Introduction
Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary, is a protected area located in Sambalpur district of Odisha, India. It was established in 1962 and covers an area of 304.03 square kilometers. The sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, leopards, sloth bears, gaur, sambar, chital, and nilgai. It is also rich in avifauna, with over 200 species of birds recorded.
Geography and Vegetation
Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Mahanadi River basin. The sanctuary is characterized by dry deciduous forests, with sal being the dominant tree species. Other tree species found in the sanctuary include neem, acacia, sandalwood, arjun, and casuarinas. The sanctuary is also home to a variety of grasses and shrubs.
Wildlife
Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife, including:
- Tigers: Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the important tiger habitats in Odisha. The sanctuary has a population of around 15 tigers.
- Elephants: Elephants are another important wildlife species found in Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary has a population of around 35 elephants.
- Leopards: Leopards are also found in Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary. However, their population is relatively small.
- Sloth bears: Sloth bears are another unique wildlife species found in Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Gaur: Gaur, also known as Indian bison, are the largest wild cattle found in Asia. Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary has a healthy population of gaur.
- Sambar: Sambar are the largest deer species found in India. Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a good population of sambar.
- Chital: Chital, also known as spotted deer, are the most common deer species found in India. Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary has a large population of chital.
- Nilgai: Nilgai are the largest antelope species found in Asia. Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a small population of nilgai.
Avifauna
Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary is also rich in avifauna, with over 200 species of birds recorded. Some of the common bird species found in the sanctuary include:
- Peacocks
- Grey hornbills
- Indian peafowls
- Jungle fowls
- Red-wattled lapwings
- Indian rollers
- Kingfishers
- Woodpeckers
- Cuckoos
- Doves
- Parakeets
- Mynahs
Ecotourism
Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular destination for ecotourism. Visitors can enjoy jeep safaris to spot wildlife, nature walks, and birdwatching. The sanctuary also has a forest rest house where visitors can stay overnight.
Conservation Challenges
Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary faces a number of conservation challenges, including:
- Habitat loss and fragmentation: The sanctuary is surrounded by agricultural land and villages. This leads to habitat loss and fragmentation, which can make it difficult for wildlife to move around freely.
- Human-wildlife conflict: As the human population around the sanctuary grows, there is an increased risk of human-wildlife conflict. This can include crop raiding by elephants and leopard attacks on livestock.
- Poaching: Poaching is a serious problem in Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary. Tigers, elephants, and leopards are particularly vulnerable to poaching.
Conservation Efforts
The Forest Department of Odisha is taking a number of steps to conserve Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary. These include:
- Habitat restoration: The Forest Department is working to restore degraded habitats in the sanctuary.
- Community outreach: The Forest Department is working with local communities to raise awareness about wildlife conservation and reduce human-wildlife conflict.
- Anti-poaching measures: The Forest Department has deployed anti-poaching squads to patrol the sanctuary and prevent poaching.
Conclusion
Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary is a hidden gem in Odisha. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, leopards, sloth bears, gaur, sambar, chital, and nilgai. The sanctuary is also rich in avifauna, with over 200 species of birds recorded. Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular destination for ecotourism and offers visitors the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Odisha.
Best Time for Visit
The best time to visit Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the animals are most active. Visitors can book jeep safaris and nature walks through the Forest Department
FAQs for Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary:
Q. What is Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary known for?
A. Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse wildlife, including tigers, elephants, leopards, sloth bears, gaur, sambar, chital, and nilgai. It is also rich in avifauna, with over 200 species of birds recorded.
Q. When is the best time to visit Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary?
A. The best time to visit Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the animals are most active.
Q. How do I book a jeep safari in Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary?
A. Jeep safaris can be booked through the Forest Department of Odisha.
Q. How do I book a nature walk in Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary?
A. Nature walks can also be booked through the Forest Department of Odisha.
Q. Is there a forest rest house in Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary?
A. Yes, there is a forest rest house in Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary where visitors can stay overnight.
Q. What are some of the conservation challenges facing Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary?
A. Some of the conservation challenges facing Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary include habitat loss and fragmentation, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching.
Q. What are some of the conservation efforts being undertaken in Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary?
A. Some of the conservation efforts being undertaken in Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary include habitat restoration, community outreach, and anti-poaching measures.
Q. What are some tips for staying safe in Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary?
A. Some tips for staying safe in Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary include following the instructions of your guide, staying on designated trails, and being aware of your surroundings.
Q. What are some of the common bird species found in Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary?
A. Some of the common bird species found in Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary include peacocks, grey hornbills, Indian peafowls, jungle fowls, red-wattled lapwings, Indian rollers, kingfishers, woodpeckers, cuckoos, doves, parakeets, and mynahs.
Q. What is the significance of Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary?
A. Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary is a significant protected area in Odisha. It plays an important role in conserving the state’s rich biodiversity. The sanctuary also provides important ecosystem services, such as flood control and water purification.
Q. What can I do to help conserve Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary?
A. There are a number of things you can do to help conserve Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary. These include:
- Supporting conservation organizations that are working to protect the sanctuary.
- Reducing your own environmental impact by making sustainable choices in your daily life.
- Spreading awareness about the importance of conserving Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary.
