Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary spans over the Western Ghats in Khanapur Taluk of Belgaum district of the south Indian state Karnataka. It is a protected area encompassing 19,042.58 ha area. It was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in December 2011. The dominant vegetation of the forest comprises tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests. The forest is also famed for its Barapede caves which serve as the only known breeding area of a threatened species on the verge of extinction called Wroughton`s free-tailed bat. It also shelters a number of rare species of flora and fauna. The sanctuary has been named after the Bhimgad Fort, constructed and commanded by Shivaji in the 17th century as a defence from Portuguese troops. It is located at the heart of the forest valley.
Geography of Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary
Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary is situated at a distance of 35 kilometres from Belgaum city towards its southwest. It shares its boundary with the north of Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, north-west of the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, north of Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary and east of Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary. At the western boundary of the sanctuary many geo-morphological lime stone formations and caves are situated. Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary forms the headwaters of a number of rivers like Tillari, Malaprabha and Mhadei and several perennial streams.
Flora and Fauna of Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary
Flora of Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary mainly comprises a combination of tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests and grass lands. It also hosts a number of medicinal plants. It has a rich biodiversity and shelters animals like Elephants, King Cobras, Wild Dogs, Foxes, Chitals, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Sloth Bear, Gaur, Leopards and Tigers. Many endangered species of reptiles, birds and mammals also dwell in the sanctuary. It also forms important tiger corridors, one of which links Radhanagri Wildlife Sanctuary and Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary and the other linking Dandeli and the Molem Wildlife Sanctuary.
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