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Source: TOI
Context:
The Supreme Court of India on Thursday directed the Jharkhand government to declare 31,468.25 hectares (≈314 sq. km.) of the Saranda forest as a wildlife sanctuary, balancing the need for biodiversity protection with sustainable iron ore mining.
About Saranda Forest
- Location: West Singhbhum district, Jharkhand.
- Ecosystem Type: Dense tropical forest, dominated by pristine Sal trees.
- Biodiversity Significance:
- Habitat for Asiatic elephants, chousingha, mouse deer, and sloth bears.
- Recognized as a critical ecological zone by expert bodies.
- One of the world’s most pristine sal forests.
- Home to critically endangered species:
- Sal forest tortoise (endemic)
- Four-horned antelope
- Asian palm civet
- Wild elephants
- Human & Cultural Aspect: Inhabited by Ho, Munda, Uraon, and allied Adivasi communities; their subsistence and cultural traditions are tied to forest produce.
