Why in the news?

• The Supreme Court has directed the Jharkhand government to declare 31468.25 hectares of Saranda forest area as a wildlife sanctuary.

Saranda Forest Area

• Location: Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum District- Southern part of Jharkhand bordering Odisha
• Geography:
  • Part of the Singhbhum Craton- One of the world’s oldest geological formations.
  • Undulating hills, Deep valleys and High plateaus are found in the region.
• Key Features:
  • Moist deciduous forests dominated with Sal trees
  • One of the world’s pristine Sal Forests
  • Home to endemic Sal forest tortoise as well as Four horned antelope
  • Accounts for 26% of the Iron ore reserves in India.
• Tribal Population: Home to Ho, Munda, Oraon, and other tribal communities.