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Few tourists to Goa are aware that about one third of Goa is
forest land and that it is one of the richest reservoirs of
bio-diversity in the world. It may be interesting to know that
over 2,500 species of flowering plants are found here which
means 27% of India’s flowering plants. The stretch of the
Western Ghats passing through the state, houses some of the
most fascinating representatives of the bio-diversity. A drive
up to the Western Ghats through the forest is a great
experience. Bhagwan Mahavir Wild Life Sanctuary
and
Mollem National Park
(Sanguem taluka) is an ideal habitat for a wide of variety of
wild life like langur, deer sloth bear, bison, porcupines,
wild boar, flying lizard, leopard cat, jungle cat, phanters
and many species of snakes and birds.
Dr. Salim Ali Bird
Sanctuary on theIsland of Chorao in Tiswadi Taluka is an
Orinthologists paradise. The crowning glory of Mollem is the
Milky
Duudhsagar Waterfall. At its majestic best during
and just after the monsoon season, the water gushes down from
a height of 300 meters, it sparkling white waters cascading
against the rock. The water flows down into Devil’s Canyon, a
rock formation, crises-crossed by under water passages.
Bondla Wild Life Sanctuary is located close to Usgao, at
junction of Ponda, Sanguem and Sattari talukas. Bondla’s moist
deciduous forest interspersed with ever green are the habitat
of a wide variety of flora and fauna. Here are a number of
animals like wild boar, bisons, panthers, snakes, and the
intriguingly named toddy cat.
Cotiagao Wild Life Sanctuary
is situated in Canacona taluke in South Eastern Goa.
Vegetation here comprises mostly tall trees of the moist
deciduous type, with some trees attaining heights of up to 30
meters. Animals include wild boar, leopards, pangolin, black
panthers etc.
Netravali,
Goa’s second largest
sanctuary, is a another beautiful feather in Sanguem taluk’s
lush cap. Mhadei in Sattari, Goa’s
third largest sanctuary, is also worth exploring.
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