List of protected areas of Haryana

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The Haryana state of north India has 2 national parks, 8 wildlife sanctuaries, 2 wildlife conservation areas, 4 animal & bird breeding centers, 1 deer park and 50 herbal parks which are managed by the Forests Department of the Government of Haryana. [1] Wildlife and forest areas of Haryana lies mainly in the foothills of Sivalik Hills range in the north and Aravalli Range in South Haryana. Aravalli mountains in Haryana are part of the Sariska to Delhi leopard wildlife corridor (including "Western-southern Haryana spur" which entails Satnali–Dadam–Tosha hill (ranges).

Contents

Types of protected wildlife areas in Haryana

Hunting and poaching is illegal in all protected wildlife areas.

All rights of people within a National Park have to be resettled outside while rights over land can be allowed inside a Sanctuary. Grazing of livestock can be permitted inside a Sanctuary but not inside a National Park. A Sanctuary can be upgraded as a National Park. However a National Park cannot be downgraded as a Sanctuary. Wildlife National Parks, Sanctuaries and Conservation areas must remain free of roads, buildings, motorized equipment and mechanical transport. [2]

National parks

The Forests Department, Haryana of the Government of Haryana maintains two national parks:

Name of national parkArea District & location Hisar Delhi Chandigarh Major wildlife supported
Sultanpur National Park 142.52 hectares25 km from Gurugram, location map 158 km44 km305 km Common hoopoe, paddyfield pipit, purple sunbird, little cormorant, Indian cormorant, common spoonbill, gray francolin, black francolin, Indian roller, white-throated kingfisher, spotbill, painted stork, black-necked stork, white ibis, black-headed ibis, little egret, great egret, cattle egret, crested lark, red-vented bulbul, rose-ringed parakeet, red-wattled lapwing, shikra, Eurasian collared dove, red-collared dove, laughing dove, spotted owlet, rock pigeon, magpie robin, greater coucal, weaver bird, bank mynah, common mynah and Asian green bee-eater.
Kalesar National Park 4682.32 hectares15 km from Yamunanagar on Chhachhrauli road, location map 251 km244 km125 km elephant, wild boar, sambhar, hare, red junglefowl, porcupine, monkey, chital

Wildlife sanctuaries

The Forests Department of the Government of Haryana maintains the following Wildlife Sanctuaries:

Name of Wildlife Sanctuary Area District & Location Hisar Delhi Chandigarh Major Wildlife Supported
Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary 411.55 hectares15 km away Jhajjar on Jhajjar Kasani road, http://wikimapia.org/4409240 map]127 km105 km300 km neelgai (bluebull), geedar (jackal), langur (Presbytis entellus) and bandar (rhesus macaque), blue peafowl (mor), rufous treepie (Dendrocitta vagabunda), greater coucal (Centropus sinensis), Indian grey hornbill (Ocyceros birostris), coppersmith barbet (Megalaima haemacephala)
Khaparwas Wildlife Sanctuary 82.70 hectares8 km from Chhuchhkvas, Jhajjar district, map 128 km80 km300 km neelgai (bluebull), geedar (jackal), blue peafowl (mor), rufous treepie (Dendrocitta vagabunda), greater coucal (Centropus sinensis), Indian grey hornbill (Ocyceros birostris), coppersmith barbet (Megalaima haemacephala)
Nahar Wildlife Sanctuary 211.35 hectares5 km from Kosli on Kosali Mahendragarh road, Rewari district, Map 130 km80 km320 km neelgai (bluebull), geedar (jackal), langur (Presbytis entellus) and bandar (rhesus macaque), blue peafowl (mor), rufous treepie (Dendrocitta vagabunda), greater coucal (Centropus sinensis), Indian grey hornbill (Ocyceros birostris), coppersmith barbet (Megalaima haemacephala)
Chhilchhila Wildlife Sanctuary 28.92 hectares10 km from Bhoor Saiyda village, Kurukshetra district, map 150 km100 km160 km blue peafowl (mor), rufous treepie (Dendrocitta vagabunda), greater coucal (Centropus sinensis), Indian grey hornbill (Ocyceros birostris), coppersmith barbet (Megalaima haemacephala)
Saraswati Wildlife Sanctuary 4482.85 hectares10 km Pahowa (Kaithal district), location map 150 km200 km108 km Wild boar (Sus scrofa), neelgai (bluebull), geedar (jackal), langur (Presbytis entellus) and bandar (rhesus macaque), blue peafowl (mor), rufous treepie (Dendrocitta vagabunda), greater coucal (Centropus sinensis), Indian grey hornbill (Ocyceros birostris), coppersmith barbet (Megalaima haemacephala)
Abubshahar Wildlife Sanctuary 11530.56 hectares10 km from Mandi Dabwali on Dabavali-Sangariya road, Sirsa district, map 168 km322 km208 km
Khol Hi-Raitan Wildlife Sanctuary 2226.58 hectares0.5 km from Panchkula on Morni road, Panchkula district, Map 235 km250 km20 km Wild boar (Sus scrofa), neelgai (bluebull), geedar (jackal), langur (Presbytis entellus) and bandar (rhesus macaque), blue peafowl (mor), rufous treepie (Dendrocitta vagabunda), greater coucal (Centropus sinensis), Indian grey hornbill (Ocyceros birostris), coppersmith barbet (Megalaima haemacephala)
Bir Shikargah Wildlife Sanctuary 767.30 hectares8 km from Pinjore on Mallah road, Panchkula district, Map 245 km260 km20 km Wild boar (Sus scrofa), neelgai (bluebull), geedar (jackal), langur (Presbytis entellus) and bandar (rhesus macaque), blue peafowl (mor), rufous treepie (Dendrocitta vagabunda), greater coucal (Centropus sinensis), Indian grey hornbill (Ocyceros birostris), coppersmith barbet (Megalaima haemacephala)
Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary 3271 hectares Surajkund, Bandhwari, Gwal Pahari 240 km20 km240 km leopard (Sus scrofa), neelgai (bluebull), geedar (jackal), bandar (rhesus macaque), blue peafowl (mor), red-headed vulture, egyptian vulture, painted stork, white-faced ibis, european roller, black francolin and grey-headed fish eagle.

Conservation areas

Name of Conservation area Area District & Location Hisar Delhi Chandigarh Major Wildlife Supported
Bir Bara Ban Wildlife Sanctuary 419.26 hectares or 4.2 km25 km from Jind, location map 70 km144 km182 km Neelgai (bluebull), geedar (jackal), langur (Presbytis entellus) and bandar (rhesus macaque), blue peafowl (mor), rufous treepie (Dendrocitta vagabunda), greater coucal (Centropus sinensis), Indian grey hornbill (Ocyceros birostris), coppersmith barbet (Megalaima haemacephala)
Chadhuriwali Community Reserve 144-acre (58 hectares or 0.6 km2)In Hisar district,  35 km west of Hisar35 km210 km270 km

Flora: The flora of the Bir Hisar area, including the newly designated Chaudhariwali Community Reserve, is a representative example of a semi-arid, dry deciduous forest typical of the region. [3] The vegetation is well-adapted to the local climate, with a mix of indigenous and planted species. Dominant native trees found in the area include Khejri (Prosopis cineraria), Desi Kikar (Acacia nilotica), and Ker (Capparis decidua). [4] These species are crucial to the local ecosystem, providing food and shelter for wildlife while also having cultural and medicinal significance. [5] The vegetation also includes a variety of shrubs, herbs, and grasses that contribute to the overall biodiversity. The recent declaration of the Chaudhariwali Community Reserve aims to protect these native plant species and prevent land-use changes that could harm the ecosystem. [4]

Fauna: Bir Hisar provides a vital habitat for a variety of mammals, reptiles, and birds. The area's status as a protected reserve has been a significant step in conserving its animal population. [3]

Mammals: The reserve is home to several species of mammals. Key species include blackbucks (Antilope cervicapra), a protected species often found in the open plains of Haryana. [3] Other notable mammals recorded in the area are desert foxes (Vulpes vulpes pusilla), wild cats, jackals (Canis aureus), and various species of deer. [4] The presence of these animals highlights the importance of the reserve in providing a sanctuary for wildlife in an otherwise agriculturally dominated landscape.

Reptiles: The dry, scrubland environment of Bir Hisar is also suitable for reptiles. The reserve is known to be a habitat for spiny-tailed lizards and various species of turtles. [3] These reptiles play a crucial role in the local food web and are indicators of the ecosystem's health.

Birds: The region is a significant area for birdlife, attracting both resident and migratory species. A prominent resident bird is the Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus), which is frequently sighted. [4] Other avian species, including various ground birds and smaller songbirds, also thrive in the diverse flora of the sanctuary. The Hisar district as a whole is known for its avifaunal diversity, with a variety of bird species recorded in and around its forested areas. [5] [6]

Shri Guru Jambheshwar Chinkara Community Reserve 68-acre (27 hectares or 0.3 km2)In Fatehabad district (Kajalheri),  35 km northwest of Hisar Airport 35 km200 km210 kmShri Guru Jambheshwar Chinkara Community Reserve is a protected area located in the Fatehabad district of Haryana. It was officially declared by the Haryana government to protect the region's unique biodiversity, with the active participation of the local community. [7]

Location and Area: The reserve is situated in Kajalheri village in the Hisar district. It covers an area of 68 acres. [7] [8] The local Bishnoi community, which holds a strong tradition of environmental protection, has been instrumental in the conservation of the wildlife in this area for decades. [8]

Primary Species and Conservation Focus: The reserve is a vital habitat for several species, with a particular focus on the Indian softshell turtle (Nilssonia gangetica) and blackbucks (Antilope cervicapra). [7] [8] The softshell turtle, which is listed as endangered by the IUCN, thrives in the village pond, which is a key part of the reserve. [8] The area's status as a Community Reserve provides a legal framework to formalize and strengthen the conservation efforts of the local community.

Saraswati Wildlife Sanctuary 4482.85 hectares10 km Pehowa (Kaithal district), location map 150 km200 km108 km Wild boar (Sus scrofa), neelgai (bluebull), geedar (jackal), langur (Presbytis entellus) and bandar (rhesus macaque), blue peafowl (mor), rufous treepie (Dendrocitta vagabunda), greater coucal (Centropus sinensis), Indian grey hornbill (Ocyceros birostris), coppersmith barbet (Megalaima haemacephala)
Mangar Bani 265 hectares or 2.7 km2In Faridabad district,  5 km from Gurugram 170 km20 km280 km Leopard, geedar (jackal), langur (Presbytis entellus) and bandar (rhesus macaque), blue peafowl (mor), rufous treepie (Dendrocitta vagabunda), greater coucal (Centropus sinensis), Indian grey hornbill (Ocyceros birostris), coppersmith barbet (Megalaima haemacephala)

Animal and bird breeding centers

The Forests Department of the Government of Haryana runs the following:

Name of Conservation Area Area District & Location Hisar Delhi Chandigarh Major Wildlife Supported
Chinkara Breeding Centre Kairu, Bhiwani 24 hectares26  km Bahal and 32  km from Bhiwani on Bahal-Bhiwani road in Kairu village in Bhiwani district, location map 60 km308 km155 km Chinkara, blue peafowl (mor)
Crocodile Breeding Centre, Kurukshetra, Bhaur Saidan (Kurukshetra)hectares km 22 km from Kurukshetra and 13 km from Thanesar at Bhor Saidan village on the Kurukshetra-Pehowa road, one of the pilgrimage sites in Kurukshetra, Bhore-saidaan Bhureeshwar Temple location map 152 km115 km191 km Mugger crocodiles
Black Buck Breeding Centre, Pipli Mini Zoo, Kurukshetra 10.92hectaresPipli is 2 km from Kurukshetra, location map 165 km90 km161 km Tiger - 1, Blackbuck - 10, Bonnet macaque - 5, Chital (spotted deer), Indian hog deer - 1, Gray langur - 2, Barking deer - 2, Guineafowl - 4, Silver pheasant - 2, Fantail pigeon - 5, Cockatiel - 6, Mugger - 2
Elephant rescue and rehabilitation centre, Kalesar ?? hectares Kalesar forest 265 km30 km275 kmCommon sparrowRehabilitation of rescued abused elephants
Leopard breeding centre, Gurugram [9] [10] [11] 810 hectares Gurugram, near sector 76200 km310 km50 km leopard and deer
Peacock & Chinkara Breeding Centre, Jhabua, in Rewari district ?? hectaresJhabua village in Rewari district, Rewari city location map 175 km315 km90 km Chinkara and blue peafowl (mor)
Pheasant Breeding Centre, Morni in Panchkula district ?? hectares Barwala village 22 km from Panchkula, location map 220 km30 km245 kmSeveral types of pheasants are bred, including red junglefowl (Gallus gallus), endangered cheer pheasant (Catreus wallichii) and endangered kalij pheasant. The centre has a program for breeding and releasing birds into the wild. Six aviaries and a walk-in aviary have been constructed for breeding of the pheasants.
Sparrow Rescue and Research Centre (SRRCP) at Jatayu Conservation Breeding Centre, Pinjore. [12] ?? hectares Barwala village 22 km from Panchkula, location map 265 km30 km275 kmCommon sparrow
Vulture Conservation and Breeding Centre, Pinjore 2.02 hectareslocated within the Bir Shikargah Wildlife Sanctuary, which is 8 km away from Pinjore on Pinjor-Mallah Road. It is 10 km from Kalka, 20 km from Panchkula, 30 km from Chandigarh, 20 km from Morni Hill station. Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre (JCBC) location map 265 km30 km275 km Indian vulture

Deer parks

The Forests Department of the Government of Haryana runs one deer park:

Name of Conservation Area Area District & Location Hisar Delhi Chandigarh Major Wildlife Supported
Deer Park, Hisar 19 hectaresDeer Park is located next to Hisar Airport and Blue Bird Lake on Hisar-Dhansu Road at Hisar. The Deer Park is next to Shatavar Vatika Herbal Park, Hisar. Both are run by the Forests Department, Haryana of Government of Haryana, location map 0 km177 km238 km Chital spotted deer, Sambar and Blackbuck (nil gai) Antelope

Herbal parks

The Forests Department of Government of Haryana has 59 herbal parks [13]

Zoos and safaris

Other potential wildlife sanctuaries and conservation aAreas

Important wetland, water sheds and forested areas of Haryana

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Haryana Forests Department Protected areas". haryanaforest.gov.in. Archived from the original on 1 May 2015. Retrieved 23 October 2014.
  2. ↑ "What's the Technical Difference Between a National Park, Wilderness Area, Wildlife Refuge, Etc.?". Mother Earth News.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "Haryana's two new community reserves protect diverse species," The Times of India, March 10, 2025.
  4. 1 2 3 4 "Hisar gets first Community Reserve for protection of wildlife, ecology," The Tribune, March 3, 2025.
  5. 1 2 "Community Composition and Status of Avifaunal Diversity in and around District Hisar, Haryana, India," ResearchGate.
  6. ↑ "Wildlife and Biodiversity of Haryana," https://www.google.com/search?q=haryana.pscnotes.com.
  7. 1 2 3 "Haryana's two new community reserves protect diverse species," The Times of India, March 10, 2025.
  8. 1 2 3 4 "Three Fatehabad villages to have wildlife reserves," The Tribune, February 24, 2018.
  9. 1 2 Haryana to develop Leopard and Deer Safari scheme in Aravalli Hills, Daily Pioneer, 14 August 2019.
  10. 1 2 Proposal for leopard safari in Gurugram to be ready by next month, Hindustan Times, 19 September 2019.
  11. 1 2 Residents oppose ‘illegal’ land transfer for Gurugram forest, The Times of India, 11 December 2019.
  12. ↑ Haryana to set up rescue, research centre for Sparrow in Pinjore, Daily Pioneer, 4 November 2019.
  13. ↑ "Details of Herbal Parks" (PDF). haryanaforest.gov.in. Archived from the original (PDF) on 9 November 2014. Retrieved 18 October 2014.
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