Goa Wildlife & Bird Sanctuaries |
Goa is enriched with a fascinating diversity of wild life including
birds and mammals. It is estimated that this region harbours
some 48 genera of mammals, 276 genera of birds and 60 genera
of reptiles. Preservation of wildlife is one of the priority
concerns of the Government. The Government has set up 3 wild
life sanctuaries and 1 bird sanctuary, which revel in their
scenic beauty, large tracts of wilderness and varieties of fauna.
The important mammalian species include deer, ox, wild boar,
bear, hyena, panther, wild cat, sloth, monkey, Indian elephant,
squirrel, bat and dolphin. The common birds include cormorant,
coot, openbill stork, kingfisher, drongo, bulbul and weaver
bird, besides dove, parrot, vulture, kite, quail and hoopoe.
BHAGVAN MAHAVIR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY - MOLEM
Situated along the North-East border of Goa at Molem, about
one-and-a-half hours' journey from Panaji (60 kms.) along
Panaji Belgaum National Highway, the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife
sanctuary covers 240 sq. kms. of thick forest clad slopes
of Western Ghats and its valleys and is the biggest of the
three sanctuaries of Goa. The sanctuary is rich in wildlife.
It is a paradise for bird watchers. Besides flora and fauna
there are many important geological and historical features
in this sanctuary. Dudhsagar falls, about an hour's journey
from Colem by train, is a feast for the eyes. The "Devil canyon"
is another beautiful geological spot. The famous Tambdi Surla
temple is about 13 kms. from Molem. The Dept. of Tourism has
built comfortable cottages and dormitories for tourists.
BONDLA FOREST
50 kms. from Panaji and 38 kms. from Margao, it is one of
the three wildlife sanctuaries of Goa. More than a sanctuary
it is an ideal jungle resort, a major attraction for school
going children and nature lovers. Its mini zoos, sprawling
deer park in natural habitat, botanical and rose gardens attract
people throughout the year. Comfortable cottages are available
here for tourists. The Zoological Park and garden at Bondla
remain closed on Thursdays.
COTIGAO WILDLIFE SANCTUARY - COTIGAO
The second largest of the three wildlife sanctuaries in Goa,
with an area of 106 sq. kms. is located at about 85 kms. from
Panaji, 75 kms. from the Dabolim airport ad 50 kms. from Margao
in Canacona Taluka in South Goa, nearly 3 kms. off the Panaji-Mangalore
National Highway No. 17. It is covered with dense forest and
varied wildlife, avian fauna and reptiles. The ancient Jeevottam
Partagal Math, noted for Vedic studies, lies in the vicinity
of the sanctuary. Plans are afoot to develop eco-tourism in
this sanctuary at Hatipal Eco-Tourism Complex. There is nature
interpretation centre with mini library located in the eco-tourism
complex.
SALIM ALI BIRD SANCTUARY - CHORAO, PANAJI
Spread over 1.78 sq. kms. and located at the western tip of
the island of Chorao along river Mandovi near Panaji, it is
fully covered with mangrove species. Varieties of local as
well as migratory birds frequently visit the area. This sanctuary
can be visited any time of the year with the permission of
the Chief Wild Life Warden, Forest Department, Junta House,
Panaji, Goa. The sanctuary is approachable by walk after crossing
over by ferry from Raibandar to Chorao. There are some private
parties who take tourists around in their canoes fitted with
outboard motors.
The Government has recently notified two additional wild
life sanctuaries viz., Model Wildlife Sanctuary at Valpoi
and Netrarali Wildlife Sanctuary at Sanguem.
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