Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary

Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the south eastern region of the Pratapgarh district of the Indian state Rajasthan, is a wildlife refuge encompassing dense forested area. The sanctuary was notified by Government of Rajasthan in the year 1979. It includes a huge expanse of 422.95 square kilometres which covers about 40 percent of the total land area in the district. It serves as a major tourist attraction of Pratapgarh. The undulating topography of the region witnesses the confluence of three different geological formations namely Aravali ranges, Vindhyachal Hills and Malwa Plateau.

Geography of Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary
Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary lies at an altitude ranging from 280 and 600 metres above average sea level. It receives an average rainfall of about 756 millimetres annually. During summers the temperature varies from 32 to 45 degree Celsius whereas during winters it varies from 6 to 14 degree Celsius. Seasonal rivers including Tankiya, Budhho, Sitamata, Karmoi and Jakham meander through the dense forest among which Jakham is the most significant one.

Flora of Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary
The main vegetation of Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary comprises dry deciduous forest which exhibits an extremely rich flora. Most of the vegetation in the sanctuary consists of Teak with high building value. Other trees include Neem, Babool, Peepal, Tendu, Salar, Bamboo, Ashok, Arinja, Mahua, Amla, Semal, Bel and many others. Shrubs and climbers are also found in abundance. Several herbs having high medicinal value grow in the forest out of which 17 varieties belong to the endangered species. In olden days, 1828 AD, a separate state forest department was established for managing the rich biodiversity of this region.

Fauna of Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary
Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary is a paradise for bird watchers as the place hosts a huge assemblage of exotic birds including both native as well as migratory. Common varieties found here comprise White Necked Stork, Painted Stork, Little Egret, Lesser Whistling Thrush, Black-Winged Stilt, Red Turtle Dove, Green Pigeon, Rose-Ringed Parakeet and others. The birds Black-Necked Monarch and White-Throated Ground Thrush were discovered in the sanctuary only. Vegetarian Mammal Flying Squirrel is the most attractive member of Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary which glides from one tree to another. Having nocturnal feeding activities, these species hides in the hollow of Mahua tree during day time. Other fauna of the sanctuary include Wild Bear, Spotted Deer, Porcupine, Jungle Cat, Jackal, Hyena, Leopard, Pangolin, Caracal, Four-Horned Antelope, Deer and others.

Visiting Information
Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary is best visited between the period of October and February. It is well connected with major Indian cities through roadways. Mandsaur (in Madhya Pradesh) situated at a distance of 28 kilometres is the nearest railway station whereas Dabok Airport in Udaipur, 145 kilometres away is a nearest airport. The sanctuary also hosts the Valmiki Ashram which is believed to be the birthplace of Luv and Kush of the Hindu epic Ramayana. Hanuman and Sitamata temples are also located here which possesses mythological as well as historical significance. Lakhiya Bhata, situated near the sanctuary is another tourist attraction which houses a series of engravings depicting prehistoric animals. In the month of July an annual fair is held in the sanctuary.

Rajasthan Wildlife

Rajasthan brings to mind the images of forts, palaces, lakes, colourful festivals and the mighty Thar Desert. Rajasthan is a land of varied topography, ranging from the semi green forests of Mount Abu to dry grasslands of the desert, and from the dry deciduous thorn forest of Aravali to wetlands of Bharatpur. Each of these areas is home to variety of rare as well as endangered animal and bird species. The sanctuaries and the wildlife parks here attract the migratory birds and become their temporary home. Migratory birds like the common crane, ducks, coots, pelicans and the rare Siberian cranes, imperial sand grouse, falcons, buzzards flocks to this state during the winter season. In the season time, the whole place echoes with enchanting sounds and fascinating visuals against the sprawling meadow of flora. Each of these areas is a haven for a wide spectrum of wildlife, bestowing the state with some of the most fascinating wildlife sanctuaries in India.

With its unconventional beauty and varied attractions, Rajasthan simply charms its way into our hearts. However, there is another aspect of Rajasthan that draws visitors in hordes. Well, it is Rajasthan's rich wildlife that makes adventure lovers and wildlife enthusiasts flock its national parks and wildlife sanctuaries every year. A very well known fact is that Rajasthan has a variety of flora and fauna. Rajasthan is the haven of the tigers and many endangered species. Rajasthan is the home of some rare species of tigers, blackbucks, chinkara, the desert fox, the endangered caracal, the great Indian bustard, gavial, monitor lizard, wild boars, porcupine, etc. The leopard (panther) here is found in forests and in open degraded forest areas with rocky outcrops adjoining towns and villages. Each type of ecosystem is host to some rare species, so they have been marked as special area wildlife.

Rajasthan boasts of three national parks and over a dozen sanctuaries that offer a fascinating variety of birds and beasts, of flora and fauna and of hilly and forested terrain. Most of these areas are open to visitors round the year but are closed briefly during the monsoon. The wildlife sanctuaries in Rajasthan offer some of the best wildlife tours in India and can be explored either by jeep or on elephant back. So, get set for a jeep or elephant safari and enjoy a close encounter with the wild beasts and beautiful birds in their natural habitat. For those looking for adventure, these wildlife sanctuaries of Rajasthan provide the kind of excitement that really makes the adrenaline flow.

The Nahargarh Biological Park has a variety of vegetation and several species of wild beasts. The Jhalana Nature Trail, Arboretum Park, Amrita Devi Park and Machia Safari Park are the other popular ones. Around 550 species of birds can be traced in the lakes, ponds, marshlands and grasslands of Rajasthan. They are an absolute paradise for bird lovers most of which are residents. The best colony of birds in the world is Kealodeo National Park situated in Bharatpur. The Keoladeo Ghana National Park at Bharatpur is a bird sanctuary that is visited, every year, by our feathered friend from distant lands. It is famous for the exotic Spoonbills and Siberian Cranes. It has more than 400 species of birds and more than 130 of them breed inside the park. Being a unique bird place, the UNSECO has recognized it as a world heritage site. The Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary and the Ranthambore National Park are tiger reserves and homes to the royal Indian tiger. These destinations have a large variety of other wild species including the wild boar, jackal, sambar and nilgai. The Ranthambore National Park is also a heritage site, as it houses the magnificent ruins of a thousand-year-old fort.

The best season for bird watching begins with the onset of winter when marshlands and lakes are inhabited by migratory birds as well as resident birds. Flamingos, too can be seen in salt-water lakes like Pachpadra near Barmer and Sambhar near Jaipur. The major wetlands other than Bharatpur in Rajasthan.

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