Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary
Sitamata is one of the richest sanctuaries from the biota point of view. Nearly 50 species of mammals, more than 325 species of birds 40 species of reptiles, 9 species of amphibians, 30 species of fishes and more than 800 species of plants have been listed in the Sanctuary .This Sanctuary can be considered as “hot spot” of Rajasthan for floral and faunal diversity point of view Northern moist distribution limit of many duccan elements are passing through the Sitamata. Flying Squirrels, Four horned antelope, Tree snakes, Tree Frog, Ratal, Indian pangolin ,etc. can be seen here .This Sanctuary is famous for Four horned Antelopes and considered as best Chousinga Sanctuary of state.
Birds like Grey jungle fowl, Aravlli red spur fowl, yellow footed Green Pigeon, Alexandrine parakeet, Stork-billed kingfisher, Indian pitta, Black -headed oriole, Indian paradise Flycatcher, Black lored tit, Purple-rumped sun bird, Monarach, ultra-marine verditor flycatchers etc. can be seen in sylvan environs of the Sitamata. Lesser Floricans are worth seeing over here during mansoon at eastern outskirts of Sanctuary Sitamata Sanctuary is very rich in floral elements too. It is famous for climbers, lianas, tuberous plants and orchids ,Leea macrophylla, costus species, Firmiame locorata,Buchanania lanzan,Oroxylum indicum, Steeospermum shaveolens, Euphorbia acanalis, Neurocanthus spliocrostachys, Artennisiani lagirica, Nervilia aragoane , Vanda tessellata, Curcuma pseudomontana, Peperomia pellucida ,etc.are important rare species as far as Rajasthan is concern. These species are fairly in good number over here. Sitamata is also rich in Ferns and Bryophyte.
Sitamata is also known for medicinal plants As many as 108 species of medicinal plants have already been identified , Sitamata forest harbors 13 of the 32 endangered medicinal plants listed by National Medicinal plant board New-Delhi.
FOREST TYPE AND SPECIES: – The floral constituents of the Sitamata wildlife Sanctuary are mostly edaphoclimax .As per the Champion & Seth’s classification the forest of this sanctuary falls under II category of Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest, which can be Sub classified as:
Group 5: Tropical Dry deciduous Forest
Sub Group 5B: Northern Tropical Dry deciduous forest
C2 Northern Tropical Dry mixed deciduous forest 6
The main species dominating are Tectona grandis(teak/sagwan), Wrigtia tintoria, Boswellia serrata, Lannea grandis ,Madhuca indica(mahua), Pongamia pinnata,
Dendrocalamus strictus , Sterculia urens, Butea monosperma , Anogeisus latifolia, Syzygium heynnainum, Adina cardifolia ,Diospyrus malanoxylon, orchids , tuberos plants etc.
Historical Importance
As the name itself explains its historical & religious importance that people believes that Devi Sita spent her days of exile in this forest, where the ashram of rishi Valmiki was situated thus sanctuary bears the name of Devi sitamata and her famous temple is situated in the Heart of the forest area of sanctuary.
Location
Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the South-East region of the Rajasthan in Chittorgarh, Pratapgarh & Udaipur Districts; where three very ancient mountain ranges of India namely The Aravallis, The Vindhyas and Malva Plateau meet together forming the Northwestern limits of Teak Forest. This results in to unique Biodiversity many species are yet to discovered and identified from this area. Sitamata is situated between 74° 25’E and 74° 40’E East longitude and 24° 04″N and 24° 23′ Northern Latitude.
Approach
Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary lies on Udaipur Pratapgarh State highway at a distance of 100 km. and 60 kms from Udaipur and Chittorgarh respectively. Nearest Railway station is Chttorgarh. Whereas the nearest Airport is Maharana Pratap (Dabok) Airport Udaipur at a distance of 80kms. Taxies are available from all these places to reach The Sanctuary.
Topography
The configuration of land is hilly and rugged with high altitude which varies from 280 to 600 mt. The general slope of the land id from North-West to South-East. The network of perennial rivers and presence of riparian vegetation is main characteristic of the sanctuary. the Jakham, The Karmoi and Sitamata perennial rivers flows through the Sanctuary.
Climate
The climate of this region is quite pleasant with subtropical feature and characterized by district winter, summer and rainy season. Average rainfall is 756mm and mercury seldom falls below 6° in winter and never rises above 45 in summer.
Visiting Season
Best Season for visiting this Sanctuary is from October to February and Sanctuary is open up to June
Timing for visit the Sanctuary – Sunrise to Sunset.