Description

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Context

In a recent instance of man-animal conflict four people were injured in a bear attack in the Kawardha range of the Bhoramdev Wildlife Sanctuary.

Geography

Feature	Details
State	Chhattisgarh
District	Kawardha (Kabirdham)
Geographical Zone	Lies in the Maikal range of the Satpura hills
Area Covered	Approx. 352 sq. km
Altitude	Undulating terrain with dense forests and streams
Nearby Landmark	Named after the Bhoramdeo Temple, over 1000 years old, dedicated to Lord Shiva

Cultural & Historical Significance

Bhoramdeo Temple:

Known as the Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh for its erotic temple sculptures.

Over 1,000 years old built during the Nagas dynasties.

Reflects the cultural confluence of tribal and classical Indian architecture.

Ecology and Biodiversity

Vegetation:

Forest Type	Details
Tropical Moist Deciduous	Saaj, Sal trees
Dry Deciduous Forests	Tendu, Mahua, Bamboo, Nilgiri

Key Fauna:

Species Category	Examples
Big Mammals	Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Indian Gaur (Bison)
Ungulates	Chital (Spotted Deer), Sambar, Nilgai, Wild Boar
Birds	Peafowl, Jungle Fowl, Hornbills, Owls, Raptors
Reptiles	Python, Monitor Lizard, various snakes

Rivers and Hydrology

River	Detail
Fen River	Originates in the sanctuary
Sankari River	Another important river originating here

Ecological Connectivity

Part of Kanha–Achanakmar Wildlife Corridor:

Connects Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh) to Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary (Chhattisgarh).

Essential for the free movement of tigers and other large mammals.

Important for genetic exchange and long-term conservation.

Wildlife Sanctuaries in Chhattisgarh

S.No.	Wildlife Sanctuary	District	Year of Establishment	Area (km²)	Key Features
1	Achanakmar WLS	Bilaspur/Mungeli	1975	551.55	Part of Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve; rich biodiversity
2	Badalkhol WLS	Jashpur	1975	104.45	Located in Ramgarh Hills; tiger corridor between Achanakmar TR & Palamau TR
3	Barnawapara WLS	Balodabazar	1976	244.66	Bounded by Mahanadi and Jonk rivers; diverse flora and fauna
4	Bhairamgarh WLS	Bijapur	1983	138.95	Separated from Indravati NP by Indravati River; habitat for wild Asian buffalo
5	Bhoramdev WLS	Kawardha	2001	352	Tiger corridor in Maikal Hills; connects Kanha TR (MP) and Achanakmar TR
6	Gomarda WLS	Raigarh	1975	277.91	Known for its diverse ecosystem and rich biodiversity
7	Pamed WLS	Bijapur	1985	262.12	Located in Dantewada district; habitat for wild buffalo
8	Semarsot WLS	Balrampur	1978	430.35	Rich in biodiversity; important for conservation efforts
9	Sitanadi WLS	Dhamtari	1974	553.36	Sitanadi River flows through; part of Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve
10	Tamor Pingla WLS	Surguja	1978	608.51	Largest WLS in Chhattisgarh; part of Guru Ghasidas National Park
11	Udanti WLS	Gariaband	1985	237.27	Udanti River flows through; part of Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve

Sources:

ETVBHARAT

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Which of the following rivers originate from the Bhoramdev Wildlife Sanctuary?

Fen River
Sankari River
Hasdeo River
Indravati River

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2 and 4 only
D. All of the above

Answer: A.

Explanation: Both Fen and Sankari rivers originate within the sanctuary. The Hasdeo River originates in the Koriya district of Chhattisgarh, while the Indravati River originates in the Kalahandi district of Odisha.