Know About Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary

Hiding on the fringe of the green Terai belt of Uttar Pradesh, Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary is a mute witness to India and its wild legacy. It was created in 1975 at a total of about 400 square kilometers in the Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh. The sanctuary came about in a bid to conserve the rare and threatened biodiversity in the area as well as act as a secure passage parcel through which migrating animals could cross the Indo-Nepal boundary.

Hiding on the fringe of the green Terai belt of Uttar Pradesh, Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary is a mute witness to India and its wild legacy. It was created in 1975 at a total of about 400 square kilometers in the Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh. The sanctuary came about in a bid to conserve the rare and threatened biodiversity in the area as well as act as a secure passage parcel through which migrating animals could cross the Indo-Nepal boundary.

A number of conservation measures have been in Katarniaghat to support endangered species such as the Bengal Tiger, Gharial, and the Gangetic Dolphin. A combination of terrestrial and aquatic organisms is perfectly maintained in its riverine ecosystem, grasslands, and dense forests. Anti-poaching, habitat development plans, and community-resort eco-tourism initiatives have also been put in place by the conservationists and the forest authorities and have yielded positive results thus far.

The interesting thing about Katarniaghat is that it lies close to two most natural dams near it including the Ghaghara Dam and the Girjapuri Barrage. These are water systems that control the flow of the Ghaghara River that winds across the sanctuary. The irrigation and flood control offered by the dams are not the only ways in which the dams help ensure the biodiversity of the sanctuary through the preservation of its wetland ecology.

It is historically witnessed that Katarniaghat was once an obscure forest region but due to the unique array of different types of biodiversities, it has ended up being a hotspot of huge biodiversity that attracts researchers, ecologists, photographers, and eco-tourists worldwide.

Girjapuri Dam - Gateway to the Wild Waters of Katarniaghat:

The flow and availability of water in the area are impacted by the proximity that is found to the Ghaghara Dam, Girjapuri Barrage. These constructed facilities control floods along the seasonal pattern and favor wetland ecosystems that are invaluable to migratory birds and aquatic wildlife.

Katarniaghat. Unlike most places which have one kind of ecosystem and then a different one juxtaposed on the other, Katarniaghat is strategically located between the very rich Gangetic plains and the Himalayan foothills and that is why a lot of different kinds of life are all present there in one convenient location together.

Explore the Rich Biodiversity of Katarniaghat:

Katarniaghat is a real haven of biodiversity because of the richness and complexity of its ecosystem which comprises mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and birds as well as the unusual diversity of the flora. It is a biologically diverse region being one of the regions in northern India with a unique combination of forest, riverine, and wetland habitats.

Animals of Katarniaghat:

The park also boasts of a list of magnificent mammals some of which include endangered and rare animals. The most renowned of these is the Bengal Tiger that will be a sure sign of a prosperous ecological system. The region is abundant in Leopards, Sloth Bears, Swamp Deer (Barasingha), Sambar Deer, Spotted Deer (Chital), Indian Civets, Wild Boars as well as Jackals.

The aquatic biodiversity of Katarniaghat constitutes one of the significant highlights. The Ghaghara River is the last place of existence of the critically endangered Gharial (Gavialisgangeticus) and the secretive and much-beloved Gangetic Dolphin, the national animal of the water in India. Other animals include Mugger Crocodiles, Softshell Turtles, and Smooth-coated Otters. Katarniaghat is unique with regard to the aquatic life found in Indian tiger reserves.

Asian Elephants are also encouraged at the sanctuary, especially during the migration seasons, this is because Katarniaghat acts as a corridor between the forests in Nepal and India.

Birdswatching Paradise At Katarniaghat:

Katarniaghat is heaven of birdwatchers and it is home to more than 350 species of resident and migratory birds. The riverbanks and wetlands are littered with Storks, Kingfishers, Herons, Cormorants, and Jacanas. In the forested areas, we will be able to observe the beautiful Great Hornbill, Brown fish owl, Changeable hawk-eagle, and Crested serpent eagle.

The sanctuary shows a different picture as it can be a seasonal habitat of the migratory species originating in Central Asia, Russia, and the Himalayas during winters. Bar-headed Geese, Ruddy Shelducks, ducks, and teals can be observed in large numbers along riverbanks and waters.

The songs of birds at dawn and dusk contribute to the wild spirit and Katarniaghat can be the dream destination of ornithologists and bird photographers.

Green Heart of Katarniaghat, Explore the Rich Flora:

Mainly having the tropical moist deciduous forests (with Sal (Shorearobusta) trees being the dominant trees), the vegetation of Katarniaghat predominantly has the same type of vegetation. These forests are thick having a canopy with its dominance that shelters many mammals and birds. Other common plantation trees are Teak (Tectonagrandis), Asna, Haldu, Jamun, and Bamboo.

Major grasslands are also found in the sanctuary, particularly in the southern and riverine regions. These savannahs are very essential in the grazing of herbivores such as Swamp Deer and the harboring of birds. In monsoon, the regions turn into marshland and wetlands where the breeding grounds of amphibians and water reptiles are created.

The under-story has many medicinal herbs, shrubs, and climbers which contribute to the ecological importance of the forest. The food web is also completed by seasonal plant flowers as well as forest fungi which also fuels insects and birds.

Top Things to Do in Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary

• Jeep Jungle Safari: Visit the forest and tour in depth with guides. See tigers, deer, elephants, and exotic birds in their uncut form of nature.
• Ghaghara River Boat Safari: It is one of the exclusive places, where you can see dolphins, Gharials, and birds along the river. It is ideal for families, couples, and wildlife photographers.
• Bird Watching: Katarniaghat is a paradise for birds. Sarus cranes, kingfishers, hornbills, and other millions of migratory birds are best viewed in the early mornings.
• Tiger Sighting:Katarniaghat has a number of tigers although it is elusive. A sighting of the tiger is a lifetime experience with careful attention to the sighting and guidance by an expert.
• Trails and Nature Photography:Take calm leisurely strolls on allotted nature trails. The park is the photographer's dream place where they can take photos of rare animals, exotic birds, and very clean landscapes.

Preserve, Protect, and Explore - The Legacy of Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary:

Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary is not any other forest, it is something that lives, it is actually a living mosaic of a forest. With its fascinating history and well-placed geography on the map, Katarniaghat would be the epitome of the synergistic relationship between land, water, and wildlife. As a conservationist, a fan of wildlife, or a curious traveler, Katarniaghat is an outing into one of India's most mysterious wild borders.

Its survival boils down to the issue of conservation and responsible tourism. As people become aware and more environmentally inclined, Katarniaghat is all set to become a paradigm sanctuary integrating nature, community, and sustainability.