Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary

Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary Latest News

A rare striated grassbird was recently recorded in Chaprala wildlife sanctuary in Gadchiroli district, marking a major range extension for the species in Maharashtra.

About Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary

• It is located in the Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra.
• Established in 1986, it covers an area of approximately 134.78 sq.km.
• The Markhanda and Pedigundam hills flank the sanctuary from northeast and south, and the Pranhita River flows along its western boundary.
• It is located on the bank of the confluence of the Wardha and Wainganga rivers. 
• During the monsoons, river water swells and enters the sanctuary.
• Additionally, several water bodies, including the Murgikunta, Raikonta, and Komatkunta tanks, further contribute to the sanctuary’s biodiversity. 
• Vegetation: It is dominated by southern tropical dry deciduous forests interspersed with grasslands.
• Flora: The dominant tree species include teak, Arjun, salai, mahua, bel, dhawada, tendu, sissoo, and semal.
• Fauna: 
  • It is inhabited by Tiger, Leopard, Wild boar, Sloth bear, Wild dogs, Langurs, Blackbuck, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Jackal, Mongoose, etc.
  • The sanctuary also features a distinctive riparian ecosystem that supports a diverse aquatic fauna, including fish, prawns, and turtles.

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Key Facts about Striped Grassbird

• It is a species of bird in the Locustellidae family.
• Scientific Name: Megalurus palustris
• Distribution: It is widely found across South and Southeast Asia, including China, India, Pakistan, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia.
• Features:
  • It has a large body size of 22-28 cm with a body weight of about 38-56 g. 
  • The upper body is light reddish brown. 
  • There are thick black streaks on the back and wing covers. 
  • Dark yellow eyebrows. 
  • The tail is elongated and sharp. 
  • Lower body whitish, black streaks on chest. 
  • Iris brown, upper beak black, underside pink, and feet pink.
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN Red List: Least Concern

Source: TOI