ForumIAS announcing GS Foundation Program for UPSC CSE 2025-26 from 10th August. Click Here for more information.
Source-This post is based on the article “Odisha: Sambar, bison to be introduced in Chandaka wildlife sanctuary” published in “The Indian Express” on 17th January 2024.
Why in the News?
The Odisha state government is planning to introduce Sambar and Gaur (bison) to the Chandaka-Dampara wildlife sanctuary.
About Chandaka-Dampara wildlife sanctuary
| Aspect | Details |
| Location | 1. It is located in the Odisha’s Khurda district. 2. It marks the northeastern edge of the Eastern Ghats. |
| Sanctuary Status | It designated as a sanctuary in 1982. |
| Vegetation | 1. This landscape experiences a tropical climate characterized by distinct summer, rainy season, and winter periods. 2. The flora is moderately diverse, blending evergreen and deciduous elements. 3. Despite falling under the semi-evergreen forest zone, the interplay of biotic factors has altered the original vegetation character. |
| Flora | Bankapasia (Kydia calycina), Gandhana (Premna mucronata), Dhaman (Grewia Tiliaefolia),Kansa (Hymenodictyon excelsum),Jamu (Syzyggium Cuminii), Kusum (Schleichera oleosa), Sidha (Lagerstroemia parviflora), Karanja, Thorny bamboo etc. |
| Fauna | Elephants, barking deer, Wild Boar, Rhesus Monkey, Pangolin, Sloth Bear, Indian Wolf, Hyena and other mammals. |
About Indian Gaur or Bison
1) Indian Gaur or Bison is the largest species among the wild cattle and the Bovidae.
2) Habitat: Indian Bisons are mostly found in the hilly parts of the Western Ghats region such as Bandipur, Wayanad and Mudumalai.
3) State Animal: Gaur is the state animal of Goa and Bihar.
4) Conservation Status:
a. IUCN Status: Vulnerable
b. Wildlife Protection Act,1972: Schedule I
UPSC Syllabus- Environment/Geography and Places in News
