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 km. The widest belt
of forests along the Western Ghats is in Goa and neighboring 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.
Wildlife in Goa
Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
Along the north from Panaji on the road to Belgaum, is a sanctuary that
covers 240-sq-kms. Thick forest clad the slopes of the Western Ghats
that is rich in wildlife and a paradise for bird watchers.
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
Up in the lush foothills of the Western Ghats, Bondla is good place to
see Sambhar and Wild Boar. It is smallest of the Goan Wildlife
Sanctuaries. Its area is 8-sq-kms but easiest one to reach.
Salim Ali Bird Sanctaury
On the western tip to the island of Chorao along River Mandovi,
mangrove swamps cover this bird-watchers' paradise aptly named after
India's best-known ornithologist.
Open throughout the year, the sanctuary can be visited with the
permission of the Chief Wild Life Warden, Forest Department, Junta
House, Panaji. Apart from a rich variety of coastal birds, one may spot
flying foxes, jackals and crocodiles.
Catigao Wildlife Sanctuary
The Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, 10-km southeast of Chaudi, was
established in 1969 to protect a remote and vulnerable area of forest
lining the Goa- Karnataka border.
