Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary

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Latest News 

  • Poaching Incident: A poacher was arrested, while his accomplice fled after a clash with forest guards in Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, Balasore (Odisha).

    • Significance: Highlights ongoing challenges in combating wildlife crime and protecting endangered species like elephants and leopards.

Overview

  • Location: Balasore District, Odisha, in the Eastern Ghats (Chota Nagpur Plateau region).

  • Area: 272 sq. km, forming part of the Similipal-Kuldiha-Hadgarh Elephant Reserve.

  • Connectivity: Linked to Similipal Tiger Reserve via the Nato and Sukhupada Hill ranges.

  • Hydrology: Fed by the Kuldiha stream and its tributaries.

Ecological Significance

  • Elephant Conservation: Critical corridor for Asiatic elephants, facilitating migration between Similipal and Kuldiha.

  • Biodiversity Hotspot: Part of the Eastern Highlands moist deciduous forests ecoregion.

Vegetation

  • Forest Types:

    • Peninsular Sal Forests: Dominated by Sal (Shorea robusta).

    • Moist Mixed Deciduous Forests: Includes species like Jamun (Syzygium cumini), Piyasal (Pterocarpus marsupium), and Simul (Bombax ceiba).

Fauna

Category Key Species
Mammals Asiatic Elephant, Leopard, Gaur, Mouse Deer, Pangolin, Giant Squirrel, Ratel.
Birds Hill Myna, Hornbills, Eagles, Woodpeckers.
Threatened Species Asian Elephant (Endangered), Leopard (Vulnerable), Pangolin (Critically Endangered).

Conservation Challenges

  1. Poaching: Targeting elephants for ivory and leopards for pelts.

  2. Habitat Fragmentation: Due to encroachment and infrastructure projects.

  3. Human-Wildlife Conflict: Elephants straying into villages near sanctuary borders.

Key Initiatives

  • Anti-Poaching Measures: Enhanced patrolling and community vigilance programs.

  • Corridor Protection: Ensuring connectivity with Similipal for elephant migration.

  • Awareness Campaigns: Engaging local communities in conservation efforts.

Key Takeaways

  • Kuldiha is a vital elephant habitat and biodiversity refuge in Eastern India.

  • Recent poaching incidents underscore the need for strengthened forest security.

  • Conservation success hinges on community participation and corridor preservation.

FAQs

  1. Where is Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary located?

    • Balasore District, Odisha, India.

  2. Which larger reserve does it belong to?

    • Similipal-Kuldiha-Hadgarh Elephant Reserve.

  3. What vegetation dominates the sanctuary?

    • Peninsular Sal forests and moist mixed deciduous forests.

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