Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary

About Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Location: It is situated on the northern boundary of the Mandsaur and Nimach districts in Madhya Pradesh.
• It is spread over an area of 368.62 km2 (142.32 sq mi) adjoining Rajasthan state.
• It lies in the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forest ecoregion.
• It was notified in the year 1974 and added to the list of sanctuaries in 1984.
• River Chambal flows through the sanctuary, dividing it into two parts.
• Topography: The sanctuary is characterised by its diverse topography, which includes hills, plateaus, and the catchment area of the Gandhi Sagar Dam on the Chambal River.
• The sanctuary has many places of historical, archaeological and religious importance, such as Chaurasigarh, Chaturbhujnath temple, Bhadkaji rock paintings, Narsinghjhar Hinglajgarh fort, Taxakeshwar temple etc.
• Flora: The principal tree species found here are Khair, Salai, Kardhai, Dhawda, Tendu and Palash.
• Fauna:
  • Herbivores like Chinkara, Nilgai and Spotted Deer, and carnivores like the Indian Leopard, Striped Hyena and Jackal are found in good numbers in the region.
  • It also has a good population of crocodiles, fish, otters and turtles.