15 Nov 2024        15:21:52 pm

Environmental Ecology

Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary

Tags : Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary

Topic: Protected Areas

Why in the news?

• An adult tigress and three cubs have been spotted in the Mhadei wildlife sanctuary in Goa marking the first time evidence of the species has been recorded in the forests bordering the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka since 2020.

Source: Hindustan Times 

About Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary:

• It is located in the Northern Part of Goa, near the Chorla Ghat, situated between North Goa and Belgavi. 
• It borders both Maharashtra and Karnataka. 
• The Mhadei River flows through this sanctuary. 
• Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, along with Mollem National Park, forms part of the Western Ghats. This region is globally renowned for hosting the world\'s largest tiger population. 
  • It plays a vital role in a network of wildlife corridors that connect tiger populations across the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (Maharashtra) and the  Kali Tiger Reserve (Karnataka). 
• There are several waterfalls within the sanctuary including Vazra Sakla Falls and Virdi Falls.
  • Vazra falls is famous for being the nesting grounds of the critically endangered Long-billed vultures.
• Flora:
  • The sanctuary is thickly forested with moist deciduous vegetation and some evergreen species too. It is particularly well-known for its sacred groves that protect rare and indigenous trees. 
• Fauna: 
  • Indian gaur, Barking deer, Sambar deer, Asian palm civet, small Indian civet, Wild boar, Indian hare etc. are commonly found here.
  • A large variety of snakes including all of the ‘big four’ of Indian venomous snakes 

(Indian krait, Russell’s viper, Saw-scaled viper and Spectacled cobra) are found here.

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