Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary Explained

Balukhand Konark Sanctuary ^[1]
Iucn Category:	IV
Location:	Odisha, India
Nearest City:	Puri
Area:	^[2]
Established:	1984
Url:	https://www.wildlife.odisha.gov.in/WebPortal/PA_Balukhand-Konark.aspx
Map:	India
Relief:	yes
Coordinates:	19.8619°N 86.0477°W

The Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary located in the Indian state of Odisha.^[3]

The sanctuary has an area of 87 km², and is located along the Bay of Bengal coast, between the towns of Puri and Konark.^[2] The sanctuary includes sandy beaches, coastal dunes, groves of introduced Casuarina trees planted in 1916–17, and cashew plantations.^[3] Little of the native flora remains. The sanctuary was designated in 1984.^[4] This place is extremely suitable for the development of ecological tourism.^[5]

The sanctuary is home to a herd of Blackbuck and Spotted Deer. Other animals found in the sanctuary include monkey, squirrel, jungle cat, hyena, jackal, mongoose and variety of birds and reptiles. Olive ridley sea turtles nest on the beaches.^[3]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Balukhand Konark . Protected Planet . 2019-09-25.
2. Web site: Balukhand-Konark PA :: Odisha Wildlife Organisation . wildlife.odisha.gov.in . 2019-09-25.
3. "Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary". Odisha Forest Development Corporation. Accessed 29 July 2014. http://www.odishafdc.com/Balukhand.php
4. "Balukhand-Konark conservation program." Wild Orissa. Accessed 29 July 2014. http://www.wildorissa.org/balukhand.htm
5. Web site: Balukhand-Konark PA :: Odisha Wildlife Organisation. 2021-05-18. www.wildlife.odisha.gov.in.