Flora and Fauna of Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary Rich diversity of flora can be witnessed in Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary. Common species of flora includes Artocarpus hirsute, Lophopetalum wightanium, Machilus Macrantha and many more. Commercial plantations have also been done here including trees like Eucalyptus, Tectonia grandis and Ailanthus malabarica. Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary also hosts a vast variety of fauna. Mammals dwelling in the sanctuary are Common Langur, Bonnet Macaque, Lion Tailed Macaque, Barking Deer, Gaur, Jackal, Wild Dog, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Wild Pig, Leopard and Royal Bengal Tiger. Monitor Lizard, Python and King Cobra are the common species of reptiles found here. An interesting assemblage of avifauna can also be spotted here such as Malabar Whistling Thrush, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Ceylon Frogmouth and Malabar Trogon. Visiting Information Nearest airport to reach Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary is Mangalore whereas Shimoga and Udupi serve as the nearest railheads. A good network of roadways connects the sanctuary with cities like Bengaluru via Agumbe, Tirthahalli and Shimoga and Mangalore through Hebri, Karkala and Moodbidri. The ideal time to visit the sanctuary is between October and April. Jamblu Tirtha, Agumbe Sunset Point and Onakabbi Falls are the nearby attractions of Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary. Certain parts of the sanctuary are however encountering damage owing to clearing of large area of forest. Other issues threatening the sanctuary include and risk from forest fires due to natural and anthropogenic causes, cattle grazing in the absence of Forest Department prohibitions and poaching. |