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The Anerdam Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular wildlife preserver in the western Indian state of Maharashtra. The sanctuary is situated on southwestern range of Satpura range in the district of Dhule and shares boundaries with Yawal Sanctuary, the famous sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh. The sanctuary covers a huge area and its main attraction is the Monitor Lizard. The sanctuary provides natural habitat to a rich variety of flora and fauna species.
The natural vegetation in the Anerdam Wildlife Sanctuary is comprised of several medicinal and commercially valued plant species. Some of the plant species are considered as endangered or threatened and need to be conserved properly. The sanctuary is the store house of lush green vegetation. The most commonly found plant species found in the sanctuary include Babul, Bel, Palas, Khair, Hiwar, Kusal, Bhuri, Casia auriculata, Albizzia lebbek, Dhawda, etc. The shrubs like Vitex Nigundo, Zizphus Helicteres Isora, Solanium Giganteum, Casia Auriculata, Lantna, etc. are commonly found in the sanctuary. Apart from these, the common grasses like Kusal, Bhuri, Rosa, Kunda, Sheda and Kusali, etc. are available in the sanctuary, as well.
The faunal composition of the Anerdam Wildlife Sanctuary comprises numerous mammal, reptile and bird species. Several fauna species in the sanctuary are considered as endangered, threatened or endemic and they need immediate proper conservation. The most important and commonly found mammal species in the sanctuary include Barking Deer, Chinkara, Hare, Porcupine, Jungle Cat, Monitor Lizard, etc. The migrant animals in the sanctuary include Hyena, Jackal, Wolf, Wild Boar, etc. Numerous reptile species like snakes, crocodiles, etc. are also found in the Anerdam Wildlife Sanctuary.
The Anerdam Wildlife Sanctuary is rich in its avifauna collection. The bird species found in the sanctuary include both resident and migratory types and some of them are considered as endangered or threatened. The common resident birds in the sanctuary include Peafs, Quails, Partridges, Egrets, Herons, Cormorants, Corts, Spot Bills, Eagle Hamers, Owls, etc. Apart from these, a number of migratory birds also visit the sanctuary, every year. They include the Brahming Ducks, Cranes, Stokes and many Waders. The migratory birds are mostly found during the winter months in the sanctuary.
The best time to visit the sanctuary is the months of November to February, as the climate remains soothing during the period. The climate also remains predictable and comfortable during this period. The great variety of flora and fauna species in the sanctuary attracts many tourists from all over the world, every year. The tourists visit the sanctuary to enjoy the beauty of nature, to its fullest. In this way, the Anerdam Wildlife Sanctuary is making huge contributions to the tourism sector of Maharashtra.
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