Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary

 About GandhiSagar Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Location: It is situated in northwestern Madhya Pradesh, with one of its boundaries running along the border of Rajasthan.
• The sanctuary was notified in 1974 and is spread over an area of 368sq.km.
• Landscape: A major part of the sanctuary consists of vast open landscapes with sparse vegetation and rocky terrain, with small patches of dense forests.
• River Chambal flows through the sanctuary, dividing it into two parts.
• Vegetation: 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, Chaturbhujnath temple, Bhadkaji rock paintings, Narsinghjhar Hinglajgarh fort, Taxakeshwar temple etc.

 

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Q1) What is a Wildlife Sanctuary?

A Wildlife Sanctuary can be termed as a large geographical piece of land, usually forested, where animals are kept in their natural habitats. The primary purpose of designating areas as a Wildlife Sanctuary is to provide a shelter or refuge to the animals so that they can live and thrive in their natural homes. A Wildlife Sanctuary also insulates animals from being killed by poachers or from other more fierce animals.

Source: MP: Gandhisagar Sanctuary to be second new home of cheetahs