Punjab Wild life

<–2/”>a >Punjab Wild life

Punjab is one of the smallest states of India with an area of 50,362 sq.km. It is primarily an agrarian state with 84% area under intensive cultivation. Over time, partitioning of the original area of Punjab into various states and diversion of large areas of forestland for non-Forestry purposes such as agriculture and other developmental activities led to present day Punjab losing much of its forest and Biodiversity-2/”>Biodiversity. The remaining relict populations of conservation value are largely confined to some parts of plains and Shivalik region of Punjab. These are the areas which harbour natural biodiversity and provide a home to rare and endangered animals like Indus river dolphin, Pangolin, Otter and Python The important wild animals and birds in zoos and deer parks are Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian Lion, Hippopotamus, Lion tailed macaque, Baboon, Elephant, Sloth Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Zebra, Gaur, Gharial, Crocodile, various species of deer such as Chinkara, Black Buck, Swamp Deer, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Hog Deer, Wild Boar, Sambar, Blue Bull, Pangolin, Fishing Cat, Hog Deer, Python, Kaleej Pheasant, Red Jungle Fowl, Barking Deer, Smooth Indian Otter, seven species of turtles, Indus River Dolphin and more than 350 species of both native and migratory birds.
The important birds are Emu, Kaleej Pheasant, Silver Pheasant, Mangolian Pheasant, Golden Pheasant, Red Jungle Fowl, Painted Stork, Sarus Crane, etc.

The important wild animals found in nature are Black Buck has been declared as State Animal of Punjab vides Govt. notification. The State of Punjab is proud to have one of the largest Population of Black Bucks in Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary with approximately 3500 in number roaming freely in the wild.

Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary
Spreads over an area of 186.5 Sq. Kms. in Ferozepur District. The entire area of the sanctuary belongs to private farmlands belonging to thirteen Bishnoi Villages. Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary is an unique success story of Wildlife Conservation where Bishnoi community on its own has joined hands to protect the State Animal, Black Buck which is considered sacred by them. Blue Bull is another mammal protected religiously. The population of Black Buck has risen beyond 3000 which is the largest free ranging group surviving in Punjab plains. Watching the herds of this beautiful antelope in the wild is a feast to the eyes. Black buck, Blue Bull, Wild boar are in abundance in this sanctuary.

Bir Aishwan
Bir Aishwan is one of the most important first declared Wildlife Sanctuaries in Punjab. The management history of Bir Aishwan dates back to 1952 when it was first notified as a Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS). Blue Bull, Hare, Jungle Cat, Jackal, Rhesus Macaque, Peafowl, Black and Grey Partridges, Rose Ringed, Parakeets, Spotted Owlet can be watched in this sanctuary.

Bir Bhadson
Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the largest Protected Areas of Punjab falling in district Patiala which was also used by the erstwhile rulers of Patiala for hunting and shooting. It was preserved and maintained as a shikargah. It was declared as a protected forest and then as a Wildlife Sanctuary under the Fauna of Patiala Act. Blue Bull, Hare, Jungle Cat, Jackal, Rhesus Macaque, Peafowl, Black and Grey Partridges, Rose Ringed, Parakeets, Spotted Owlet can be observed roaming freely in this sanctuary.

Bir Gurdialpura
Wildlife Sanctuary was one of the important hunting reserves of the erstwhile rulers of Patiala state. It was declared a protected forest and then as a sanctuary under the Fauna of Patiala Act. The sanctuary has good ecological value has a good habitat for number of wild animals. Main wildlife species found in the sanctuary are Blue bull, Hog deer, Hare, Jungle cat, Jackal, Rhesus Monkeys, Peafowl, Rose, Black and Grey Partridges, Dove and Spotted owl.

Harike Wildlife Sanctuary
Harike Wildlife Sanctuary is situated at the confluence of Beas and Sutlej rivers bordering District Tarn Taran, Kapurthala and Ferozepur. This wetland ecosystem came into existence consequent to the construction of barrage in 1952, and is an internationally recognized Ramsar site which attracts one of the largest congregation of waterfalls in Northern India. It also supports a large variety of mammals, fish and avifauna. Bird-watching from close quarters is a major attraction of Harike Wetland. During winters the migratory birds arrive in thousands from Himalayas, Europe and Siberia and Harike is humming with its avian guests. Winter season is the best time of the year to visit Harike. Main wildlife species found in the sanctuary are large Cormorant, Darter, Purple moorhen, Bar headed goose, Pintail, Common teal, Shovellor, Common pochard, Red crested pochard, White-eyed pochard etc. Recognised as Ramsar site and attracts large number of migratory birds during the winter months. Recently, fresh water Dolphins have been reported in Harike Lake.

Jhajjar Bacholi
This Wild Life Sanctuary is located in close proximity of Anandpur Sahib town. The area is just on the boundary of Himachal Pradesh and occasional presence of leopards has been reported from this sanctuary. Being in the Shivaliks, it has good habitat diversity. Main wild life species found are Sambar, Barking Deer, Hare, Jackal, Leopard (Migratory), Python, Cobra, Rat Snake.

Bir Moti Bagh Wildlife Sanctuary
Bir Moti Bagh Wildlife Sanctuary was one of the important hunting reserves of the erstwhile rulers of Patiala state. It was declared a protected forest and then as a sanctuary under the Fauna of Patiala Act. On the way to sanctuary one can see historically significant monuments of Qila Mubarak, famous Baradari Gardens, National institute of Sports, Shish Mahal and North Zone Cultural Centre. A small zoo is located on the outskirts of this sanctuary. Main wildlife species found are Black buck, Chital, Hog deer, Blue bull, Wild boar, Jackal, Rhesus Monkeys, Peafowl, Brahminy Myna, Black and Grey Partridges and Quails.

Takhni-Rehmapur
Takhni-Rehmapur is a representative area of Shivalik range of the Himalayas passing through Ropar, Hoshiarpur and Gurdaspur District of Punjab bordering H.P. It is located in District Hoshiarpur near village Mehngrowal. Wildlife species found are Sambar, Hog deer, Barking Deer, Jungle Cat, Jackal, Black napped Hare, Mongoose, Leopard (migratory from Himachal Pradesh) Wild Boar, Pangolin, Rat Snake, Cobra, Python, Monitor Lizard, Garden Lizard and 88 species of Birds.

Prominent Flora And Fauna

Mammals

Various mammals such as Flying Fox, Smooth Indian Otter, Wildcat, Hog Deer, Squirrel, Common Mongoose, Wild Boar and Fruit bat are found here.

Birds

Especially in winters, one can see all types of foreign and migratory birds. Great Crested Grebe, Adjutant Stork, Pintail, White Necked Stork, Eastern Purple Heron, Glossy Ibis, Mallard, Spotbill Duck, Gadwall, Brahminy, Tailor Bird, Ruddy Sheduck, Wigeon, Peafowl and Coot, mostly fly here.

Reptiles And Amphibians

7 turtle species’ and also species of Tortoise, Snakes, Toads and Frogs, which are four in number, exist here.

Fishes

These waters are home to 16 types of fishes. Puntius, Channa, Abeo, Cirrhina, Cyperinus, Notopterus, Catla, Ambasis ranga and Mystus are the main species.

Plants

A variety of flora, which includes aquatic as well as terrestrial plants are also found here, and the important ones are Hydrilla, Typha, Phragmites, Ficus, Prosopis, Azolla, Dalbergia, Ipomoea aquatic, Zizyphus Mauritiana, Albizzia, Syzgium cumini, Grasses, Nelumbo and Cyprus.

Endangered Species

Some uncommon birds and animals such as Yellow-eyed Pigeon, Testudine turtle, Indian Skimmer, Falcated Teal, Rufous-vented Prinia , Scaup Duck, etc. can be seen here.

Punjab is a state in northwestern India. It is bordered by the states of Haryana to the south, Himachal Pradesh to the east, Jammu and Kashmir to the north, and Pakistan to the west. The state has a population of over 28 million people and a land area of over 50,000 square kilometers.

Punjab is a land of contrasts. It is home to both the fertile plains of the Indo-Gangetic Plain and the rugged Mountains of the Himalayas. The state is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, rhinoceroses, and a variety of birds and reptiles.

The wildlife of Punjab is facing a number of threats, including habitat loss, poaching, and the illegal wildlife trade. In recent years, there have been a number of high-profile cases of poaching in Punjab, including the killing of a tiger in the Sariska Tiger Reserve in 2018. The illegal wildlife trade is also a major threat to wildlife in Punjab. Tigers, leopards, and other endangered species are often killed for their body parts, which are used in traditional Chinese medicine.

The government of Punjab is taking a number of steps to conserve wildlife in the state. The Punjab Wildlife Department is responsible for managing the state’s wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. The department also conducts anti-poaching operations and works to educate the public about the importance of wildlife conservation.

A number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are also working to conserve wildlife in Punjab. These NGOs work to protect wildlife habitats, raise awareness about the threats facing wildlife, and support anti-poaching efforts.

The future of wildlife in Punjab depends on the efforts of the government, NGOs, and the public. If these efforts are successful, Punjab’s wildlife can continue to thrive for generations to come.

Here is a list of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Punjab:

Bir Shikargah Wildlife Sanctuary
Chakk Behl Wildlife Sanctuary
Dera Baba Nanak Wildlife Sanctuary
Harike Pattan Wildlife Sanctuary
Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
Lakhanpur Wildlife Sanctuary
Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary
Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary
Shahpur Kandi Wildlife Sanctuary
Talwara Wildlife Sanctuary

Here is a list of birds found in Punjab:

Amur falcon
Bar-headed goose
Black-necked crane
Common crane
Eurasian spoonbill
Great cormorant
Grey heron
Great egret
Lesser whistling duck
Little cormorant
Northern shoveler
Painted stork
Red-necked grebe
Sarus crane
Spot-billed duck
White-necked stork
White stork

Here is a list of mammals found in Punjab:

Asiatic elephant
Blackbuck
Chital
Chousingha
Gir lion
Indian gazelle
Indian hare
Indian pangolin
Indian rhinoceros
Jackal
Leopard
Nilgai
Porcupine
Reindeer
Sambar
Tiger
Wild boar

Here is a list of reptiles found in Punjab:

Common Indian monitor
Indian cobra
Indian rock python
Indian rat snake
Indian sand boa
King cobra
Olive ridley sea turtle
Python molurus
Russell’s viper
Saw-scaled viper
Tortoise

Here is a list of amphibians found in Punjab:

Common Indian toad
Indian bullfrog
Indian tree frog
Painted frog
Purple frog
Rana tigrina
Spotted frog
Striped frog

Here is a list of fishes found in Punjab:

Barbus
Catla
Channa
Clarias
Cyprinus carpio
Etroplus suratensis
Labeo rohita
Macrobrachium rosenbergii
Oreochromis niloticus
Puntius sophore
Rasbora
**Tilapia

What is wildlife?

Wildlife is the collective term for all non-domesticated plants and animals. It includes mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, and plants.

What are the benefits of wildlife?

Wildlife provides many benefits to humans, including:

Food: Many people rely on wildlife for food, such as fish, game meat, and honey.
Medicine: Some plants and animals are used to make medicines.
Tourism: Wildlife tourism is a major Source Of Income for many countries.
Education: Wildlife can be used to educate people about the natural world.
Research: Wildlife is used in research to learn about the natural world and to develop new technologies.

What are the threats to wildlife?

Wildlife is threatened by a number of factors, including:

Habitat loss: As humans develop land, they often destroy or fragment wildlife habitat. This can make it difficult for wildlife to find food, shelter, and mates.
Hunting: Hunting is a major threat to many species of wildlife. Some animals are hunted for their fur, meat, or other body parts.
Poaching: Poaching is the illegal hunting of wildlife. Poachers often kill animals for their body parts, which are sold on the black market.
Pollution: Pollution can harm wildlife in a number of ways. Air Pollution can cause respiratory problems in animals. Water Pollution can contaminate food and water sources.
Climate change: Climate Change is causing changes in the Earth’s climate, which is having a negative impact on wildlife. For example, rising sea levels are inundating coastal habitats, and changes in temperature are disrupting Migration patterns.

What can we do to help wildlife?

There are many things we can do to help wildlife, including:

Conserve habitat: We can conserve wildlife habitat by protecting forests, wetlands, and other natural areas.
Reduce pollution: We can reduce pollution by driving less, using less energy, and recycling.
Support sustainable businesses: We can support businesses that are committed to protecting wildlife.
Educate others: We can educate others about the importance of wildlife and the threats it faces.
Get involved: We can get involved in wildlife conservation by volunteering for a conservation organization or donating to a conservation fund.

What is the future of wildlife?

The future of wildlife is uncertain. The threats to wildlife are many and varied, and it is unclear whether we will be able to protect wildlife from these threats. However, there are many people who are working to conserve wildlife, and there is still hope for the future of wildlife.

Which of the following is not a type of wildlife?
(A) Mammals
(B) Birds
(C) Fish
(D) Plants
Which of the following is the largest land mammal in the world?
(A) Elephant
(B) Rhinoceros
(C) Giraffe
(D) Lion
Which of the following is the fastest land animal in the world?
(A) Cheetah
(B) Gazelle
(C) Antelope
(D) Zebra
Which of the following is the only bird that can fly backwards?
(A) Hummingbird
(B) Owl
(C) Parrot
(D) Eagle
Which of the following is the largest fish in the world?
(A) Whale shark
(B) Basking shark
(C) Great white shark
(D) Tiger shark
Which of the following is the most common type of plant in the world?
(A) Grass
(B) Tree
(C) Flower
(D) Fern
Which of the following is the tallest tree in the world?
(A) Redwood
(B) Sequoiadendron giganteum
(C) Eucalyptus regnans
(D) Douglas fir
Which of the following is the most common type of flower in the world?
(A) Rose
(B) Lily
(C) Tulip
(D) Daisy
Which of the following is the most common type of fern in the world?
(A) Bracken fern
(B) Maidenhair fern
(C) Boston fern
(D) Sword fern
Which of the following is the most endangered type of wildlife in the world?
(A) Giant panda
(B) Black rhinoceros
(C) Sumatran tiger
(D) Blue whale