Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary (SWS)

About Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary (SWS):

• Location: It is located in the Shravasti, Balrampur, and Gonda districts of Uttar Pradesh.
• The forest of SWS was owned by 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 Sohelwa Wild Life Division is situated on the Indo-Nepal International Border.
• It is one of the important places in the Bhabar-Tarai Eco-System area, which is rich in biodiversity.
• The Tharu tribe, having mongoloid features, have 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.

Q1: What is a tiger reserve?

Tiger Reserve is a legally declared protected area dedicated to the conservation of striped big cats. A tiger reserve, on the other hand, could be a national park or wildlife sanctuary. The Sariska Tiger Reserve, for example, is also a national park.

Source: ‘Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary to be state’s 5th tiger reserve’