Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary

Why in news?

• Chhattisgarh High Court cleared the hurdles as part of the state's ongoing efforts to protect and conserve the state animal.
• In February 2023, the Chhattisgarh forest department team surveyed the Manas Tiger Reserve in Assam before the translocation of the wild buffaloes.
• The team sent DNA samples to the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in Dehradun for necessary tests such as breed accuracy and suitability. 

Key Facts about Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary

• It is located in the district of Raipur in Chhattisgarh.
• The rivers Balmedhi, Jonk and Mahanadi are the lifeline river which runs along the sanctuary.
• River Balamdehi forms the western boundary and Jonk River forms the northeastern boundary of the Sanctuary.
• Flora: The sanctuary contains major vegetation of Teak, Sal and Mixed forest.
• Fauna: Cheetal, Sambhar, Nilgai and Wild Boar, Sloth Bear, Wild Dog, are commonly seen.

About Wild buffalo

• The Indian Wild Buffalo is the state animal of Chhattisgarh (India) and is a large species of bovine native to the Indian Sub-continent and South East Asia. 
• Habitat:  is mainly found in the alluvial grasslands, marshes, swamps and river valleys.
• In India, they are generally concentrated in North East India in Kaziranga National Park, Manas and Dibru-Saikhowa National Parks, Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary and Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary, D’Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh. 
• Conservation Status
  • IUCN: Endangered
  • Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule 1

 

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Q1) What are Marshes?

Marshes are wetlands that are characterized by grasses, reeds, and other non-woody plants that grow in shallow water or at the edge of water bodies such as lakes, rivers, and oceans.

Source:  4 wild buffaloes translocated to Barnawapara wildlife sanctuary