Wildlife in Goa

The rugged western ghats make it an ideal haven for many species of birds and animals and also provide a corridor for migration. The western ghats called the Sahyadris in Goa, extend for a total of 600kms in Goa of their total length of 3702 kms.

The widest belt of forests along the western ghats is in Goa and neighbouring Karnataka state. The high rainfall accounts for this because the elevation of the mountain range here is lower.

The coastal areas on the other hand, provide the tropical backdrop. There are several plants and trees unique to Goa and some introduced by the Portuguese, most famous of which is the green Chilies, which today has become an essential ingredient in the Indian Curry.

The tropical location of Goa is responsible for its warm humid climate and laterite and lateritic Clayey-loamy soil. The mean temperature even in the coldest month is over 20 degrees centigrade.
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Average rainfall is over 500mm along the western ghats and a little less elsewhere. The length of the dry season averages from 5 to 6 months. For all these reasons, the dominant vegetation is of the moist decidous type.

Goa is endowed with over 1512 documented species of plants, over 275 genera of birds, over 48 genera of animals and over 60 genera of reptiles.

About 10% of Goa is set aside as wildlife reserve and this area includes four large wildlife sanctuaries.

Goa is a land whose major portion is allotted to forests and wildlife. Due to deforestation and extinction of certain species of animals becoming a serious issue, the wildlife sanctuaries in Goa are doing their best to preserve their flora and fauna. Presently there are six wildlife sanctuaries in Goa:

• The Bondla Wildlife sanctuary at Bondla (8 sq km)
• The Bhagvan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary at Mollem (133 sq km)
• The Cotigao Wlidlife Sanctuary at Cotigao (86 square km)
• The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Chorao Island (1.78 square km)
• At Madei (208 square km, proposed)
• At Netravali (211 square km, proposed)
• The Mollem national park at Mollem (107 square km)

Together these wildlife sanctuaries in Goa cover an area of 755 square km – that is, around 60 per cent of forest area and 20 per cent of the geographical area of the state.

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary: the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is located 38 kms from Margao. It is more an ideal jungle resort than a sanctuary. It is a big favourite with school children and people who love nature. This wildlife sanctuary in Goa houses mini zoos, sprawling deer park in natural habitat, botanical and rose gardens that attract people throughout the year.

Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary: The Bhagvan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary covers around 240 sq kms. Out of this, the forest-clad slopes of the Western ghats and its valleys are the biggest attractions. It is also the biggest of the three sanctuaries of Goa. The sanctuary is rich in wildlife. It is a paradise for bird watchers. There are also many important geological and historical features in this sanctuary.

Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary: The Cotigao wildlife sanctuary in Goa is the second largest of all the wildlife sanctuaries in Goa. It covers an area of 105 sq km. It is covered with dense forest. As a result of which a varied wildlife, avian fauna and reptiles thrive and flourish. The ancient Jeevottam Partagal Math too lies near the sanctuary.

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary: The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is spread over 1.78 sq kms. It is located at the western tip of the island of Chorao along river Mandovi near Panaji. It is fully covered with species that thrive in mangrove areas. Varieties of local as well as migratory birds frequently visit there.