Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary

Latest News (2023)

• Camera Trap Initiative: Delhi’s Forest and Wildlife Department plans to install 45 motion-based camera traps across the sanctuary to monitor wildlife activity.

  • Purpose: Collect data on species diversity, behavior, and population trends, with a focus on leopards, hyenas, and migratory birds.

  • Significance: Enhances conservation strategies and strengthens protection against poaching and habitat encroachment.

Overview

• Location:

  • Spread across the South Delhi Ridge of the Aravalli Range, near the Delhi-Haryana border.

  • Part of the Southern Ridge, merging with the Indo-Gangetic Plain.

• Ecological Role:

  • A critical node in the North Aravalli Leopard Wildlife Corridor, connecting Sariska National Park (Rajasthan) to the Delhi Ridge.

  • Acts as a green lung for Delhi, mitigating urban heat and air pollution.

Vegetation

• Classification:

  • Northern Tropical Thorn Forests (Champion & Seth, 1968), adapted to arid conditions.

• Key Features:

  • Xerophytic Adaptations: Thorny stems, waxy/succulent leaves, and hairy surfaces to minimize water loss.

• Dominant Flora:

  • Trees: Neem, Peepal, Jamun, Dhau, Ber.

  • Shrubs: Kair, Hingot, Aak.

  • Grasses: Sarkanda, Dhub.

Fauna

1. Mammals:

   • Nilgai, Indian Porcupine, Indian Hare, Indian Grey Mongoose, Golden Jackal, and occasional Leopards (via the wildlife corridor).

   • Hyenas and Jungle Cats are also reported.

2. Birds:

   • Over 200 species, including Indian Peafowl, Red Junglefowl, Indian Grey Hornbill, Parakeets, Owls, and migratory birds like Siberian Cranes (winter).

3. Reptiles & Insects:

   • Monitor Lizards, Indian Cobras, and diverse butterfly species.

Conservation Challenges

• Urban Pressures: Encroachment, illegal mining, and waste dumping threaten habitat integrity.

• Human-Wildlife Conflict: Rising leopard sightings near urban zones due to corridor fragmentation.

• Climate Impact: Prolonged droughts stress native vegetation.

Key Takeaways

• Asola Bhatti is a biodiversity hotspot in Delhi, preserving rare flora and fauna amid urban sprawl.

• The camera trap project aims to safeguard wildlife and restore ecological balance in the Aravalli corridor.

• Conservation efforts are vital to counter habitat loss and maintain Delhi’s green cover.

FAQs

1. Where is the sanctuary located?

   • South Delhi Ridge, straddling the Delhi-Haryana border.

2. Role in wildlife corridors?

   • Part of the North Aravalli Leopard Corridor, linking Sariska (Rajasthan) to Delhi.

3. Vegetation type?

   • Northern Tropical Thorn Forests, adapted to arid climates.