Saraswathi Wildlife Sanctuary

Why in News?

The sanctuary recently gained prominence following the development of Nakshatra Vatika (Constellation Garden) in its Pehowa region.

• It is Located in Kaithal district of Haryana.
• It is also known as Seonsar Forest.
• Geography - It is associated with the mythical Saraswati River.
• It holds the distinction of being the 3^rd-largest forest in the state, right after Kalesar National Park and Morni Hills.
• It lies in the Shivalik foothills of the Himalayas.
• Establishment- Declared as a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1982.
• It is officially designated as a Conservation Reserve on October 11, 2007.
• Archaeological Finds - Excavations within the sanctuary have unburied ancient rectangular bricks belonging to the Kushan and Gupta periods, proving human habitation dating back over 1,500 years.
• It also houses a 400-year-old Mughal-era water well built using small lakhauri bricks.
• Flora- Dominated by tropical dry deciduous forests.
• Common tree species include sal, shisham, arjun, and khejri.
• It also features scrub forest and grasslands.
• Fauna- Mammals - Leopards, jackals, wild boars, rhesus macaques, nilgai, barking deer.
• Birds - Peafowl, hornbills, and other native and migratory birds.
• Reptiles- Various snakes and lizards.
• Threats - Human encroachment, illegal logging, poaching, and habitat fragmentation.
• Efforts are ongoing for conservation and anti-poaching activities by forest department.

Reference

Times of India | Saraswathi Wildlife Sanctuary