The Forest Department recently identified approximately 300 hectares of revenue land for inclusion into the Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS). This diversion of land is to provide compensation for setting up a new Missile Test Launch Facility by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The National Board for Wildlife supports this move.
About Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary
Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary, a significant part of the mangrove wetland in Andhra Pradesh, India, is located in the coastal plain of the Krishna delta. This sanctuary extends across the Krishna and Guntur districts of Andhra Pradesh. The estuary of the Krishna River courses through this sanctuary, which is home to a crucial population of fishing cats.
Fishing Cats in Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary
The fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus), a medium-sized wild cat native to South and Southeast Asia, thrives in Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary. However, the destruction of wetlands continually threatens its population. Over the last decade, fishing cat populations have declined drastically. Consequently, they are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and Appendix II part of Article IV of CITES. In India, fishing cats enjoy protection from hunting under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Types of Protected Areas
Protected areas are primarily classified as Wildlife Sanctuaries, National Parks, and Biosphere Reserves. Wildlife sanctuaries are areas that protect and offer favorable conditions for wildlife. National parks are designated regions for conservation due to their natural, cultural, and historical relevance. Both these protected areas have different restrictions regarding human activities and boundaries.
| Type of Protected Area | Restrictions | IUCN Category |
|---|---|---|
| Wildlife Sanctuary | Lesser Restrictions | Category IV |
| National Park | Strict Restrictions | Category II |
Biosphere Reserves
Biosphere reserves are protected areas aimed at conserving genetic diversity. These reserves include terrestrial, marine, and coastal ecosystems and promote the sustainable use of biodiversity. Governments nominate these reserves, with their status internationally recognized. Currently, there are 701 biosphere reserves in 124 countries.
The UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme had internationally popularized the categorization of these reserves into core zones, buffer zones, and transition zones in 1971. The core area contributes to the conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species, and genetic variation. Buffer zones support activities that enhance scientific research, monitoring, training, and education. Transition areas allow for socio-culturally and ecologically sustainable human development.
