Question.
Explain the ecological importance of the wildlife sanctuaries of the Tarai region of Uttar Pradesh.
(UPPSC Mains General Studies-VI/GS-6 2023 Solutions)
Answer.
Immediately south of the Sivalik Himalayan range is known as the Terai region of India. The northern portion of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar come under this region.
There were earlier dense forests in this area, but now most of it has been converted into fertile agricultural land.
As far as Terai region of Uttar Pradesh is concerned, it is in Saharanpur, Bijnor, Jyotiba Phule Nagar, Moradabad, Rampur, Bareilly, Pilibhit, Saharanpur, Lakhimpur Kheri, Sitapur, Bahraich, Shravasti, Gonda, Balrampur, Basti, Sidharthanagar, Maharajganj, Gorakhpur, Kushinagar, and Deoria districts of Uttar Pradesh.
Ecological importance of the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh:
The Terai region of Uttar Pradesh is a biodiversity-rich region home to many endangered wildlife. Many national parks, Tiger reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries are found in this region.
National Park:
Dudhwa National Park is the only National Park in Uttar Pradesh. It is located in Lakhimpur Khiri District, in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh.
Tiger Reserve:
Three (3) out of four ( 4) tiger reserves of Uttar Pradesh are located in the Terai Region of Uttar Pradesh.
The names of the three Tiger reserves are:
- Pilibhit Tiger Reserve ( Pilbhit district)
- Dudhwa Tiger Reserve ( Lakhimpur Kheri district)
- Amanagarh Tiger Reserve ( Bijnor District)
Ranipur Tiger Reserve is the only Tiger reserve, which is located outside of the Terai Region. It is located in Chitrakoot district.
Wildlife Sanctuaries:
The following wildlife sanctuaries are located in the Terai region:
- Katarniya Ghat Wildlife Sanctuary ( Bahraich district)
- Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary ( Bijnor and Muzzafarnagar)
- Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary ( Lakhipur Kheri)
- Sohelwa Wildlife Sanctuary ( Shravasti, Balrampur, and Gonda districts)
- Sohagibarwa Wildlife Sanctuary ( Maharajganj district)
- Parvati Wildlife Sanctuary ( Gonda District)
These wildlife sanctuaries of the Tarai region are ecologically important for several reasons:
- Biodiversity Hotspots
- Habitat Conservation
- Migration Corridor
- Tourism and Education
Biodiversity Hotspots:
The Terai region of Uttar Pradesh has diverse ecosystems including forests, marshes, wetlands, grasslands, and aquatic ecosystems.
Habitat Conservation:
The Terai region of Uttar Pradesh provides a habitat for many endangered wildlife including tigers, swamp deer, and Gangetic dolphins.
Migration Corridor:
The Terai region of Uttar Pradesh lies between the Himalayas and Gangetic plains, therefore it provides a migration corridor.
Tourism and Education:
The Terai region of Uttar Pradesh attracts tourists, nature lovers, and researchers from around the world. It provides a livelihood for local communities.
Wildlife Sanctuaries of the Tarai region of Uttar Pradesh play a key role in conserving biodiversity, protecting habitats, supporting ecosystem services, and promoting sustainable development in the region. It is essential for maintaining ecological balance, biodiversity conservation, and long-term environmental sustainability.
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