Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Biodiversity
Why in News?
The Forest Department has launched a comprehensive scientific wildlife census in the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary (2026) to assess population dynamics and document movement corridors for key species, particularly focusing on large carnivores and under-recorded species like the red fox.
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location - Situated in the Almora district (Kumaon region) of Uttarakhand. It lies atop a mountain in the Central Himalayan region.
- Established - 1988.
- Objective - Primarily established to conserve the shrinking broad-leaf oak (Quercus) forests of the Himalayas.
- Historical Significance:
- Chand Kings - Served as the summer capital of the Chand rulers of Kumaon (11th–18th centuries).
- British Era - Sir Henry Ramsay (Commissioner of Kumaon) established administrative centers here, including the Khali Estate.
Geographical Features
- Topography - Rugged terrain with deep gorges and ridges; altitude ranges from 900m to 2,500m.
- Zero Point (Jhandi Dhaar) - The highest elevation point offering panoramic views of major Himalayan peaks: Nanda Devi, Kedarnath, Trisul, Panchachuli, and Shivling.
- Flora - Dominated by dense Oak and Deodar forests, along with Rhododendrons (which bloom ruby-red in spring). It hosts approximately 25 tree species and 24 bush species.
Biodiversity (Fauna)
- Mammals - Home to the Leopard (apex predator), Himalayan Goral, Musk Deer (State animal of Uttarakhand), Sumatran Serow, and Red Fox.
- Avifauna - An Important Bird Area (IBA) with over 200 species, including:
- Himalayan Monal (State bird of Uttarakhand)
- Kalij Pheasant
- Koklass Pheasant
- Eurasian Jay
Significance of the 2026 Census
- Data Gap - Aims to document "missing data" on smaller mammals like foxes and wild boars.
- Corridor Mapping - Identifying critical movement corridors for large carnivores (Leopards) to mitigate human-wildlife conflict.
- Climate Indicator - Monitoring high-altitude species helps in understanding the impact of climate change on the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
Reference : Times of India | IAS Parliament
