National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuary in Punjab
Punjab, the “Land of Five Rivers,” is not only known for its fertile grounds and rich cultural heritage but also boasts a diverse and thriving wildlife scene. While there are no official National Parks in Punjab yet, the state is home to 12 Wildlife Sanctuaries that provide shelter to a vast array of flora and fauna.
Punjab is a fertile land with beautiful landscapes and amazing culture and wildly known for vast green fields and agriculture. Its climate is tropical dry. It is one of the most important states for raising large numbers of soldiers in India. This state is also famous for its biodiversity. A large number of animals and birds are grown here. Pangolins, elephants, dolphins, bears, etc made its biodiversity rich. So let us take a brief look at its important National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuary in Punjab.
#1 Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary :
Established in 1988 and located in the Ferozepur district of Punjab, famous for its state animal Black Buck. Wild Boar, Blue Bull, Porcupines, Hare, Jacks, etc fauna are also seen here. Its area is about 190 sq km. it spread on private land, not government land. Bishnoi community from the Ferozepur district is the park of this sanctuary and protects its animals from hunters.
#2 Bir Bhadson Wildlife Sanctuary:
Situated in Patiala district of west Punjab. It is considered the most secure wildlife sanctuary in India. it spread across 1022 hectares. Bir Bhadson Wildlife Sanctuary is rich in its various fauna such as Blue Bull, Jungle Cat, Jackal, Rhesus Monkey, etc. This is also an old wildlife sanctuary, established in 1952.
#3 Harike Wildlife Sanctuary
Established in 1982, situated near the rivers Beas and Sutluj in Tarn Taran Sahib district and Ferozepur district of Punjab state of India. It is famous for housing freshwater dolphins which attract more tourists at present days. Other animals such as common teal, darter, purple moorhen, etc are also found here.
#4 Bir Moti Bagh Wildlife Sanctuary
Bir Motibagh is one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries after the independence of India, established in 1952. It is situated in the southern part of Patiala district in Punjab. Also famous for its rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. German Wild pigs and Red jungle Fowl are the main attractive animals to tourists. It is spread across 7 sq km.
#5 Jhajjar Bachauli Wildlife Sanctuaries
Located in the Rupnagar District of Punjab state in India, spread across 2 sq km near near Anandpur Sahib city. This sanctuary is famous for animals such as sambar, beer, jackals, python, etc. It was established in 1998. Its biodiversity is also amazing.
Others are –
6> Kathlaur Kushlian Wildlife Sanctuaries
7> Takhni-Rehampur Wildlife Sanctuaries
8> Bir Aishvan Wildlife Sanctuaries
9> Bir Gurdialpura Wildlife Sanctuaries
10> Nangal Wildlife Sanctuaries