Haryana has set aside around 33,000 hectares of land as wildlife protected areas. These areas are designated for the protection and conservation of wildlife and their habitats.

Haryana has made significant efforts to conserve its biodiversity and protect wildlife. As part of these efforts, a considerable area of the state is designated as wildlife protected areas, including national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and other conservation zones.

The total area of these protected regions in Haryana is approximately 33,000 hectares. This land is dedicated to safeguarding diverse ecosystems, wildlife species, and their habitats. It includes areas such as:

1. Sultanpur National Park: Known for birdwatching, especially during migratory seasons.
2. Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary: A sanctuary for various species of flora and fauna.
3. Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary: Home to a wide range of species, particularly birds.

This large area of protected land plays a critical role in maintaining ecological balance, preserving endangered species, and contributing to environmental sustainability. The state's commitment to conserving nature is reflected in the continued expansion and management of these areas.

Protected Areas in Haryana

The total area of wildlife protected areas in Haryana is around 33,000 hectares. These areas are classified into national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and conservation reserves. These zones are carefully managed to ensure that the habitats of various species remain intact, undisturbed by human activities.

Key Protected Areas

Sultanpur National Park:

• Location: Near Gurgaon, this park is a haven for migratory birds and offers an important stopover for birds during their long journeys.
• Species: The park is home to more than 200 species of birds, including the migratory Siberian crane, and other waterfowl like ducks and geese.
• Significance: Sultanpur is part of the National Wetland Conservation Programme and contributes to the conservation of wetland ecosystems.

Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Location: In the Shivalik foothills, near the Haryana-Uttarakhand border.
• Species: Known for its dense forest cover, it supports a variety of wildlife such as leopards, wild boars, elephants, and various species of birds and reptiles.
• Ecological Importance: The sanctuary preserves a unique forest ecosystem and helps in soil and water conservation in the Shivalik hills.

Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Location: In the western part of Haryana, near the town of Jhajjar.
• Species: Bhindawas is a significant wetland that serves as a home for several species of birds, especially migratory ones, including the endangered Sarus crane. It also supports a variety of amphibians, reptiles, and mammals.
• Role: The sanctuary acts as an important breeding ground for many bird species and contributes to Haryana’s biodiversity.

Other Sanctuaries & Reserves:

• Nahar Wildlife Sanctuary: A smaller sanctuary, but important for protecting the habitat of local wildlife.
• Damdama Lake: Though not officially a sanctuary, the lake and its surroundings are often considered crucial for birdlife conservation.

Hence Option D Is Correct.

The Sal tree is mainly found in the Kalesar Forest.

Kalesar is a forest area located in the state of Haryana, India, and it is known for its rich biodiversity, including a significant presence of Sal trees.

Kalesar Forest, located in the Yamunanagar district of Haryana, is a protected forest area that is known for its rich flora and fauna. The forest is part of the Shivalik Hills, which lie in the foothills of the Himalayas.

Sal Tree (Shorea robusta):

The Sal tree is dominant in the Kalesar forest. It is a tropical hardwood tree, often found in tropical deciduous forests of India, particularly in the northern and central regions. Sal is known for its strength and durability, which makes it an essential tree for commercial timber production.

Sal trees grow well in the temperate and subtropical climates of the region. In Kalesar Forest, the tree species thrive due to the climate and soil conditions, which are ideal for its growth.

Other Trees:

• Peepal (Ficus religiosa): The Peepal tree, while common in many parts of India, is not the dominant species in Kalesar Forest.
• Eucalyptus: This species is often planted for its fast growth and is generally found in plantations or regions with altered land use, rather than in the natural forests like Kalesar.
• Babul (Acacia nilotica): Babul trees are also found in India but are typically seen in arid and semi-arid regions, not specifically in the dense forests of Kalesar.

In summary, the Sal tree is the most prominent and widely distributed tree species in the Kalesar forest due to the region's climate, soil, and ecosystem characteristics.

Kalesar Forest: An Overview

Kalesar Forest, part of the Shivalik Range in the Yamunanagar district of Haryana, is known for its biodiversity and rich flora. It is a tropical dry deciduous forest with a variety of plant species, but it’s most famous for the dominance of certain types of trees that are well-suited to the region’s climatic and environmental conditions.

The forest is situated in an area with a subtropical climate, characterized by hot summers, moderate rainfall, and cooler winters. This climate favors certain tree species, and the soil, which is typically well-drained and loamy, is perfect for trees that need both warmth and ample water during the monsoon season.

Why the Sal Tree is Dominant in Kalesar

The Sal tree (Shorea robusta) is particularly suited to the tropical dry deciduous forests of northern India. Here are several reasons why the Sal tree is so abundant in Kalesar:

1. Climate Suitability: The Sal tree thrives in areas that experience monsoon rainfall (usually between 1,000 to 2,000 mm per year), and the Kalesar region fits this pattern well. The tree also requires hot summers, which is typical of the area.

2. Soil Conditions: Sal trees grow best in well-drained soils that are fertile and loamy, often with some amount of moisture retention. Kalesar's soils, a mix of loamy and clayey types, are ideal for the deep root system of the Sal tree.

3. Growth and Longevity: Sal is a large and fast-growing tree that can live for several hundred years. It also produces a dense canopy, which shades the forest floor, creating an environment that supports a range of other species of plants and animals. This has made it the dominant tree species in the forest.

4. Ecological Importance: The Sal tree is an important ecological species in tropical forests. It provides food and shelter to a range of wildlife. Its fruit is eaten by various birds and animals, and its timber is highly valued for its strength and durability, making it an important resource for local communities.

5. Biodiversity Support: The presence of Sal has led to a rich biodiversity in the Kalesar Forest. Sal forests support a variety of animal species, including deer, wild boar, and monkeys, as well as a variety of birds and insects. The dense canopy also supports a variety of understory plants and shrubs.

Hence Option B Is Correct.

There are 3 zoos in Haryana.
Haryana has 3 main zoos:

1. Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary (Gurugram) - While not a traditional zoo, it's a protected sanctuary for migratory birds.
2. Pinjore Zoo (Pinjore) - Officially known as the Yadavindra Gardens Zoo, it's a popular zoo in the region with a variety of wildlife.
3. Hisar Zoo (Hisar) - Also known as the Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park, it's one of the largest and most well-maintained zoos in Haryana.

These three represent the major zoological parks in the state.

Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary (Gurugram):

• Location: Sultanpur, near Gurugram.
• Type: Bird Sanctuary.
• Features: Sultanpur is primarily known as a bird sanctuary rather than a zoo. It is home to a wide variety of migratory birds, especially during the winter season. Thousands of birds, including some rare species, visit the sanctuary. It is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
• Wildlife: It hosts various species of birds like migratory waterfowl, ducks, and other wetland birds, as well as some local species. It’s an excellent location for bird photography and nature walks.

Pinjore Zoo (Pinjore):

• Location: Pinjore, Panchkula district, Haryana.
• Type: Zoological park.
• Features: Also known as the Yadavindra Gardens Zoo, Pinjore Zoo is located near the historical Pinjore Gardens. The zoo is well-maintained and houses several species of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, monkeys, and a variety of birds. The zoo is also known for its serene surroundings within the picturesque gardens.
• Wildlife: The zoo has several animals including big cats, deer, reptiles, and various bird species. It also has an aviary and a reptile house.
• Visitor Experience: It's a popular spot for family visits and a good place to spend time with nature.

Hisar Zoo (Hisar):

• Location: Hisar, Haryana.
• Type: Zoological park.
• Features: Officially known as the Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park, it’s one of the largest and most prominent zoos in Haryana. The zoo covers a large area and is well-equipped with modern facilities for the animals.

Hence Option B Is Correct.