Source: Free Press Journal

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Context

• The goals of the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary are to preserve natural vegetation and diverse fauna, including endemic species like the brown palm civet, which play a key role in seed dispersal.

Details

Key points:

• The brown palm civets are involved in seed dispersal in the Western Ghats and hence play great roles in rainforest regeneration.
• Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the few places that are endowed with the beautiful rare species of wild life and rich bio geographical units.
• Hence, it is important that conservation initiatives are especially upheld in the region of the western ghats for the protection of species diversity and general balance.

About Brown Palm Civets:

• Scientific Name: Paradoxurus jerdoni.
• Habitat: It is reported only from the Western Ghats of India.
• Ecological Role: A water-rich seed animals which help grow rain forest.
• Habitat Range: Occupies 21,853 sq km in the Western Ghats: several regions are reserve forests or home to tiger reserves and national parks.
• Behaviour: Nocturnal and occupied in the trees during the daylight hours.
• Conservation Status: Schedule II part II of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, Vulnerable (VU B1+2c) in IUCN Red List, and Appendix III in CITES.

About Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary:

Location:

• The sanctuary is named after the Koyna River, which flows through the region.
• It is a significant watercourse and a key feature of the sanctuary.
• The river originates in the Western Ghats and eventually joins the Krishna River.

Flora:

• The vegetation can be broadly categorized into two main types, as classified by Champion and Seth (1968):

Southern Tropical Evergreen Forest:

• Characterized by a dense canopy and rich biodiversity.
• Dominated by evergreen tree species that retain their leaves throughout the year.
• Known for high species diversity, supporting a wide array of plant and animal life.

Southern Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest:

• These forests are a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees.
• Tree composition varies based on factors such as soil type, moisture availability, and altitude.
• Experiences a shedding of leaves during certain periods, but some evergreen species maintain their foliage year-round.

Shivasagar Reservoir:

• The Shivasagar Reservoir is a man-made lake formed by the construction of the Koyna Dam across the Koyna River.
• It serves multiple purposes, including water storage, hydroelectric power generation, and irrigation.
• This vast body of water is surrounded by the sanctuary's lush landscapes, making it an integral part of the ecosystem.

Sources:

Free Press Journal

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Consider the following statements about the flora and fauna in Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary: 1. The sanctuary is known for a rich variety of plant species. 2.Rare species like brown palm civets are found in Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary. 3.It is exclusively home to aquatic species. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2, and 3 Answer: A