Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, West Bengal

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Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, West Bengal

Environment
Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, West Bengal

A black melanistic leopard cub has been spotted close to the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary in the Darjeeling hills. The sighting brings focus to the sanctuary’s location, habitat features, and the concept of melanism.

Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary (West Bengal) and Melanism:

Dimension Key Details
Location Comprises areas in the state of West Bengal.
Establishment Has been established in 1915.
Biogeographic zone The biogeographic zone of the Gangetic plain.
Link with Singalila National Park The south east extension of the Singalila National Park.
Vegetation type Temperate and alpine forest.
Elevation range Elevation from 1,500 to 2,600 m.
Flora (examples) Oak, pines, and birch, along with other trees and plantations.
Fauna Provides habitat for barking deer, wild boar, Himalayan black bear, Indian leopard, jungle cat, rhesus monkey, Assam macaque, and Himalayan flying squirrel.
Melanism Comprises an advanced version of the dark-coloured pigment called melanin found in the skin, hair, fur, or feathers of various organisms.
Cause of melanism Comprises the outcome of a genetic mutation, but can also occur due to peculiar temperature changes during gestation.
Melanistic leopard Comprises a leopard with a unique genetic trait which makes its coat appear almost completely black.
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Attempt Possible Qs

Q 1 / 2

With reference to Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, consider the following statements:

1. It includes temperate and alpine forest.
2. It lies entirely below 1,000 m elevation.
3. It is linked as the south east extension of the Singalila National Park.

Which of the statements given above are correct?