OUR

GEOGRAPHY

ASSIGNMENT
WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES
 BONDALA WILDLIFE SANTUARY

38 kms from Margao is the smaller of the three wildlife sanctuaries

of Goa - the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary. More than a sanctuary, it is
an ideal jungle resort, a major attraction for school going children
and nature lovers. Its mini zoo, sprawling deer park in natural
habitat, botanical and rose gardens attract people throughout the
year.
The Bondla wildlife sanctuary is about 50 Kms from Panaji and 38 Kms
from Margao and 20 Kms east of Ponda. It is more of a jungle resort
with tourist cottages available on site run by the Forest Department.
The common animals that inhabit the sanctuary are the Gaur and the
Sambhar deer. It is a popular destination for school picnics. It is closed
on Thursdays. There are tour buses that make a stop over at Bondla
from Margao and Panaji.
Birdlife - Bondla wildlife sanctuary is home to over a hundred bird species. For
details on bird-watching areas contact the Park Range Office.
Wild Animals - For those seeking greater adventure and excitement, bondla
wildlife sanctuary have watch-towers where wild animals like Gaur, Sambar, Wild
Boar can be seen at water-holes.However, sighting of animals are rare.
Nature Trails - For the more energetic the Nature Trails provide an ideal
opportunity to see nature as it is.
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.
 BAGWAN MAHAVIR
WILDLIFE SANTUARY

Along the north from Panaji on the road to Belgaum, is a sanctuary that
covers 240-sq-kms. Thick forest clad slopes of the Western Ghats that is
rich in wildlife and a paradise for bird watchers.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.The sanctuary is situated on the
eastern border of Goa, with Karnataka 53 kms away from Panaji and 54 kms
away from Margao. It is easily accessible by both road and rail.
Unless you stay for at least a couple of days, it is unlikely that you will
catch a glimpse of many of the animals that are sheltered in the sanctuary,
including Gaur, Sambar, Leopards, Spotted Deer, Slender Toris, Jungle Cats,
Malayan Giant Squirrels, Pythons and Cobras.There are important
geographical and historical features in this sanctuary. Jeeps on private
arrangements go to the interior of the forest. The sanctuary is particularly
known for its Leopards, Elephants, Deers & Gaur Or Indian Bison.It is more
convenient to view wild animals from the Devil's Canion View Point. Bird
lovers may also find their best time over here. T
This area was first known as Mollem Game Sanctuary. It was declared
a in 1969 and renamed as Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary. The core area
of the sanctuary covering 107 square kilometres (41 sq mi) was notified
as Mollem National Park in 1978.[
Popular birds which can be seen in the sanctuary include: drongo, emerald
dove, fairy bluebird, golden oriole,greater Indian hornbill, Indian black
woodpecker, Malabar grey hornbill, Malabar pied hornbill, grey-headed
myna,grey jungle fowl etc.