Goa, known for its exotic party life, has a lot more in store than beaches. Right from panthers to Indian venomous snakes, Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary manages to shelter almost every common and rare species. One of the unexplored sights of India, this place is set up to protect and conserve the wildlife.
Step into the prized possessions of Goa, the sanctuary resides in the Western Ghats, and is spread over a vast area of 208 km2 near the village of Valpoi.
Mhadei holds many feathers in its hat. Due to the unique range of birds housing in this area, it was declared as an International Bird Area. Moreover, several Bengali tigers were recently spotted in the Sanctuary’s premises. It led to a proposal of making it into a ‘Project Tiger’ reserve.
Besides, Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a staggering range of flora and fauna. From the blossoming flowers of Ashoka tree to the Indian venomous snakes, this place has a lot to offer.
Explore the wildlife sanctuary during the day time and get in touch with nature. Maintaining a safe distance from the animals, you can learn more about them from the professional guides.
Moreover, indulge in watersport activities like white water rafting, trekking at nearby suggested trails. A tip, keep your camera ready for some Insta-worthy photos!
Here is a rundown of the details you must know before planning your trip to this beautiful marvel!
History of Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary -
After the official declaration of wildlife preserve came in 1999, Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary was accounted as a recent addition to the wildlife sanctuaries. Due to its formation, Goa became the only state of India to protect the Western Ghats that are located within its boundaries. The Western Ghats houses a staggering range of flora and fauna.
Flora and Fauna at Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary –
The biodiversity of the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is staggering. Its 208.5 km2 covers a major part of Western Ghats. The different and sometimes dangerous, species of the Mhadei are endlessly fascinating
The most-varied biological reservoir, the sanctuary contains several species of insects, plants, birds, snakes, and other forms of life. On the contrary, it is one of the least-explored sanctuaries in India.
Flora – The trees amidst the sanctuary are massive and full of nutrients. Moist forests of Mhadei contains deciduous vegetation and some evergreen species. The presence of the flora amongst the sanctuary is a significant part of Western Ghats, as they influence Indian monsoon weather patterns.
Here, you can spot an evergreen variety of the Ashoka tree which blossoms with distinct saffron-coloured flowers. Also, sheltering under the Western Ghats, Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary confines of several endemic and rare vegetation. You will come across many endemic orchids too.
Fauna – Away from the hustle-bustle of the city, Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is a safe repository of animal life. Some animals can be seen within the sanctuary, some rarely, whilst others are commonly seen.
The rare animals you can spot here are Black Panther, Sloth bear, Giant squirrel, Mouse deer, Dhole or Asian wild dog, and much more. Whereas, you can easily notice Sambar deer, Indian hare, Ruddy mongoose, Black-faced langur, and whatnot.
Apart from animals, Mhadei is home to more than 255 species of birds. The place is lively because of some unique birds like the Nilgiri wood-pigeon, Malabar parakeet, Malabar grey hornbill, Grey-headed Bulbul, etc.
Also, these birds are the reason behind the declaration of Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary as an International Bird area. The results even show that 53 out of 255 species breed in the sanctuary.
What’s less known is the fact that the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary – contains a large variety of snakes and amphibians.
You can easily spot the ‘big four’ of Indian venomous snakes like Indian krait, Russell’s viper, Saw-scaled viper, and Spectacled cobra. Whereas, the amphibians include the endangered Marbled ramanella, Maharashtra bush frog, Malabar gliding frogs, and much more.
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