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Daily News Analysis

Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary

30th December, 2023 Environment

Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary

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Context

  • Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed officials to conduct archaeological excavation in the Sohagibarwa Wildlife Sanctuary.

Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary

  • Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary is in the Maharajganj district in Uttar Pradesh.
  • It is located on the west Bank of the Gandaki River, near the border with Nepal. Sohagi Barwa is one of the tiger habitats in Uttar Pradesh.
  • The terrain of the sanctuary is mostly flat, with an average altitude of 100 meters. The climate is temperate and mild throughout the year, winters are also temperate.

Topography & Climate

  • The topography of the sanctuary is almost flat with an average height of 100mtrs above mean sea level. The area gently slopes from North – West to South –East. The sanctuary, drained by great Gandak, the little Gandak, Pyas and Rohin rivers, has a number of ponds, lakes [Tals], swamps and open grass lands. Climate of the area is pleasant throughout the year, with moderately chilly winters, during December & January.

Fauna

  • Such a varied area is inhabited by a variety of animals which mainly includes Leopard, Tiger, Jungle Cat, Small Indian Civet, Langur, Deer, Blue Bull, Wild boar, Porcupine etc.
  • The Avifauna is varied with Little Cormorant, Snake Bird, Brahimini Duck, Common Teal, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Paddy Bird, Pintail, White Ibis, Black Ibis, Spoon Bill, Grey Partridge, Swamp Partridge, Red Jungle Fowl, Blue Rock Pigeon Spotted Dove, Pea fowl, Indian Pied Hornbill, Tree Pie, Little Green Bee-eater, Pond Heron, Red-vented Blue Bul, Golden backed Wood pecker, Pied King Fisher, Blue King Fisher etc.
  • The Reptilians are represented by the Python Tortoise, Crocodile, Common Cobra, Common Krait, Rat Snake etc.

Flora

  • The area under this sanctuary consists of beautiful forest cover. Nearly 75% of the area consists of Sal forest and other humid areas are covered with Jaamun [Syzigium Cumini], Gutal [Trewia Nudiflora], Semal [Bombax Ceiba], Khair [Acacia Catechu] Trees, etc.
  • Lower region of the sanctuary, which is water logged during rains, consists of Grass lands and patches of Cane forests.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Question:

Sohagi Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary, often in the news, is known for its rich biodiversity. In which Indian state is this sanctuary located, and what is its primary conservation focus?

a) Uttarakhand - Conservation of Himalayan flora and fauna

b) Assam - Protection of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros

c) Madhya Pradesh - Preservation of the Asiatic lion

d) Arunachal Pradesh - Conservation of Eastern Himalayan biodiversity

Answer:

d) Arunachal Pradesh - Conservation of Eastern Himalayan biodiversity