Katerniaghat Sanctuary - An Introduction by a wildlifer

Katerniaghat as I say is like 'Benaras' which is really difficult to understand in a short span of time. It takes time to see the area. It requires persistence to understand the mesmerising mosaic of forest vegetationa and natural forms. Though its a human dominated landscape even then you can find all major faunal species of the country. My friend Amit is keen wildlifer and nature lover. He has a very strong inclination and concern for the protection and conservation of wildlife. His is passionate in birding. It was basically his idea to introduce Katerniaghat in an elaborated manner on the blog..

Amit Misra introduces Katerniaghat:
Located near the Indo-Nepal Border of India in the Bahraich district of Uttar Pardesh is a fragile eco-system spread over an area of around 440 square kilometers with sal and teak forests , lush grasslands and wetlands along with the everflowing Girwa River and is a jungle known as the Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary was founded in 1975 and is an integral part of the Terai Eco-System along with Dudhwa National Park and Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary.

The forest in the sanctuary is more in length than width and the mesmerizing effect of the forest can be felt all along the 40 kilometer road which passes through the Motipur , Kakraha , Murthia and Nishangarah Ranges to finally end at the Katerniaghat Range where one can meet the Girwa River.

Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary is unique in the sense that it offers one to see some of the most endangered species at one place. These include the Tiger , Ghariyal , Gangatic Dolphin and the critically endangered vulture population. This combination is hard to see in any other forest. Apart from this the forest has a host of flora and fona.

The forest at places is dominated by the Sal Tree (Shorea robusta) and to a lesser extent by Asna (Terminalia alata), Haldu (Adina cardifolia), Kusum ( Schleichea oleosa) and Rohini (Mallotus phillipensis ) trees and at other the domination is of the Teak (Tectona grandis) with others tree like Rohini, Chamraudhi (Ehretia laevis) and Jamun (Syzygium cumini). The grassland consists of specifics like Saccharum munja, Shaccharum spontaneum, and Antidon spp. and it has sporadic plantations of trees like Khair (Acacia catechu), Semal (Bombax cieba) and Shisham (Dalbergia sisso). Peepal (Ficus religiosa) and Bargad (Ficus bengalensis) trees can also be seen in the forest.

Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctury is the home to a large number of mammals. These include the Tiger , Elephant , Indian Rhino , Leopard , Chital , Wildboars, Civets, Mongoose, Wild Cat, Otters and the Sanctuary is again unique for a pair of albino Chital and a black leopard which has been sighted in the Nishangarah Range.

The Sanctuary is a bird watchers paradise. Having a perennial rich source of water of the Girwa river and the small and large ponds (Tals) the sanctuary plays host to a very wide variety of birds which includes migratory birds which can be seen in abundance in the Tals and the irrigation canals which flow out of the Sanctuary. The migratory birds include the Red Creasted Pochards , Tuftted Duck , Greater Creasted Grebe, Gadwall, Eurasian Wigeon, Northern Pintail , Northern Shoveler, Bar Headed Goose, Common Pochards and Ferruginous Pochards. The forest is filled by the songs of the oriole and bulbuls alog with the shama and shows within itself birds like the Greenbilled Malkoha , Sirkeer Malkoha, Yellow footed Green pigeons , Orange Breasted Green Pigeon , Bee Eaters , Red Jungle Fowl and the beautiful Oriental Pird Hornbill along with the Indian Grey Hornbill. Raptors like the Created Serpent Eagle , Fishing Eagle , Vulture , Sikkra Honey Buzzard and Osprey can also be seen. The night sky is dominated by the Indian Nightjar and owls like the Asian Barred Owlet and Spotted Owlet. On the river once can see the Lesser Whistling Teel in large number and small pranticoles on the sand bars.

The river is dominated by the Gharials and Muggar (Crocodile) which can be seen basking on the sand bars. The sanctuary is an important breeding area of the Ghariyal which builds its nests on these sand bars. Turtle of various kinds can also be seen basking in the sun and the sudden splash in the water alerts one of the presence of the Gangatic Dolphin which playfully jump in the waters.

Photo- A view of river Girwa and riverine forests by Ramesh Pandey