Gandhi Sagar and Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary II UPSC CSE

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Context:

Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary will see the reintroduction of Cheetah in order to promote tourism in the region.

The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) is constructing roads that will pass through the Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary(WS)

*Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary*	It is a wildlife sanctuary located in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan around the Gandhi Sagar reservoir. It was notified as WS in 1974.
*Area*	It has an area of 368.62 km2
*Rivers*	The Chambal River, which is a right-bank tributary of the Ganga, passes through the sanctuary dividing it into two parts. The Gandhi Sagar Dam is located in the Chamble river.
*Vegetation*	Its vegetation is prominently dry deciduous forests. Flat grasslands are also present. The principal tree species found in the Sanctuary are *Khair (Acacia catechu), Salai, Kardhai, Dhawda, Tendu, Palash etc.*
*Fauna*	The predominant animal species that inhabit the sanctuary are the deer. Chinkara or Indian gazelle, Nilgai and sambar are also found here. In addition, the Indian leopard, langur, Indian wild dog, peacock, otter, and Mugger crocodile are present.
*Cheetah’s Rehabilitation Suitability*	The sanctuary resembles the Maasai Mara, which is a renowned national reserve in Kenya. It is known for its savanna wilderness and abundant wildlife. This highlights its suitability for Cheetah reintroduction.

Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary

*About*	It is located in the bordering territory of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir. It is known for its diverse landscape, snow-covered peaks, alpine fields, and deep ravines. Its altitude ranges from 3,000 to over 6,000 meters above sea level. Saltoro Kangri, Saser Kangri I, and K12 peaks are located here.
*Rivers*	Shyok and Nubra Rivers flow through here. Nubra River, a tributary of Shyok river, originates from the Siachen Glacier and flows through the Nubra Valley. Shyok is the tributary of Nuba.
*Fauna*	It is home to species like the snow leopard, Tibetan antelope, ural, argali, Tibetan gazelle, and bharal.
*Flora*	It has a cold desert climate with low precipitation, harsh winters, and short summers. The broad-leaved shrubs such as the Rosia webbiana, Ephedra, Caragianae and other bushes are found here.
*Significance*	The sanctuary is critical for biodiversity conservation, potential World Heritage Site, and important for medicinal research.
Tibetan Antelope
They are locally called Chiru. It inhabits the high alpine steppes of the Tibetan Plateau and fed on low alpine grasses, forbes, and shrubs. They are hunted for their fur underneath. The underfur is called shahtoosh locally. It is used to weave luxury shawls. IUCN status – Near Threatened

Important articles

Cheetah reintroduction

Siachen and Karakoram range

Sources:

TOI

BUSINESS STANDARD

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following statements about the Tibetan Antelope:

It inhabits the high alpine steppes of the Tibetan Plateau.
The underfur called shahtoosh is used to weave luxury shawls.
They are categorised as endangered by IUCN.

Which of the above statements are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1, 2 and 3 only

D. None

Answer: A

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct:

They are locally called Chiru.

It inhabits the high alpine steppes of the Tibetan Plateau and feeds on low alpine grasses, forbes, and shrubs.

Statement 2 is correct:

They are hunted for their fur underneath.

The underfur is called shahtoosh locally. It is used to weave luxury shawls.

Statement 3 is incorrect:

IUCN status – Near Threatened

GANDHI SAGAR & KARAKORAM WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Context:

Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary(WS)

Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary