black-headed Ibis, Asian Woolly-necked Stork, and Spot-billed Pelican.
    Khecheopalri Wetland, Sikkim
    • Location: West Sikkim, near Khecheopalri Village.
    • A sacred lake revered by Buddhists and Hindus.
    • Part of a temperate Himalayan peatland ecosystem, surrounded by broad-leaved mixed temperate forests.
    • Flora: Rich in macrophytes, phytoplankton, and zooplankton.
    • Fauna: Supports fish species like Cyprinus carpio, Danio aequipinnatus, and various migratory birds (Common Merganser, Tufted Duck).
    Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary, Jharkhand
    • Location: Sahebganj District, Jharkhand.
    • Comprises two interconnected lakes: Pataura (155 ha) and Berhale (410 ha).
    • Connected to the Ganga River via the Udhuwa Nala (25 km stretch).
    • Pataura Lake depth: ~2 meters; Berhale Lake depth: ~70 cm, covered with aquatic vegetation.
    • Flora: Home to 42 algae species and 36 aquatic macrophytes.
    • Fauna: Habitat for 83 bird species, including the Near Threatened Black-necked Stork and 22 commercially valuable fish species.

     

    PYQ:

    [2019] Consider the following statements:

    1. Under Ramsar Convention, it is mandatory on the part of the Government of India to protect and conserve all the wetlands in the territory of India.
    2. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 were framed by the Government of India based on the recommendations of Ramsar Convention.
    3. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 also encompass the drainage area or catchment regions of the wetlands as determined by the authority.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 1, 3 and 3

  • Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary

    Why in the News?

    The Forest Department of Rajasthan has initiated efforts to revise the boundaries of the Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary to address existing legal and administrative complications.

    Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary

    About the Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary

    • It was established in 1980, Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
    • It is named after the nearby Nahargarh Fort, which overlooks the sanctuary.
    • It is a significant part of the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve corridor, providing a habitat for wildlife movement.
    • Geographical Features:
      • It is situated in the Aravalli hills, close to Jaipur city, offering a natural escape amidst urban surroundings.
      • Its area spans approximately 50 square kilometres, featuring rugged terrain with hills, valleys, and plateaus.
      • It has seasonal streams and waterholes that serve as vital water sources for wildlife.
    • Flora and Fauna:
      • Flora: Comprises dry deciduous and thorny scrub forests, typical of the Aravalli range; Key tree species include Dhok, Babool, Khejri, and Ber; Grassy patches and scattered shrubs provide a diverse ecosystem for herbivores.
      • Fauna: Fauna: Includes leopards, hyenas, wild boars, jackals, sambars, chitals, peacocks, partridges, migratory birds, monitor lizards, snakes, turtles, and various pollinators.

    PYQ:

    [2012] In which one among the following categories of protected areas in India are local people not allowed to collect and use the biomass?

    (a) Biosphere Reserves

    (b) National Parks

    (c) Wetlands declared under Ramsar Convention

    (d) Wildlife Sanctuaries

  • In news: Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary

    Why in the News?

    The Kalaburagi Forest Division is working to relocate a hamlet within the Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary on the Karnataka-Telangana border to a safer area.

    About the Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary

    Details
    • Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 2011, covering 134.88 sq. km.
    • Recognized as the first dryland Wildlife Sanctuary in South India.
    • Located in the Kalaburagi District, renowned for its floristic diversity.
    • Contributes to the conservation of dryland ecosystems.
    Geographical Location
    • Situated in the Hyderabad Karnataka region.
    • Features the Chandrampalli Dam and four smaller dams within the sanctuary.
    Flora and Fauna
    • Flora: Rich in medicinal plants and tree species like Red Sanders, Sandalwood, Acacia, and Teak.
    • Fauna:
      • Mammals: Blackbuck, Common Fox, Four-horned Antelope, Indian Wolf, Hyena, and Fruit Bat.
      • Birds: Over 35 species, including Black Drongo, Black-winged Kite, Blossom-headed Parakeet, Blue Pigeon, Black-headed Oriole, and Grey Partridge.
    Climatic/Geographical Features
    • Comprises dry deciduous and moist deciduous forests.
    • Fringes are planted with Acacia and Teak.
    • Supports a dryland ecosystem with water bodies like the Chandrampalli Dam.
    • Features a mix of arid and semi-moist climatic conditions.

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] In which one of the following States is Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary located?

    (a) Arunachal Pradesh

    (b) Manipur

    (c) Meghalaya

    (d) Nagaland

  • Survey adds 24 new species to Munnar’s faunal stock

    Survey adds 24 new species to Munnar’s faunal stock

    Why in the News?

    A recent faunal survey conducted in the Munnar Wildlife Division has documented 24 new species of birds, butterflies, and odonates, enriching its biodiversity checklist.

    Which are the surveyed sites?

    All the surveyed national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are located in Kerala, India, specifically in the Idukki district:

    • Mathikettan Shola National Park (MSNP): It is a biodiversity hotspot and part of the Western Ghats.
    • Pambadum Shola National Park (PSNP): It is Kerala’s smallest national park and home to unique flora and fauna.
    • Anamudi Shola National Park (ANP): Named after Anamudi, the highest peak in South India.
    • Kurinjimala Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS): Located in Idukki, it protects the habitat of the Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), a flower that blooms once every 12 years.
    • Eravikulam National Park (ENP): Famous for the Nilgiri Tahr.
    • Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (CWLS): Situated in the rain-shadow region of the Western Ghats, near the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border in Idukki.

    Key Highlights of the Survey

    • New Species Added: 24 new species, including birds (11), butterflies (8), and odonates (5).
    • Total Documentation:
      • Birds: 217 species recorded; checklist updated to 258.
      • Butterflies: 166 species recorded; checklist updated to 246.
      • Odonates: 5 new records, checklist updated to 58 species.
    • Notable Wildlife Observed: Mammals like Nilgiri Tahr, tigers, leopards, and elephants; 12 species of reptiles and amphibians.

    About the Added Species

    • Birds:
      • New Additions: Brown Hawk Owl, Barred Buttonquail, Spotted Owlet, Mottled Wood Owl, Baya Weaver, Red Munia, Richard’s Pipit, Jerdon’s Bushlark, Golden-Headed Cisticola, Large Grey Babbler, Chestnut-Bellied Nuthatch.
      • Highlights: Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Steppe Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Indian Grey Hornbill, and Blue-eared Kingfisher.
    • Butterflies:
      • Endemic Species: Red-disc Bushbrown, Palni Fritillary, Nilgiri Tiger, Nilgiri Four-ring.
      • Unique Sightings: Grass Jewel (smallest butterfly in Kerala), Southern Birdwing (largest butterfly in India).
    • Odonates (flying insects):
      • New Records: Cratilla lineata calverti, Macrodiplax cora, Palpopleura sexmaculata, Tholymis tillarga, Lestes elatus.

    PYQ:

    [2020] With reference to India’s biodiversity Ceylon frogmouth, Coppersmith barbet, Gray-chinned minivet and White-throated redstart are:

    (a) Birds

    (b) Primates

    (c) Reptiles

    (d) Amphibans

  • In news: Similipal Tiger Reserve

    Why in the News?

    Tigress Zeenat, originally from Maharashtra’s Tadoba, was relocated to Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve after straying through Jharkhand into West Bengal, complicating tracking efforts.

    In news: Similipal Tiger Reserve

    About Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR)

    Details
    Geographical Features
    • Situated in the Mayurbhanj District, Northern Odisha, surrounded by high plateaus and hills.
    • Twin peaks Khairiburu and Meghashini, rising to 1515 meters above mean sea level.
    • Undulating and hilly terrain, interspersed with open grasslands and wooded areas.
    • Inhabited by tribes like Kolha, Santhala, Bhumija, Gondas, Khadia, Mankadia, and Sahara.
    • Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1956; brought under Project Tiger in 1973.
    • Included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2009.
    Flora and Fauna
    • Flora: Home to 1078 species of plants, including 94 species of orchids, with Sal as the dominant tree species.
    • Fauna: Rich wildlife, including Leopards, Gaurs, Elephants, Langurs, Barking Deer, Spotted Deer, Sloth Bears, Mongoose, Flying Squirrels, Porcupines, Pythons, Sambar, Pangolins, and more.
    • It is critical habitat for birds, including migratory species like Bar-Headed Geese and Brahmini Ducks, and home to freshwater snails (Radix genus) in its water bodies.
    • Melanistic Tigers:
      • Similipal hosts 27 of Odisha’s 30 tigers (AOTE-2023-24), including 13 pseudo-melanistic tigers with unique black-striped patterns due to a mutation in the Taqpep gene.
      • It is the only wild habitat in the world with pseudo-melanistic tigers.

     

    PYQ:

    [2011] Two important rivers – one with its source in Jharkhand (and known by a different name in Odisha), and another, with its source in Odisha – merge at a place only a short distance from the coast of Bay of Bengal before flowing into the sea. This is an important site of wildlife and biodiversity and a protected area.

    Which one of the following could be this?

    (a) Bhitarkanika

    (b) Chandipur-on-sea

    (c) Gopalpur-on-sea

    (d) Simlipal

  • In news: Pangong Lake

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Army has installed a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the bank of Pangong lake at an altitude of 14,300 feet, a region that is close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in the eastern Ladakh sector.

    About Pangong Lake (Pangong Tso)

    • Its name is derived from the Tibetan term “Pangong Tso,” meaning “high grassland lake.” It is an endorheic (landlocked) lake with no outflow.
    • Location & Size:
      • Spans 134 km, divided between India (1/3) and the Tibetan Autonomous Region (2/3).
      • Situated at an altitude of 4,350 meters, covers 604 sq. km, and is 5 km wide at its broadest point.
    • Water & Climate:
      • Brackish water that completely freezes in winter.
      • The lake’s color shifts with sunlight and weather, displaying shades of blue, green, and red.
    • Wildlife: Acts as a breeding ground for Bar-Headed Geese, Brahmini Ducks, and Radix freshwater snails.
    • Strategic Importance: Located in the Chushul approach, a key route for potential Chinese offensives, and was a major site of conflict during the 1962 war.

    Political Features:In news: Pangong Lake

    • Border & Control: Lies on the Ladakh-China border, with the Line of Actual Control (LAC) passing through it.
    • Contested Terrain: The northern bank is a hotspot due to differing boundary perceptions; China has built roads highlighting the lake’s strategic value.
    • 1999 Incident: During Operation Vijay, China constructed a 5-km road inside Indian territory.
    • 2020 Standoff:
      • Began on May 5, 2020, following a clash in the Pangong Lake area.
      • Disengagement on the north and south banks concluded in 2021.
      • On October 21, 2024, India and China resolved the final friction points (Demchok, Depsang), ending a four-and-half-year border standoff.

    PYQ:

    [2020] Siachen Glacier is situated to the

    (a) East of Aksai Chin

    (b) East of Leh

    (c) North of Gilgit

    (d) North of Nubra Valley