Why is it in the news?

• Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary is establishing a canopy walk facility to promote eco-tourism and enhance visitor experiences.

About Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary

• The sanctuary derives its name from “Dalma mai,” a local goddess venerated by the indigenous population.
• Situated on the Chota Nagpur Plateau in Jharkhand, the sanctuary encompasses the Dalma hills and is contiguous with the industrial city of Jamshedpur.
• Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary features two primary types of forests: “Dry Peninsular Sal” and “Northern Dry Mixed Deciduous Forest.” These forest types contribute to the rich biodiversity found within the sanctuary’s boundaries.

Flora and Fauna:

• The sanctuary boasts a diverse array of flora, comprising both indigenous and exotic plant species. Medicinal plants like Anantmula, Satavari, Sarpgandha, among others, are found abundantly within the sanctuary.
• Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for its elephant population, which constitutes a significant part of its wildlife. Apart from elephants, the sanctuary harbours various other wildlife species, including barking deer, wild boar, giant squirrel, sloth bear, and numerous avian species.

Issues:

• Despite its ecological importance and biodiversity, Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary faces challenges, primarily related to human-wildlife conflict.
• The sanctuary’s elephant population often migrates to neighbouring villages and towns during certain seasons, leading to conflicts with local communities.