Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary

The Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary is in Mahuadanr CD Block of  Latehar in Jharkhand. It is under the administrative control of Deputy Director, South Division, Medininagar under Palamau Tiger Reserve Circle.The sanctuary was declared on 23 June, 1976 vide Govt. of Bihar extraordinary gazette.It is situated between latitudes 23° 22’ 22” and 23° 33’ 49” North and longitudes 84° 0’ 06” and 84° 12’ 29” East. The total forest area under the sanctuary is 63.256 sq. Km.

Most of the forest under the sanctuary is surrounded by crop fields. Some forests are contiguous with Baresanr range and to Kusumi Range of Ambikapur Forest Division (Chhattisgarh).The major river which drains the Mahuadanr valley is Burha River.
 The famous Lodh Fall (Burha Ghagh) near village Lodh is situated on river Burha.

 

The sanctuary is very rich and has varieties of ecological niches forming it as a significant area for conservation.
 
The census of wild species was carried out in which 78 wolf  breeding dens were identified in 13 protected forests of the sanctuary.  On the basis of transect, sign survey and interaction with villagers, 27 species of mammals, 19 species of birds, 18 species of reptiles, 8 species of amphibians and 30 species of butterflies were recorded.
The most notable was the sightings of Green Pit Viper and Whip Scorpion.
 
The general floral composition of forests in the PA consists of plants like Bel, Dhaura, Khair, Salai, Piar, Kendu, Karonda, Ziziphus and stunted Sal, Kajhi, Chilbil & Amla.