Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary (SWS)

11.06.2024

Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary (SWS)

Why in the news?

A new tiger reserve will soon be established in Uttar Pradesh, following evidence of tiger population in the Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary (SWS).

About Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary (SWS):

•  It is located in the Shravasti, Balrampur, and Gonda districts of Uttar Pradesh.
• The forest of SWS was owned by the Maharaja of Balrampur before the implementation of the Zamindari Abolition Act 1952 and was known as Balrampur Estate.
• It was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1988.
• Sprawling an area of 452 sq km, this sanctuary is a strip of land, approximately, 120 km long from the east to west and 6-8 km wide.
• The Suhelwa Wildlife Division is situated on the Indo-Nepal International Border.
• It is one of the important places in the Bhabar-Terai Ecosystem area,which is rich in biodiversity.
• The Tharu tribe, having mongoloid features, has been residents of this area since long.
• Vegetation: A mixture of deciduous and semi-evergreen woodlands defines the sanctuary.
• Flora: Bahera, Phaldu, Sal, Teak, Dhamina, Jamun, Shisham, Jigna, Haldu, Asna, and Khair are some of the most common trees found in SWS.

Fauna:

• Tigers, Leopard, Cheetal, Bear, Wolfe, Hare, Jackal, Wild Boar, Sambar, Mankey, Langoor, Python, Otters, etc. can be commonly sighted.
• A number of birds like Black Partridge, Quails, Peacocks, Kingfishers, Bulbuls, Mynahs, Eagles, Nightingales, Cuckoo, and Owls, etc. also inhabit the forest area.

                                                                        Source: Times of India

Ques :- Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary (SWS) lies in which one of the following states?

1. Gujarat
2. Odisha
3. Uttar Pradesh
4. Karnataka

Answer C