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ABOHAR WLS

26th June, 2023

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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

  • It is dominated by agricultural crop and plantation.
  • Tropical dry deciduous forests are also present.

Trees

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

Shrubs

  • Some of the scrubs present are Bhang, Kaui, Karaunda, Giloe, Bathu etc.

Grasses

  • Grasses includes Anjan, Dib, Khabbal and Kahi

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:

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/amchang-wildlife-sanctuary

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/koundinya-wildlife-sanctuary-12

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

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/blackbuck-count-at-abohar-sanctuary-in-punjab-going-down-reveals-wildlife-census-101687548842961.html