All Protected Areas in NEWS: National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Tiger Reserves & Ramsar Sites

Protected Areas are critical for India’s conservation landscape and highly relevant for competitive exams. Here it focuses on National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Tiger Reserves, and Wetlands that have recently garnered attention.

By integrating current affairs with static geographical and ecological details, we explore the distinct characteristics, significant species, and conservation initiatives associated with these vital sites, enhancing understanding for aspiring candidates.

Tiger Reserves

India hosts over 80% of the world’s tiger population, making tigers a critically important species. Currently, there are 58 Tiger Reserves in India.

Declaration Process of a Tiger Reserve:

1. A State Government prepares and submits a proposal to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
2. The NTCA conducts a detailed evaluation of all circumstances.
3. An Expert Committee assesses the ground realities and submits its report back to the NTCA.
4. The NTCA grants further approval under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, for final recognition.
5. The concerned State Government then issues a gazette notification, formally establishing the Tiger Reserve.
   (Students should note the state-wise locations of these Tiger Reserves.)

Simlipal Tiger Reserve

Location: Situated at the northern edge of the Eastern Ghats in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district.

Context in News: The reserve successfully controlled illegal hunting (poaching) through AI-enabled cameras.

AI-enabled Camera System:

• Named TrailGuard, an early alert system with 100-150 AI-enabled cameras.
• Pre-fed details help cameras understand poacher behavior and issue alerts.
• Key Features: Exceptional battery life (6 months to 1 year); affordable unit cost (around ₹50,000-₹53,000).
  Historical Status & Designations:
• Included under Project Tiger in 1973.
• Declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1994.
• Designated a UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserve in 2009.
  Protected Areas Included: Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve, Hadagarh Wildlife Sanctuary, and Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary.
  Rivers: Burhabalanga, Palpala Bandan, Salandi, Kahari, and Dev.
  Tribal Communities: Aranga Kharias and Mankirdia. (Remember these tribal names as they may appear in match-the-following questions.)
  Unique Feature: It is the only place in the world where melanistic (black) tigers are found.
  Fauna: Leopard, Gaur, Langur, Barking Deer, Spotted Deer, Sloth Bear, Mongoose, Flying Squirrel.

Parambikulam Tiger Reserve

Context in News: A faunal survey discovered 15 new species.

Location: On the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, primarily in Kerala, within the Sungam Hills of the Western Ghats.

Status:

• Declared a Tiger Reserve in 2009.
• Part of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  Vegetation: Evergreen moist, dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and mountain/marsh grasslands known as ‘vayals’.
  Tribal Communities: Kadar, Malasar, Muduvar, and Malamalasar.
  Rivers: Parambikulam, Sholaiyar, and Thackady.
  Fauna: Great Indian Hornbill, Ceylon Frogmouth, Lesser Fish Eagle, and Shaheen Falcon.

Pilibhit Tiger Reserve

Context in News: Rhinos are being relocated from Nepal and Assam under Project Rhino.

Location: A significant Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh, bordering Uttarakhand and Nepal.

Geographical Feature: Located in the Terai region.

Awards: In 2020, received the International TX2 Award for doubling its tiger population.

TX2 Award: Award for tiger conservation efforts, jointly conferred by WWF, UNDP, IUCN, and Global Tiger Forum.

Bordering Region: Shares a border with Nepal’s Suklaphanta National Park.

Rivers & Dams: The River Gomti originates here. Includes catchment areas of Sharda, Chooka, Mala, and Khanaut rivers. The Sharda Sagar Dam is also located here.

Vegetation: North Indian Moist Deciduous Forest, Sal Forest, tall grasses, swampy conditions. Sal wood covers 76%.

Fauna: Bengal Tiger, Swamp Deer (Barasingha, the state animal of Uttar Pradesh), Bengal Florican, Hog Deer, and Leopard.

Sundarbans Tiger Reserve

Context in News: An additional 1044 sq. km of area was added, making it the second-largest Tiger Reserve in India (after Nagarjunsagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve).

Current Area: Spans 3629 sq. km.

Added Areas: Matla Range, Ramganga, and Rayadighi regions.

Location: In the South and North 24 Parganas of West Bengal, within the Lower Gangetic Delta, opening into the Bay of Bengal. Part of the world’s largest delta.

Status: Holds multiple designations including Tiger Reserve, National Park, Biosphere Reserve, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Ramsar Site.

Unique Feature: Only tiger reserve globally where tigers thrive in mangrove forests.

Flora: Features halophytic plants, herbs, shrubs, epiphytes, and parasitic plants.

Fauna: Royal Bengal Tiger (flagship species), Gangetic and Irrawaddy Dolphins, King Cobra, Water Monitor Lizard, migratory birds, and estuarine crocodiles.

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Sahyadri Tiger Reserve

Context in News: Tigers are being translocated from Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve to augment its tiger population.

Location: In Maharashtra, named after the Western Ghats (Sahyadri). Situated in the northern region of the Western Ghats.

Establishment: Established in 2010.

Included Areas: Chandoli National Park and Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary.

Terrain: Characterized by lateritic soil, locally known as Sadas.

Vegetation: Moist evergreen, semi-evergreen, and moist dry deciduous forests.

Fauna: Tiger, Leopard, Dhole (wild dog), Gaur, Antelope, Mouse Deer, and Giant Squirrel.

Birds: Hornbills, Vultures, and River Terns.

Unique Feature: A tiger reserve that rarely has permanent resident tigers.

Periyar Tiger Reserve

Context in News: State Finance Inspection revealed financial irregularities.

Location: On the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, primarily in Kerala’s Idukki district. Part of the southern extension of the Western Ghats (Cardamom Hills and Pandalam Hills).

Establishment: Established in 19895.

Naming: Named after the Periyar River.

Rivers: The Periyar and Pamba rivers drain this area. The Mullaperiyar Dam is also situated within.

Tribal Communities: Manans and Paliyans.

Vegetation: Tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous forests, transitional fringes of evergreen forests, and grasslands with eucalyptus.

Fauna:

• Large Mammals: Elephant, Indian Bison (Gaur), Sambar Deer, Wild Pig.
• Primates: Lion-tailed Macaque (an important species), Nilgiri Langur, Bonnet Macaque, Common Langur.
• Nilgiri Tahr, a goat species, is recognized as Tamil Nadu’s state animal.

Kali Tiger Reserve

Previous Name: Formerly known as Dandeli Anshi Tiger Reserve.

Location: In the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka’s coastal region, part of the Western Ghats (UNESCO World Heritage Site).

Naming: Named after the Kali River.

Conservation Status: Recognized as a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger by the NTCA.

Vegetation & Flora: Moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests. Species include Teak, Silver Oak, Malabar Tamarind, and Jamba.

Fauna:

• Tiger, Leopard, Black Panther, Wild Dog, Sloth Bear.
• Herbivores: Elephant, Gaur, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Wild Boar.
• Primates: Hanuman Langur, Bonnet Macaque.
  Birds: All four species of Hornbill are found. (This unique feature (all four Hornbill species) can be a distinguishing factor in Prelims questions.)

National Parks

Currently, there are 107 National Parks in India. This section focuses on National Parks that have been recently in the news.

Kaziranga National Park

Location: In Assam, on the southern (left) bank of the Brahmaputra River. Geographically between the Brahmaputra River in the North and the Karbi Anglong Hills in the South.

Nearby Protected Areas: Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, Lakhwa Wildlife Sanctuary, Manas Wildlife Sanctuary/Tiger Reserve, and Orang National Park.

Context in News: The park conducted its first-ever grassland bird census, identifying 43 grassland bird species.

Landscape: Features grasslands, forests, and wetlands.

Conservation Status:

• Declared a National Park in 1974.
• Designated a Tiger Reserve in 2007.
• Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
• Designated an Important Bird Area.
  Global Significance: Hosts two-thirds of the world’s Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros population, a highly successful wildlife conservation model.
  Migratory Birds: Crucial stopover for migratory birds along the Australasian-Indo Asian Flyway.
  Fauna (Big Five): Rhinoceros, Tiger, Elephant, Wild Buffalo, and Eastern Swamp Deer.
  Other Fauna: Hog Deer, Gaur, Leopard, Fishing Cat, Small Cats, and the Western Hoolock Gibbon (the only ape found in India). (The key difference between Apes and Monkeys is that monkeys possess tails, while apes do not.)
  Avifauna: Over 478 bird species, including the Critically Endangered Bengal Florican.
  Flora: Tall elephant grasses, lotus, water lilies, water hyacinth, and rattan cane.

Dibru-Saikhowa National Park

Context in News: A study indicated that both native plants and invasive species are disturbing the grassland ecosystem.

Challenges: Ecosystem faces disturbance due to frequent Brahmaputra floods, anthropogenic pressure from human settlements, and unsustainable land use.

Location: In Eastern Assam, on the Brahmaputra River. Predominantly in the Tinsukia District.

Status:

• Declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1995.
• Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1997.
• Declared a National Park in 1999.
  Unique Feature: Home to feral horses.
  Climate & Habitat: Moist mixed semi-evergreen, moist mixed deciduous forests, grasslands, and unique Salix swamp forests.
  Other Fauna: White-winged Wood Duck.

Guindy National Park

Context in News: Efforts are underway to restore a neglected grassland habitat and reintroduce blackbucks.

Location: Situated within Chennai, Tamil Nadu, covering 2.7 sq. km.

Unique Feature: One of the few national parks located within a metropolitan city.

Establishment: Received National Park status in 1978.

Vegetation: Tropical dry evergreen scrubs and thorny forests.

Fauna: Blackbuck, Chital (Spotted Deer), Jackal, Pangolin, Civet, Bonnet Macaque, Hyena, Hedgehog, Mongoose, Indian Hare.

Ecological Role: Functions as a ‘green lung’, playing a vital role in air purification.

Blackbuck:

• Found in India and Nepal, an antelope species.

• Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN) and listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act.

Wildlife Sanctuaries in News

Currently, there are 573 Wildlife Sanctuaries in India. This section focuses on those recently in the news.

Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary

Location: In Himachal Pradesh, an artificially created lake on the Beas River.

Context in News: The annual bird count revealed a significant increase in the waterfowl population.

Bird Count: Over 1.5 lakh birds belonging to 97 species were counted.

Flagship Species: The Bar-headed Geese were observed in the highest numbers.

Man-made Reservoir: Also known as Maharana Pratap Sagar.

Geographical Feature: Situated in the Shivalik Hills.

Ecological Status:

• Recognized as a Wetland of National Importance in 1994.
• Designated a Ramsar Wetland Site in 2002.
  (Key dams in the region include Pong Dam (Beas River), Pandoh Dam (Beas River), Bhakra Nangal Dam (Sutlej River), and Harike Barrage (at the confluence of Beas and Sutlej). )

Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary

Context in News: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) discovered three rock shelters containing prehistoric rock paintings (Megalithic/Iron Age, 2500 BCE to 2nd Century CE).

Rock Paintings: Depict animal and human figures, geometric drawings.

Colors Used: Red ocher, kaolin, animal fats, and crushed bones.

Inscriptions: Dating from 4th-10th Century CE, with Brahmi, Nagari, and Telugu scripts, in Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Telugu languages.

Location: In Andhra Pradesh, within the catchment area of the Pennar River. The Telugu Ganga Canal is also present.

Unique Fauna: Home to Jerdon’s Courser, a critically endangered bird species.

Flora: Red Sanders, Sandalwood, Bamboo, and Terminalia species.

Forest Type: Tropical dry deciduous scrubs.

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary

Context in News: A three-day off-season faunal survey identified new species of birds, butterflies, and odonates.

Conducting Agencies: Travancore Nature History Society, in collaboration with the Kerala Forest and Wildlife Department.

Location: In the Idukki District of Kerala, established in 1976.

Rivers: The Periyar River and Thodupuzha River flow through.

Forest Types: Tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous forests, hill sholas, and grasslands.

Fauna:

• Large Mammals: Elephant, Indian Bison (Gaur), Sambar Deer, Wild Dogs, Jungle Cats, and Tigers.
• Reptiles: Various snake species (cobras, vipers, kraits).
  Flora: Teak, Rosewood, Jackfruit, Ebony, Cinnamon, and multiple bamboo species.

Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary

Context in News: A study indicated a high deer population, with approximately 536 Sambar and 295 Chital (Spotted Deer).

Unique Feature: Recognized as India’s first man-made wildlife sanctuary.

Establishment: Established in 1985, covering 10.87 sq. km.

Location: In the Sangli region of South-West Maharashtra.

Naming: Named after the Sagareshwar Shiva Temple.

Vegetation: Comprises artificially cultivated forest due to the absence of consistent natural water supply. Forest types include dry mixed deciduous and southern thorn forests.

Fauna: Predominantly artificially introduced wildlife, including Blackbuck, Chital, Muntjac (Barking Deer), and Wild Boar.

Gandhisagar Wildlife Sanctuary

Context in News: Two cheetahs, named Prabhas and Pavak, were translocated from Kuno National Park to this sanctuary.

Location: On the banks of the Chambal River in Western Madhya Pradesh, characterized by the high rocky conditions of the Malwa Plateau.

Establishment: Declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1974.

Geographical Feature: The Chambal River divides the sanctuary into two parts.

Ecosystem: Features savannah-like open grasslands, ideal for cheetah movement.

Habitat Suitability: Recognized as the second-best habitat for cheetah reintroduction in India, after Kuno National Park.

Mahadei Wildlife Sanctuary

Context in News: The Supreme Court ordered the Goa Government to maintain status quo regarding a proposal to declare it a Tiger Reserve.

Establishment: Declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1999.

Location: In the North-East part of Goa, with the Mahadei River flowing through it.

Vegetation: Moist deciduous forests, sacred groves, and diverse indigenous and rare plants.

Flora: Evergreen Ashoka trees and endemic orchids.

Unique Features:

• It is the only sanctuary in Goa where tigers are present.
• Three of Goa’s highest peaks (part of the Western Ghats) are located within:

1. Sonsogor
2. Tallavche Sada
3. Vagueri

Ramsar Sites

India currently has 98 recognized Ramsar Sites. Ramsar is a city in Iran where an international initiative was launched for the protection of wetland ecosystems. A wetland designated as a Ramsar Site gains the status of a Wetland of International Importance.

Current Status (India):

• India currently has 98 recognized Ramsar Sites.
• These sites collectively cover approximately 1.36 million hectares.
  Regional Significance: India leads South Asia in the number of recognized Ramsar Sites.
  State-wise Distribution: Tamil Nadu possesses the highest number of Ramsar Sites in India, with approximately 20 sites.
  Largest Ramsar Site: The Sundarbans is the largest Ramsar Site in India by area.

Recently Notified Ramsar Sites (India)

Some of the wetlands recently added to India’s Ramsar list include:

Palekot Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)

Location: Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu.

Area: Covers 230.495 hectares.

Ecological Significance: Initially developed as an irrigation tank, it evolved into a self-sustaining ecosystem with perennial water, supporting rich biodiversity.

Water Source: Primarily receives rainfall during the Northeast Monsoon.

Avian Population: 42 bird species, including Spot-billed Pelican, Grey Heron, Little Cormorant, and Black Kite.

Strategic Location: Situated along the Central Asian Flyway.

Thera Thangal Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)

Location: Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu.

Area: Covers 29.295 hectares.

Ecological Significance: A freshwater ecosystem and essential breeding area for water birds.

Avian Population: 96 bird species, including Oriental Darter, Black-headed Ibis, Asian Woolly-necked Stork, and Spot-billed Pelican.

Khecheopalri Wetland (Sikkim)

Location: Sikkim, within the Demzong Valley.

Cultural Significance: Surrounding area features both Buddhist and Hindu sites.

Geographical Context: Located near Kanchenjunga Peak.

Udhwa Lake (Jharkhand)

Location: Jharkhand. (The lake is named after Uddhava from the Mahabharata, who was a close friend of Lord Krishna.)

Key Features:

• Comprises two important water bodies:

1. Patraun Lake
2. Barhale Lake

• Maintains a connection with the River Ganga.
• Receives water supply from the Farakka Dam.
  Avian Population: Includes Oriental White-backed Vulture, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Black-necked Stork, Lesser Adjutant, Oriental Darter, and Oriental White Ibis.

Khichan (Rajasthan)

Location: Rajasthan, in the northern region of the Thar Desert.

Water Bodies: Features two important water bodies:

1. Ratri Nadi (a periseasonal river)
2. Vijay Sagar Talab
   Ecological Significance: These water bodies, replenished by rainwater, help prevent drought and attract migratory birds.
   Avian Population: Renowned for hosting large congregations of Demoiselle Cranes.

Menar (Udaipur, Rajasthan)

Type: A freshwater monsoon wetland complex.

Associated Water Bodies: Includes Brahma Talab, Dhan Talab, and Kheroda Talab.

Biodiversity:

• Avian Population: Over 110 species of water birds, including White-rumped Vulture (Critically Endangered by IUCN) and Long-billed Vulture.
• Flora: Approximately 70 different plant species, with mango trees prominent around Brahma Talab.
• Mammals: Indian Flying Fox (fruit bat) is also observed.

Gokul Reservoir (Bihar)

Location: Bihar.

Type: An Oxbow Lake (formed when river meanders are cut off).

Origin: An offshoot of the River Ganga.

Ecological and Economic Importance: Supports 50 bird species; important for fishing, farming, and irrigation.

Udaipur Lake (Bihar)

Location: Bihar, near the Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary.

Biodiversity:

• Flora: Home to 280 plant species, including the significant endemic plant Alseodaphne roxburghiana.
• Avian Population: Important wintering ground for 35 migratory bird species, with the Pochard being common.

Gogabil Lake (Bihar)

Location: Bihar.

Type: An Oxbow Lake, formed from historical channels of the Kankrar and Mahananda Rivers.

Water Source: Supplied by the Mahananda, Ganga, and Kankar rivers, within the Ganga basin.

Significance:

• First area in Bihar to receive recognition as a Community Reserve.
• Recognized as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBBA) in 2019.
  Avian Population: Includes Lesser Adjutant Stork, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, and Black-necked Stork.

Kopra Reserve (Chhattisgarh)

Location: Bilaspur District, Chhattisgarh.

Significance: Identified as the first Ramsar Site from Chhattisgarh.

Ecological Nature: Unique ecosystem combining natural characteristics with human-made origins (initially for irrigation).

Water Source: Primarily sustained by rain-fed water within the Mahanadi River basin.

Avian Population: Serves as a stopover for migratory birds.

Siliserh Lake (Rajasthan)

Location: Alwar, Rajasthan, within the Aravalli Hills region.

Origin: Created in 1845 by Maharaja Vinay Singh for drinking water supply to Alwar City.

Hydrology: Constructed on a tributary of the Ruparel River.

Area: Spans 7 square kilometers.

Proximity: Located within the buffer zone of Sariska Tiger Reserve.

Latest Additions to Ramsar Sites

New Designations: Two significant recent additions:

1. Patna Bird Sanctuary: Located in Uttar Pradesh (despite its name).
2. Kharidhand: Situated in the Kutch region of Gujarat.
   These additions contribute to India’s total of 98 Ramsar Sites.

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