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 kms.
The widest belt of forests along the western ghats is in
Goa and neighbouring 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.
Average rainfall is over 500mm along the western ghats
and a little less elsewhere. The length of the dry season
averages from 5 to 6 months. For all these reasons,
the dominant vegetation is of the moist decidous type.
|
Goa is endowed with over 1512 documented species of plants,
over 275 genera of birds, over 48 genera of animals and over
60 genera of reptiles.
About 10% of Goa is set aside as wildlife reserve and this
area includes four large wildlife sanctuaries.
Wildlife Sanctuaries in Goa
Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary: This is Goa's only bird sanctuary,
1.8 Sq Km in area. A variety of local and migratory birds
can be found on this island.
more about Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Bhagvan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary: The Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife
Sanctuary is located in the Goan town of Mollem.
more about Bhagvan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary: Its mini zoo, sprawling deer park
in natural habitat, botanical and rose gardens attract people
throughout the year.
more about Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary: If one wants to see multi-storeyed
forests with tall trees and rare plants, where hardly any
light reaches the ground, Cotigao Sanctuary is the place to
go to.
|
