Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary
Eight booths located inside Sunabeda wildlife sanctuaries recorded 70 percent polling in the bypoll to the Nuapada assembly seat.
About Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary
The Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary is a proposed tiger reserve located in the Nuapada district of Odisha, bordering Chhattisgarh. The sanctuary, established in 1988, is known for its diverse habitats, including a vast plateau, valleys, gorges, and waterfalls.
Wildlife and Biodiversity
- Mammals: The sanctuary is a critical habitat for many species, including tigers, leopards, hyenas, Indian bison (gaur), sambar, barking deer, chital, and sloth bears. It is also a migration corridor for the rare wild buffalo from Chhattisgarh's Udanti and Sitanadi forests.
- Birds: Sunabeda is home to numerous bird species, with vultures, hill mynah, peafowl, purple herons, and common kingfishers being among the recorded sightings.
- Vegetation: The sanctuary is characterized by dry deciduous tropical forests, featuring trees such as teak, sandalwood, sal, and bija.
Key attractions
- Waterfalls: The sanctuary is home to many waterfalls, including the prominent Beniadhus and Kharaldhus waterfalls. These falls are particularly magnificent during the monsoon season.
- Water bodies: The Jonk River, which flows through the sanctuary, feeds many of its waterfalls. Other significant water sources include the Darri water body and one with year-round lotus blooms.
- Religious and historical sites: Within the sanctuary's periphery, you can find ancient temples dedicated to deities like Lord Shiva and Lord Jagannath, as well as a 50-foot tall statue of Lord Hanuman.
Conservation status
- Proposed Tiger Reserve: The sanctuary has received "in-principle" approval from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to become a tiger reserve. This proposal aims to create a larger, protected habitat for tigers by including the adjacent Patdhara forest block.
- Conservation efforts: Organizations like Wild Orissa are working to raise awareness and promote conservation in the region. However, the sanctuary faces challenges from illegal logging, grazing, and encroachment.
