Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary : Key Facts About Its Biodiversity, Location and Ecological Importance

Why in News

A scientific wildlife census was launched in Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary to study key species population and wildlife corridors.

Location and History

• It is located in Almora district of the Kumaon region, Uttarakhand.
• The sanctuary was established in 1988 for conservation of broad-leaf oak (Quercus) forests.
• Binsar served as the summer capital of the Chand Kings.

Geography and Flora

• The sanctuary covers about 47.59 sq km with altitude ranging from 900 m to 2,500 m.
• Vegetation mainly includes Oak, Deodar, and Rhododendron forests.
• Zero Point (Jhandi Dhaar) offers views of peaks like Nanda Devi, Trisul, and Panchachuli.

Fauna and Ecological Importance

• Major mammals include Leopard, Musk Deer, Himalayan Goral, and Red Fox.
• It supports over 200 bird species, including Himalayan Monal and Kalij Pheasant.
• The sanctuary protects the fragile Central Himalayan ecosystem and important wildlife corridors.