This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “ Dudhwa Tiger Reserve”. This topic has relevance in the Environment section of the UPSC CSE exam.

 DUDHWA TIGER RESERVE

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “ Dudhwa Tiger Reserve”. This topic has relevance in

the Environment section of the UPSC CSE exam.

GS 3: Environment

Why in the news?

In response to the growing human-elephant conflict around the Katarniaghat wildlife sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh’s

Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, forest officials have introduced the ‘gajamitra’ initiative.

Dudhwa Tiger Reserve

Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, situated on the Indo-Nepal border within the Lakhimpur-Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh, is

a remarkable haven for wildlife and biodiversity. Established in 1988, it comprises Dudhwa National Park, along

with two adjacent sanctuaries, Kishanpur and Katerniaghat. This reserve covers an extensive area of 1,284 square

kilometers and is characterized by its unique Tarai-Bhabar habitat, nestled within the upper Gangetic Plains

Biogeographic province.

About Dudhwa Tiger Reserve:

 Geographic Location: Dudhwa Tiger Reserve is strategically located along the India-Nepal border, offering a

diverse range of habitats for various wildlife species.

 Constituent Areas: The reserve encompasses Dudhwa National Park, Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary, and

Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, creating a substantial protected area for flora and fauna.

 Ecosystem Variety: Dudhwa Tiger Reserve boasts a rich and diverse ecosystem, with the presence of several

rivers and distinct habitats.

 River Systems: The reserve is blessed with the flow of significant rivers. The Sharda River meanders by

Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary, while the Geruwa River gracefully flows through Katerniaghat Wildlife

Sanctuary. Within Dudhwa National Park, the Suheli and Mohana streams contribute to its unique ecosystem,

eventually joining the Ghagra River as vital tributaries.

 Flora: The reserve is characterized by the North Indian Moist Deciduous type of vegetation. It is home to some

of the finest Sal forests (Shorea robusta) in India, along with extensive tracts of moist grasslands. These lush

green landscapes are integral to the region’s ecological balance.

 Fauna: Dudhwa Tiger Reserve is renowned for its impressive array of rare and endangered species. The

reserve provides a safe haven for tigers, leopards, leopard cats, sloth bears, one-horned rhinoceroses, hispid

hares, elephants, black deer, swamp deer, and many other remarkable creatures. This diverse wildlife

population contributes to the reserve’s conservation significance and the overall biodiversity of the region.

Q.1 Which of the following statements about Dudhwa Tiger Reserve is correct?

1. Dudhwa Tiger Reserve is situated solely within the Lakhimpur-Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh.

2. The reserve includes only Dudhwa National Park, with no adjacent sanctuaries.

3. Dudhwa Tiger Reserve is characterized by the Tarai-Bhabar habitat.

How many of the above statement/s is/are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

ANSWER: B

Q.2 Discuss the significance of tiger reserves in India for the conservation of biodiversity and the

protection of the tiger population. Analyze the key challenges and measures needed to ensure the

long-term sustainability of tiger reserves in the country.