Home > Indian History > Flora & Fauna > Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary
Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary
Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary, in Andhra Pradesh, is regarded as the only refuge of the critically endangered species, Great Indian Bustard, in the state. It also hosts a large species of birds, including the migratory ones.

Share this Article:

Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary, Kurnool District, Andhra PradeshRollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in the Kurnool district of the Indian state Andhra Pradesh is famed for being the home for the critically endangered species, Great Indian Bustard. It encompasses an area of 6.14 square kilometres and lies near the border of the state with Karnataka. It was established in the year 1988 with the aim of conserving the Lesser Florican and the Great Indian Bustard. It is also known to be the only habitat in the state for Bustard. However in recent years a drastic fall has been recorded in the number of this species.

Geography of Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary
Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary mainly comprises undulating plains having hot and dry climate. The rainfall in the region is quite inconsistent and uneven. The average annual rainfall in the sanctuary is about 450 mm. The average elevation of the place is about 290 metres.

Flora of Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary
Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary primarily constitutes a grassland ecosystem featuring thorny bushes and mixed forest. Agricultural lands border the sanctuary where sunflower, tobacco and cotton are cultivated.

Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary, Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh Fauna of Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary
Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary hosts a plethora of faunal and avifaunal species. Common species found here include Rattlesnakes, Indian Cobra, Russell`s Viper, Black Buck, Sloth Bear, Jungle Cat, Bonnet Macaque, Jackal and Fox. It is also the home to about 132 species of birds. Alganur reservoir located near the sanctuary serves as a refuge for migratory birds. Apart from the Bustard and the Florican, other species commonly found here include migratory species like Greater Flamingo, Demoiselle Crane and Barheaded Geese and other birds such as Short Toed Snake Eagle, Myna, Indian Roller and many others. In recent years an increase in the Black Buck population has been recorded which is one of the prime reasons of deteriorating numbers of Bustard and the Florican. They also feed on grasses which have resulted in a drop in the number of Locusts and Grasshoppers which serve as significant food source for the two birds.

Threats to Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary
Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary is presently facing severe threats from various sources. The large population of Black Bucks found in the sanctuary often raid the farmlands near the sanctuary which has resulted into the issue of public anger against the sanctuary. Breeding of Bustards have been affected by the cattle grazing inside the sanctuary. Linking of Alganur tank with the Telugu Ganga Canal has resulted into rise in ground water level which is contributing in alteration of ecosystem of this semi-arid region bringing about changes in flora and agricultural crops cultivated near it. Owing to the biomagnification, Harriers have been found dead. The population of Short-Toed Larks, Lesser Florican and Foxes have also depleted considerably here.

Visiting Information
The best time to visit Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary is from October to April. Nearest Railway Station is Kurnool which is about 45 kilometres form the sanctuary. From Kurnool the place can be reached by road. Nearest airport is located in Hyderabad. Forest rest house is available for tourist accommodation in Kurnool.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in Flora & Fauna


Flora Of Uttarakhand
Uttaranchal falls under the west Himalayan Biogeography zone and it is well-known for floral diversity .
Flora and Fauna of Ladakh
Flora and Fauna is typical to t he kind of mountainous terrain which dominate the entire landscape of the region. Though some varieties of fauna are to be found here, the vegetation is very limited due to the dry and cold climate.
Flora and fauna in Tripura
Two-thirds of Tripura is forested where different species of trees, orchids, birds and wildlife are found. There are four sanctuaries in the state namely, Rowa wildlife sanctuary, Sepahijala wildlife sanctuary, Trishna wildlife sanctuary and Gumti wildlife sanctuary.
Flora and Fauna in Meghalaya
70 percent of Meghalaya is forested. Meghalayan forests are considered to be among the richest botanical habitats of Asia. These forests receive abundant rainfall and support a vast variety of floral and faunal biodiversity.
Flora and Fauna of Jammu & Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir is rich in flora and fauna. Flora includes thorn bush type of the arid plain to the temperate and alpine flora of the higher altitudes. Faunal species found here are leopard, cheetah and deer, wild sheep, bear, brown musk shrew, muskrat; varieties of snakes, bats, lizards etc.
Flora and fauna in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Economy of this region is primly based on agriculture. In Andaman island, paddy is the main food crop, while in Nicoabar island coconut and areca nut are the main crops. Some field crops like pulses, oilseeds and vegetables are also grown here.
Flora And Fauna Of Uttar Pradesh
Flora and Fauna of Uttar Pradesh is widely diversified and adds pride to the state.
Flora and fauna of Kerala
Flora and Fauna of Kerala are diverse. The favourable climate with heavy rainfall and good quality of the soils helps both the flora and fauna to thrive. Forest covers a large area in the Western Ghats of Kerala.
Flora and fauna of Karnataka
Flora and fauna of Karnataka are diverse and comprise of plants, animals, birds, reptiles, etc. Flora of Karnataka comprises of species like eucalyptus, teak and rosewood. Fauna of Karnataka comprises of species like leopard, gaur and wild pig.
Flora and Fauna of Rajasthan
The flora and fauna of Rajasthan supports all kinds of animal species and forests. The diverse flora and fauna of Rajasthan has made it a popular tourist destination.
Flora of Arunachal Pradesh
Flora of Arunachal Pradesh includes infinite species and is a subject of great interests for the botanists.
Flora and Fauna of Manipur
Flora and fauna of Manipur are known to be the assemblage of a huge variety including the endangered ones. The place is especially famed for orchid species which includes the most vibrant and beautiful ones of the world.