Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary located in Kalahandi district of Odisha state of India. It is located about 15 km from Bhawanipatna , the district headquarters . The area of the sanctuary is 175 square kilometers. The sanctuary falls under the eastern hill moist deciduous forest ecosystem.
Geographical situation
Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary Located at 19° 30′ north latitude and 82° 30′ east longitude. This sanctuary is situated amidst the hills of the Eastern Ghats. The average altitude of the sanctuary ranges from 600 meters to 1200 meters. Many rivers and streams flow through the sanctuary , the major ones being Kolab River , Dantewada River , and Teerbhuvan River.
Vegetation
Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary consists mainly of mixed deciduous forests and scrub. Trees like Sal , Bija , Asan , Haridra , Amaltas , Bahra and bamboo and various types of medicinal plants are found in the forest. Many species of vegetation are found in the sanctuary , the main ones being –
- Trees: Sal , Bija , Asan , Haridra , Amaltas , Bahda , Bamboo , Neem , Jamun , Banyan , Bad , and others.
- Shrubs: Karanj , Khair , Kachnar , Dhak , and others.
- Medicinal Plants: Arjuna , Harad , Bahera , Neem , Amla , and others.
wildlife
Many wildlife species are found in Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary , the major ones being –
- Mammals: Tiger , leopard , sambar , nilgai , barasingha , chital , porcupine , peacock , vulture , and others.
- Birds: Peacock , vulture , quail , pigeon , parrot , myna , and others.
- Reptiles: Crocodiles , snakes , lizards , and others.
The number of tigers in Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary is more than 31 . This sanctuary is important for tiger conservation. The sanctuary also has a good number of other wildlife.
Tourism
Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary is also a tourist destination. Tourists can go on safari in the forests of the sanctuary. The sanctuary also has a tower from where tourists can have a beautiful view of the forests.
Safari in Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary
Safari is a popular activity at Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary . There are two main routes for safari in the sanctuary:
- Karlapat Road: This route passes through the northern part of the sanctuary. Chances of seeing tigers and other wildlife are high on this route.
- Collab route: This route passes through the southern part of the sanctuary. Chances of seeing wild boar , leopard and other wildlife are high on this route .
Places to visit around Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary
There are many places to visit around Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary . These include:
- Bhawanipatna: It is the headquarters of Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary . There are many historical sites and temples here.
- Kolab Falls: It is a beautiful waterfall located near Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary .
- Dantewada Sanctuary: This is another wildlife sanctuary located near Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary . There are good numbers of tigers , leopards and other wildlife here.
Tips for visiting Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary
The following are suggestions for visiting Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary :
- Leave early in the morning for a safari in the sanctuary. Chances of seeing wildlife are higher at this time.
- Be well prepared for the safari in the sanctuary. You should wear comfortable shoes and clothes.
- Do not disturb the wildlife during safari in the sanctuary. Watch them from a distance.
- Carry water and other essentials with you during safari in the sanctuary.
Sanctuary Challenges
Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary is facing many challenges , the major ones being –
- Poaching: Poaching is a major challenge in the sanctuary. Tigers and other wildlife are poached.
- Illegal Mining: Illegal mining is also a challenge in the sanctuary. Wildlife habitat is being destroyed due to mining.
- Climate Change: The wildlife habitat in the sanctuary is under increasing threat due to climate change.
To protect the sanctuary
The following measures should be taken to protect Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary –
- Strict measures should be taken to stop poaching and illegal mining in the sanctuary. For this, adequate security forces should be deployed in the sanctuary. There should be provision for strict punishment in cases of poaching and illegal mining.
- Awareness campaigns should be conducted for the conservation of wildlife in the sanctuary. Local people should be made aware about the importance of wildlife and the need for their conservation.
- Measures should be taken to reduce the effects of climate change. For this, tree plantation campaigns should be conducted in the sanctuary. Steps should be taken for forest conservation in the areas surrounding the sanctuary.
To stop poaching and illegal mining in the sanctuary
Poaching and illegal mining are a major problem in Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary . Due to these, the habitat of wildlife is being destroyed and the number of wildlife is decreasing.
The following measures can be taken to prevent poaching and illegal mining in the sanctuary:
- Adequate security forces should be deployed in the sanctuary. These security forces should be given special training to prevent poaching and illegal mining.
- There should be provision for strict punishment in cases of poaching and illegal mining. This will help in stopping poachers and illegal miners.
- Local people should be made aware about the ill effects of poaching and illegal mining. This will help in preventing local people from indulging in these activities.
To conserve wildlife in the sanctuary
A wide range of wildlife is found in Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary . Following measures can be taken to conserve these wildlife:
- The wildlife habitat in the sanctuary should be preserved. For this, tree plantation campaigns should be conducted in the sanctuary.
- Wildlife should be monitored in the sanctuary. For this, camera traps and other equipment can be used in the sanctuary.
- Awareness campaigns should be conducted for the conservation of wildlife in the sanctuary.
To reduce the effects of climate change
The wildlife habitat in the sanctuary is under increasing threat due to climate change. The following measures can be taken to reduce the effects of climate change:
- Tree plantation campaigns should be conducted in the sanctuary. This will reduce the amount of carbon dioxide and increase the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere.
- Solar power and other renewable energy sources should be used in the sanctuary. This will reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Steps should be taken for forest conservation in the areas surrounding the sanctuary. This will preserve the habitat of wildlife.
Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary is an important wildlife sanctuary of Odisha. Everyone should make joint efforts to protect and preserve this sanctuary.
