ABOHAR WLS - IAS GYAN

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Context

Since December 2021, two population estimation exercises were conducted in Abohar WLS.
On the basis of these exercises, a report was submitted to Punjab Forest and Wildlife Department.
It was found that the population of Blackbucks in this sanctuary was declining. They are at the verge of extinction.

Other Details

The census was conducted by Wildlife Institute, near Abohar
Blackbucks were sighted at 12 spots, 44 animals in total only, as against the expectation of sighting them at 40 places.
Population density of the species could not be estimated as they were less in number.
In Wildlife Census 2011 there were about 3,500 animals, however population was declined to 3,273 in 2017.

Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary Punjab

On the demands of Bishnoi community, this WLS was notified on 20th June 1998 and is spread in an area of 186 sq. km (18,650 hectares) comprising a cluster of 13 villages in Sito Gunno tehsil.
Major aim was to enable the protection of the majestic Blackbuck in their private lands.
This WLS owned entirely by private individuals or panchayats associated with Bishnoi community and the Bishnoi community members guard animals against poachers voluntarily.
It has a unique habitat consisting of semi-arid plains, tropical dry mixed deciduous forest with agricultural fields, scattered sand dunes and mounds, and ridges.
In this WLS, once the population blackbucks were more than 4000 in number due to the efforts of the Bishnoi community.

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Threat to Blackbucks and other wildlife

Fast depletion of grassland due to agricultural activities and kinnow orchards.
A network of seven canals also promoted the farming activities in the area.
Habitat destruction which threatened Blackbuck’s mating environment and thus left them more susceptible to predation, disease, and inbreeding.
Livestock overgrazing and rampant predation by feral dogs.
Obstructions by farmers leading to road accidents of wildlife.

Measures

Upscale control, prevention and action against Wildlife crimes.
More concentrated efforts to rescue and rehabilitate
Need for Data Collection and better monitoring
Ensuring perennial source of water for wildlife.
Habitat Improvement works should be undertaken.
There should be coordination of activities between local community, district Administration and other departments.

Flora

Trees

Some of the importance tree species are Khejri,Kikar, Shisham, Safeda, Siris, Neem, Pipal, Bohar, Mango, Beri, malah, bali. etc.

Shrubs

Grasses

Fauna

It is a home to hundreds of endangered blackbucks (A schedule-I species under wildlife protection act 1972), blue bull (nilgai), wild boars and other species.

Birds

Patridge, Peacock, Pigeon, Doves, Sparrows, Shikras, Hawks, Mynas, Bulbuls, Sunbirds, Tails birds

Mammals

Apart from Blackbuck it hosts variety of wild life such as Nilgai, Indian Hare, Golden Jackal, Indian Crested Porcupine, Common Mongoose

Reptiles

Some of the species are Water snakes Enhydris enhydris, Enhydris sieboldi, Grass snake (Natrix natrix), Indian rat snake (Ptyas mucosa), Indian cobra (Naja naja) etc.

Must read Article:

WLS:

Blackbuck:

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/blackbuck

PRACTICE QUESTION

Consider the following statements about Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary:

1. This wild life century is a private community owned century.

2. This sanctuary is notified in 1998 in the state of Odisha.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 only