Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary - UPSC Notes | Testbook

Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary is an oasis of green amidst the hustle and bustle of New Delhi, India. Spanning an area of 32.71 square kilometers, the sanctuary is a haven for wildlife, offering a glimpse into the diverse ecosystem of the Aravalli hills.

This article takes a close look at the seed bank project happening at the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary. It shares important information about why the sanctuary is essential for the environment. This is particularly useful for those preparing for the IAS exam and focusing on the environment and ecology section.

Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary is a important topic for the UPSC IAS exam. It covers a significant part of the ‘Environment & Ecology – General Studies - 3’ syllabus and current events of national importance in UPSC prelims. 

About Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary

Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1986 to protect the remnant Aravalli forests and the rich biodiversity they harbor. The sanctuary is an important wildlife corridor, linking the Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan to the Delhi Ridge. It plays a crucial role in the conservation of leopards, which are a Schedule I endangered species in India.

Flora and Fauna of Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary

Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including:

Flora

• Trees: Dhok (Anogeissus pendula), teak (Tectona grandis), sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo), khejri (Prosopis cineraria), neem (Azadirachta indica), ber (Ziziphus mauritiana), babool (Acacia nilotica)
• Shrubs: Carissa spinarum, Lantana camara, Zizyphus nummularia, Capparis spinosa, Maytenus emarginatus
• Grasses: Heteropogon contortus, Apluda mutica, Eremochloa ophiuroides, Dichanthium annulatum, Pennisetum typhoideum
• Herbs: Aerva javanica, Boerhavia diffusa, Achyranthes aspera, Tribulus terrestris, Cynodon dactylon.

Fauna

• Mammals: Leopard (Panthera pardus), nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus), blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra), black-naped hare (Lepus nigricollis), Indian gray mongoose (Herpestes edwardsii), Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus), Indian crested porcupine (Hystrix indica), golden jackal (Canis aureus), jungle cat (Felis chaus)
• Birds: Indian vulture (Gyps indicus), crested hawk-eagle (Nisaetus cirrhatus), red-wattled lapwing (Vanellus indicus), painted spurfowl (Galloperdix lunulata), Indian robin (Saxicoloides fulicatus), common woodshrike (Lanius cristatus), sirkeer malkoha (Phaenicophaeus pyrrhocephalus), Indian scops owl (Otus bakkamena)
• Reptiles: Indian rock python (Python molurus), Indian cobra (Naja naja), common krait (Bungarus caeruleus), Indian monitor lizard (Varanus bengalensis), spotted pond tortoise (Geochelone denticulata)
• Amphibians: Common toad (Bufo melanostictus), Indian bullfrog (Hoplobatrachus tigerinus), Indian green frog (Rhacophorus macrodactylus)
• Butterflies: Common Indian crow (Euploea core), blue admiral (Limenitis archippus), common gray butterfly (Lycaena pheretes), common mime (Junonia hierta), red pierid (Artogeia janata)
• Other insects: Dragonflies, damselflies, bees, wasps, ants, termites

Study the article Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary here.

Asola Bhatti Sanctuary Seed Bank Initiative

The Asola Bhatti Sanctuary Seed Bank Initiative is a collaborative effort between the Forest Department and the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) aimed at conserving and restoring the native plant species of the Aravalli hills in Delhi, India. The initiative involves collecting, storing, and propagating seeds of native plants, with the ultimate goal of reintroducing these species to the sanctuary and raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity.

Objectives

• To preserve the genetic diversity of native plant species in the Aravallis
• To reintroduce native plant species that have disappeared or become rare in the sanctuary
• To raise awareness about the importance of native plants and their role in maintaining healthy ecosystems
• To create a sustainable source of native plant saplings for afforestation and landscaping projects

Key Activities

• Collection of seeds from native plants across Delhi and other parts of the Aravalli range
• Processing and storage of seeds in a climate-controlled facility
• Propagation of seeds in a nursery to raise saplings for reintroduction
• Monitoring of reintroduced plant populations to assess their success
• Outreach and education programs to promote the importance of native plants

Study in detail about Biosphere Reserve In India for UPSC preparation!

Benefits

• Conservation of native plant species and their associated biodiversity
• Restoration of the natural ecosystem of the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary
• Improved air quality and reduced soil erosion
• Enhanced aesthetic appeal and recreational opportunities for visitors
• Education and awareness about the importance of native plants

Also Read Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary.

Ecotourism and Visitor Attractions

Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular ecotourism destination, offering visitors a chance to experience nature amidst the urban sprawl of Delhi. The sanctuary has a network of walking trails and observation towers, providing opportunities for wildlife spotting and nature walks. Neeli Jheel, a large quarry lake, is a popular spot for birdwatching. The sanctuary also has a visitor center with exhibitions on the flora and fauna of the region.

Conclusion

Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary is a valuable resource for the conservation of wildlife and the preservation of the Aravalli hills. By visiting the sanctuary, you can contribute to the protection of this important ecosystem and experience the beauty of nature in the heart of Delhi.

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