The mysteries of nature have always intrigued the human race that constantly strives to unearth the hidden secrets of the world. An excursion to a wildlife sanctuary can take us closer to this world and refresh our senses from the monotony of everyday life. India has number of renowned wildlife sanctuaries with flora and fauna wealth in abundance. Situated at a distance of 245 kms from Lucknow, the Katarniaghat wildlife sanctuary is one such happy abode of the wildlife, which will mesmerize you with its picturesque beauty and the thrill of the wild. A visit to the sanctuary will be both a joyful and adventurous trip for your entire family, all the more, because it is one of the little known sanctuaries with very few visitors to mar the tranquillity of the place. Wildlife parks are always very exciting to visit as the very thought of seeing a tiger, or a bear, in the open, roaming freely is enough to stimulate you.Wildlife sanctuaries are the best destinations to uncover the secrets of this enigmatic world, as it pairs amusement, adventure and enjoyment together. You can get the requisite information on Katarniaghat Wildlife sanctuary through the following information on it.
Establishment and Landscape
The wildlife sanctuary came into being on 31st May 1976. The region comprises of six divisions with four situated in the core area and the other two in the buffer area of the wildlife sanctuary. It is a protected area for biodiversity preservation under the jurisdiction of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and the U.P Wildlife Protection Rules 1974, prohibiting hunting, killing, and catching of animals and birds.
The Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Upper Gangetic Plains of Uttar Pradesh. It is a great natural and lush green spread covering an area of approximately 400 sq. kms in the Terai region of the Bahraich District of Uttar Pradesh. The wildlife sanctuary has two rivers namely Girwa and Kodiala Rivers flowing through it to support the flora and fauna.
The sanctuary was brought under the scope of “Project Tiger”in the year 1987. The Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary is also a part of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve along with the Dudhwa National Park and the Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary. The location is such that it connects the Tiger habitats of the Dudhwa and Kishanpur in India and the Bardia National Park, Nepal. The sanctuary, which is a paradise for nature lovers, bird watchers, and environmentalists, is also a promising destination for tourists and local visitors.
Flora and Fauna Wealth
The Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary is a habitat that is naturally blessed with ample flora and fauna. Being located in the Terai ecosystem, it is a thriving ground for both flora and fauna to breed and flourish. The floral diversity of the region comprises of Sal and Teak forests, swamps, marshes and wetlands including lush grasslands. The biodiversity in the plant life is enormous with greenery all around. The sanctuary houses 95 species of trees, 28 climbers, 23 grass species, and 57 shrub species. All this makes the sanctuary a beautiful place, full of scenic beauty, and a delight for visitors.
The fauna of the wildlife sanctuary is very rich comprising of Tiger, Leopard, Chital, Kankar, Flying Squirrel, Swamp Deer, Blue Bull (Bison), Black buck, Sambhar, Wild Boar, Jackal, Four-Horned Antelope, Elephant, Bear, Deer, Barking Deer, Peafowl, Indian Gazelle, Rhinoceros and many other animals to make your trip exciting. The aquatic animals include Dolphins, Ghariyals, Crocodiles, Tortoise, Beaver, Python and fishes such as Rohu, Parhin, Nain, Tongan, Bhakun, Belgagra, karaunch and many more.
A Ghariyal at Katarniaghat wildlife sanctuary, among the best destinations in the world for observe them in their natural habitat.
The rivers running in the sanctuary are natural hosts for crocodiles and therefore, a Crocodile Farm was established in 1972 at Katarniaghat. Artificial hatching of crocodiles was done to protect the breed of the crocodiles, which is now a natural hatchery. In fact, the Girwa River has Ghariyals with Muggers, to compliment the reptile species.
Recently, Herpetofauna such as Burmese Rock Python, Yellow-Speckled Wolf Snake, and Paradise Flying Snake have been discovered in the Katarniaghat Wildlife sanctuary. In the year 2012, the rare Indian Snake species called Red Coral Kukri was also seen in the sanctuary.
The Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary has dense forests that make it a favourable destination for birds of varied types. The wildlife sanctuary is a thorough delight for people interested in watching the beautiful avian fauna making the trees of the dense forests their cosy and happy abode. The area has 350 different species of birds such as India Cormorant, Darter, Grey Heron, Painted Stork, Wooly Necked Stork, Black Ibis, Spoonbill, Asian Openbill, Lesser Whistling Teal, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Red Wattled Lapwing, River Lapwing, Black-Winged Stilt, Common Coot, Pied Kingfisher, White-Throated Kingfisher, Great Crested Grebe, Peasan- Tailed Jacana, Bronze-Winged Jacana, Tufted Poachard and other migratory birds such as Red-Crested Pochard, Shelduck and Khachaincha for a brief stay during winters. You can also spot Shikra, Red-Headed Vulture, Cinereous Vulture, White-Rumped Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Fish eagle, Bee eater, Long Billed Vulture, Indian Roller, Grey Headed Fish Eagle, Rocket Tailed Drongo, Black Hooded Oriole, Rufous Treepie among the other birds on trees.
The grasslands also act as a suitable habitat for animals such as Red Jungle Fowl, White Wagtail, Bengal Florican, White Francolin, and Paddyfield Pipit.This vast variety of birds and animals is sure to make your trip exciting. It also has a Boat Ride and Elephant Ride for the tourists to add to the enjoyment quotient.
The Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful place for a pleasure trip not too far from Lucknow. So, plan a trip to the wildlife sanctuary to have a real time glimpse into the mysteries of the wild.
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