Wildlife Sanctuaries of Western India

Wildlife sanctuaries of western India are protected areas in the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Goa. In these wildlife sanctuaries, wild species are conserved in the natural environment. They are homes to a huge variety of flora and fauna. Many endangered species facing the threat of extinction are well preserved in these sanctuaries. They also attract a number of tourists from different parts of the world. These sanctuaries are under government legislations. They contribute immensely to the national heritage of India. Given below are wildlife sanctuaries of western India.

Wildlife Sanctuaries of Gujarat
Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is one of five most famous protected areas of India. It is located near Talala Gir in Gujarat. It was established in 1965 and is considered to be the sole home of Asiatic lions. Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Kutch district. It supports a wide range of mammals and birds. Other important wildlife sanctuaries of Gujarat are Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary, Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Balaram Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary, Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Purna Wildlife Sanctuary, Jambuhoda Wildlife Sanctuary, Pania Wildlife Sanctuary, Rampara Wildlife Sanctuary, Thol Wildlife Sanctuary, Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary and Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary.

Wildlife Sanctuaries of Maharashtra Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Pune district. The sanctuary was created with the aim of protecting the Indian giant squirrel. Bor Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Wardha district. It hosts a vast variety of flora and fauna. Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Satara district. Royal Bengal tigers are the most significant species of this sanctuary. Other wildlife sanctuaries of Maharashtra are Mayureswar Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary, Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary, Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary, Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary and Yawal Wildlife Sanctuary.

Wildlife Sanctuaries of Goa Wildlife sanctuaries are major attractions of Goa tourism. Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary and Mollem National Park is situated in the Western Ghats. It is a home to a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles and butterflies. Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most visited destinations by school children and tourists. Common animals found here are sambhar deer, Malabar giant squirrel, Indian bison, Indian peafowl, leopards, etc. Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in South Goa district. Its famous dense forests shelter a variety of species of fauna. Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Sattari taluka in North Goa district. It is connected to Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, which houses animals like Black Panther, giant squirrel and slender loris.