- Hazaribag also spelled:
- Hazaribagh
Hazaribag Wildlife Sanctuary
Where is Hazaribag Wildlife Sanctuary located?
Why was Hazaribag Wildlife Sanctuary not designated as a national park?
What conservation issues does Hazaribag Wildlife Sanctuary face?
Hazaribag Wildlife Sanctuary, wildlife sanctuary in the state of Jharkhand in India. The sanctuary is situated on the hilly Chota Nagpur plateau at an average elevation of 2,000 feet (610 meters), about 55 miles (90 km) north of Ranchi, the state capital. Established in 1954, it covers an area of 71.9 square miles (186.3 square km). The park has observation towers connected by all-weather roads that facilitate wildlife viewing. Several salt licks have been constructed for the wild animals.
Flora and fauna
The hills of Hazaribag Wildlife Sanctuary are covered by a dense forest of sal (Shorea robusta) that provides habitat for sloth bears, black bears, several varieties of deer, wild pigs, hyenas, and many species of birds, including peafowl, red jungle fowl, and green pigeons. By the end of the 20th century, hunting and poaching had wiped out the sanctuary’s tigers. Soon after, the sambar deer—the tigers’ primary prey—also disappeared from the area. The loss of these key species disrupted the ecosystem and adversely affected other apex predators, such as leopards, wild dogs, and wolves. The forest is infrequently visited by tigers dispersing from the Palamu Tiger Reserve, located about 105 miles (170 km) from Ranchi.
Between 1955 and 1976, the Forest Department pursued plans to designate Hazaribag Wildlife Sanctuary as a national park. During this period, the area was promoted as a national park pending formal approval. However, in 1976, its status as a wildlife sanctuary was officially reaffirmed. Despite this, the region continues to be informally referred to as a national park.
Conservation issues
Besides illegal hunting and poaching, unchecked construction poses a major threat to the sanctuary and its wildlife. Mining for stone and coal has depleted large tracts of the forest and created large craters that pose a risk to roaming wildlife. The fragile ecosystem is also threatened by increased tourism and vehicular pollution.
