CHAMBAL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Known for boat safaris on the Chambal River, the Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary was set up in Uttar Pradesh, in order to protect the animals from the harmful effects of modern civilization. Co-administered by Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary is an unspoilt wilderness location (a part of a large area). The Chambal River that waters the Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary originates in Kota in Rajasthan, and finally merges with river Yamuna at Bhareh. Along with the Ganges River Dolphin, the endangered Gharial found a home in the Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary. There is the chance to see the rare and threatened Gangetic Dolphins that live in the clean waters of the river which is the main attraction of Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary. Tourists/visitors often travel towards the Chambal ravines looking out for Blackbuck antelope and Indian Coursers or to the wetland area looking for Sarus Crane and other wetland birds.

A good population of Indian Skimmers is also one of the strongest birding attractions here and one can get close views of this beautiful bird near lake. It is one of the few remaining places where this endangered species can easily be seen. The transparent lake of Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary also houses the Smooth Coated Otters. These are fresh water carnivores with webbed and clawed feet and thick brown fur. The Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary is a natural reservoir for the marsh crocodiles, swimming eagerly and often prying for prey, at shore while basing in the sun. The animals found here were almost on the verge of extinction when they found a natural home here, against the advancing civilization which posed a threat to their existence. It is natural that such a large sanctuary would have a large river or lake to quench the thirst of the abundant animals found here.

Flora, Fauna & Avifauna

  • There are large Gharial (Alligator), Marsh Muggers (Crocodile), a variety of resident and migratory birds, some four to five species of Terrapins (web footed turtles found mainly in brackish water), including the rare Indian Skimmer. The other inhabitants of Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary are chinkara, sambar, nilgai, wolf & wild boar.
  • The avian attraction at Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary consists mainly of Black tailed Terns, Red-crested and Ferruginous Pochards, Bar-headed Goose, Sarus Crane, Great Thick-knee, Indian Courser, Pallas’s Fish Eagle etc. are the star attraction of Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary. Also a good population of Indian Skimmers is the strongest birding attraction here.
  • Eagle, Pallid Harrier, Greater and Lesser Flamingos which are Large pink to scarlet web-footed wading birds, with down-bent bills, which inhabit in brackish lakes, Darters which are Fish-eating birds, residing in warm inland waters having a long flexible necks and slender sharp-pointed bills, Bar-headed Goose, Sarus Crane and Great Thick-knee.
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