Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary: Biodiversity and UPSC

Description

CHANDAKA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

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Context

The forest department’s wildlife wing will start a species recovery program to translocate the Indian gaur to the Chandaka wildlife sanctuary, where it is now rarely seen. The translocation will facilitate night nature trail and animal sighting.

Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary

Geographical Location:

Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the eastern side of India, specifically in the Khurda and Cuttack districts of Odisha.
Geographically, it falls within the Eastern Ghats region, characterized by hills, plateaus, and forests.
It was designated as an elephant reserve in December 1982.

Topography and Ecosystems:

The sanctuary exhibits a varied topography, including hills, plains, and water bodies.
Its ecosystems range from dry deciduous forests to moist deciduous forests, contributing to a rich biodiversity.

Flora:

The sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora, typical of the Eastern Ghats region.
The vegetation includes dry deciduous trees like Sal (Shorea robusta), Bamboo, Teak, and other species adapted to the prevailing climate.

Fauna:

Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its wildlife, including significant populations of elephants, leopards, deer, and various bird species.
The varied fauna is a result of the diverse habitats within the sanctuary, showcasing the ecological significance of the region.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. In the context of Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary, consider the following statements:

1.Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the northern part of India, bordering Nepal.

2.The sanctuary encompasses primarily tropical rainforests and is known for its diverse range of flora and fauna.

3.Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary serves as a buffer zone for Nandankanan Wildlife Sanctuary, contributing to the conservation efforts in the region.

Which of the statements is/are correct?

a) 1 only

b) 2 only

c) 3 only

d) 2 and 3 only

The correct answer is:

c) 3 only

Explanation:

Incorrect: Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the eastern part of India, specifically in the Khurda and Cuttack districts of Odisha. It does not border Nepal.
Incorrect: Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses a mix of dry deciduous and moist deciduous forests, not primarily tropical rainforests. It is known for its diverse range of flora and fauna adapted to the Eastern Ghats region.
Correct: Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary indeed serves as a buffer zone for Nandankanan Wildlife Sanctuary, which is nearby. This designation plays a crucial role in supporting the conservation efforts in the region.

Therefore, the correct answer is option (c) 3 only.