Goa Wildlife

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.
Bhagvan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary: The Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife
Sanctuary is located in the Goan town of Mollem.
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary: Its mini zoo, sprawling deer park in natural
habitat, botanical and rose gardens attract people throughout the year.
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.