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