Wildlife of Goa

Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary 

This is Goa's only bird sanctuary, 1.8 Sq Km in area. A variety of local and migratory birds can be found on this island. On the western tip of the island of Chorao along River Mandovi, mangrove swamps cover this bird-watchers' paradise aptly named after India's best-known ornithologist.
Mangrove ecosystems provide refuge and breeding grounds for several varieties of fish and insects which fall at the base of the food-chain.  

Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary 

The Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Goan town of Mollem. With a total area of 240 sq kms, this is the largest of Goa's four protected wildlife areas, and contains within it The Molem National Park.  Animals that are sheltered in the sanctuary include Gaur, Sambar, Leopards, Spotted Deer, Slender Toris, Jungle Cats, Malayan Giant Squirrels, Pythons and Cobras.  

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary 

 Its mini zoo, sprawling deer park in natural habitat, botanical and rose gardens attract people throughout the year. More than a sanctuary, it is an ideal jungle resort, a major attraction for children and nature lovers. The area is covered with Moist Deciduous Forests, with small patches of Evergreens and Canes along the nullahs. The State Tree Terninalia crenulata (Matti) and Rosewood are common here. Others are Lagerstroemia (Naked Maiden of the Forest / Nano), Kindall, Jamba, Mimusops, Saraca indica etc. The thorny bamboo Bambusa arundinacea and Giant Lianas (Entada) abound.  Gaur the state animal is frequently seen here. The Panther, the Jungle Cat, Leopard Cat, Toddy Cat, Deers (Sambar, Spotted, Hog, Barking and Mouse) Wild Boar, Porcupines Scaly Ant Eater, Malabar Giant Squirrel and Flying lizard (Draco) are common.

Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary 

It has multi-storeyed forest with tall trees and rare plants, where hardly any light reaches the ground. It touches the border of Karnataka state and in the lean season, several gaurs are known to come into Cotigao from its neighbourhood. The vegetation is mostly moist-deciduous type, interspersed with semi-evergreen and evergreen patches. The Nature interpretation Centre run by the Forest Department is a valuable repository of knowledge.

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