Context
The forest department is preparing to conduct a scientific wildlife census in Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary to estimate the population and track the movement of major wildlife species, including tigers, leopards, bears, deer, and foxes.
About Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Kumaon Himalayas of Uttarakhand, mainly in the Almora district.
- The sanctuary lies at an elevation ranging from nearly 900 metres to around 2,500 metres above sea level.
- It was established not only for wildlife protection but also to conserve the broadleaf oak forests that are characteristic of the Central Himalayan region.
- The area is known for its rich biodiversity and supports several Himalayan wildlife species such as leopard, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, barking deer, fox, langur, jungle cat, porcupine, flying squirrel and chital.
- The vegetation changes with altitude, with oak and rhododendron forests dominating the higher reaches, while chir pine forests are found in lower areas.
- Binsar has historical importance as it once served as the summer capital of the Chand rulers who governed the Kumaon region between the 7th and 18th centuries AD.
- During the British period, the region was developed as a summer retreat for colonial officials because of its pleasant climate and scenic surroundings.
- The sanctuary derives its name from the ancient Bineshwar Mahadev Temple, a 16th-century shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Zero Point, also called Jhandi Dhaar, is the highest viewpoint inside the sanctuary and offers panoramic views of major Himalayan peaks such as Nanda Devi, Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Shivling and Trisul.
- Owing to its rich avifaunal diversity, BirdLife International has recognised Binsar as an Important Bird Area (IBA).
- More than 200 bird species are found here, including Monal, pheasants, parakeets, nuthatches, laughing thrushes, blackbirds and forktails.
