Sunabeda Sanctuary: Maoist-Free, 70+ Leopards
Why in the news
Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha was formally declared free of Maoists, which opened the way for proper wildlife monitoring; camera traps counted a thriving leopard population.
Key facts
- Leopards: over 70 individuals recorded by camera trap surveys.
- Seen as a possible Leopard Haven in Central India.
- A key biodiversity hotspot in western Odisha and a proposed Tiger Reserve.
About the sanctuary
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Established | 1983 |
| Biogeographic zone | Deccan Peninsula |
| District | Nuapada, Odisha |
| Neighbours across the border | Sitanadi and Udanti sanctuaries, Chhattisgarh |
| Role | Ecological corridor in Central India |
Exam angle
- State and district: Odisha, Nuapada.
- Established 1983; proposed Tiger Reserve.