NAME :- Cadet Rasika Yashwant Mhase

CLASS :- SYBSC.

COLLEGE :- B. K. Birla College,

TOPIC :- Wildlife in WILDLIFE IN MAHARASHTRA

WHAT IS WILDLIFE SANCTUARY ?

Wildlife traditionally refers to undomesticated animal species, but has come to include all organisms that grow on live wild in an area without being introduced by humans. Wildlife can be found in all ecosystems. Deserts, forests, rainforests, plains, grasslands, and other areas, including the most developed urban areas, all have distinct forms of wildlife. While the term in popular culture usually refers to animals that are untouched by human factors, most scientists agree that much wildlife is affected by human activities.

Humans have historically tended to separate civilization from wildlife in a number of ways, including the legal, social, and moral senses. Some animals, however, have adapted to suburban environments.

Global wildlife populations have decreased by 68% since 1970 as the result of human activity, particularly overconsumption, population growth and intensive farming, according to 2020 World Wildlife Fund's Living Planet Report and the Zoological Society of London’s Living Planet Index measure, which is further evidence that humans have unleashed a sixth mass extinction event. According to CITES, it has been estimated that annually the international wildlife trade amounts to billions of dollars and it affects hundreds of millions of animal and plant specimen.

Maharashtra is one of the most popular states in which is situated in the Western Peninsular region and is known to occupy a substantial portion of the vast Deccan Plateau. To make a note of, the official spoken language here is Marathi however Hindi and English are well entertained by its average population. It has earned its recognition owing to its several amazing cities and plenty of heart taking attractions however there are several fascinating and renowned wildlife sanctuaries which are very well visited by the people coming from different parts of the country. NAGZIRA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary is a very beautiful and quite a decent wildlife sanctuary which is located between Bhandara and Gondia district of Maharashtra. It is home to several wild animals, reptiles and birds of various species. It attracts a wide number of visitors owing to its picturesque landscapes and a great ambience. It was indeed a perfect place to visit with friends and families without an inch of doubt or hesitation.

Location:- Gondia, , Maharashtra, 441601, India

Trip duration:- 3 to 4 hours

MELGHAT WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Melghat Wildlife Sanctuary is a very popular reserve well located in right on the Satpura Hill Range. The core area and the buffer area of the reserve are formed by the beautiful blend of and Wildlife Sanctuary and it is decently recognised for the magnificent Tiger Reserve where other wildlife species such as Ussuri Dhole, and can be seen living on their natural habitat.

Location:- Camp, Amravati, Maharashtra, 444602

Trip duration:- 3 to 4 hours

BHIMASHANKAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

BhimaShankar Wildlife Sanctuary is set in the Ambegaon and Khed talukas of Pune and is said to be one of the finest protected habitats of the Indian Giant Squirrel which is the state animal of Maharashtra. This said wildlife sanctuary has to be the very best biodiversity hotspot in India and there are a wide variety of species which can be seen and witnessed in its vicinity.

Location:- Ganpati Ghats Walkway, Tungi, Maharashtra 410201

Trip Duration:- 1 day

KOYNA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary is a well-known wildlife sanctuary well situated in right amidst the mighty Western Ghats. It is widely visited by tourists as well as locals and you can truly spot a wide variety of wildlife species in its vicinity. Your visit here will be worth your time and money and it is highly recommended to visit here with your friend and family to enjoy such an amazing ambience and a delightful environment. Location:- Koyananagar, Maharashtra 416212

Trip Duration:- Half day

SAGARESHWAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is a very renowned and recognised tourist destination located in District of Maharashtra. It is a great place to visit with your near and dear ones to witness a wide variety of wildlife animals such as deer, , striped hyena and a porcupines living in their natural habitat. This sanctuary truly has got a lot of potential to offer to all of its visitors for sure which shall leave you amazed and with awe owing to its certain charm and mesmerising beauty in diversity.

Location:- Sangli, India

Trip Duration:- 1 day

BOR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Bor Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries located near Hingani right in the heart of District. It is indeed a very well recommended place to visit with friends and family owing to its wide variety of wildlife species and several species of birds which are seen and spotted living joyfully in their natural habitat. After being recognised as a tiger reserve it was eventually merged with the famous in the in a pursuit to boost the exotic wildlife .

Location:- S H 255,Hingni -Manoli, Maharashtra 442106

Trip uration:- Half day

RADHANAGARI (PANHALA) WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Radhanagari (panhala) situated at an altitude of 977.2 m., Panhala is a charming hill resort which makes for a complete holiday. Panhala’s historic throws up memories of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, such as his epic escape from the forces of Johar. Besides, there’s the Sambhaji temple, Someshwar temple, Teen Darwaza, Raj Dindi and several other places. Of special interest are the blue basalt temples on the sacred Jyotiba hill 9 kms., the 7th century A. D Mahalaxmi temple at 18 kms. ,and the wildlife sanctuary at Radhangari 52 kms.

THE NAVEGAON FOREST RESORT

Navegaon, a popular forest resort in the region, was built in the 18th century. The picturesque lake set amidst lush green hills at Navegaon has a watch-tower beside it, from which visitors may find a bird’s eye view of the surrounding forest and its abundant wildlife. Best known for the Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary,Navegaon is home to almost 60 precent of the bird species found in the entire state. Every winter, flocks of migratory birds visit the region. Visitors can join the Jungle Safari and have a stroll to see the Sambar, and Langurs. Staying in a unique tree-top house and riding a power or sail boat on the lake, are thrilling pastimes.

THE DAJIPUR BISON SANCTUARY

The Jungle resort of Dajipur is situated on the border of Kolhapur and Sindhudurg districts, near the backwaters of the Radhanagari dam. Surrounded by rugged mountains and dense forests, this secluded area is completely cut-off from the human habitation. A home to bison, wild deers, chital, gawa and many more spectacular wild animals and birds, Dajipur is an exciting and beautiful holiday getaway. An excursion to the nearby Gangangiri Maharaj’s Math makes for a pleasant outing.

THE TADOBA NATIONAL PARK

The Tadoba National Park is a large park spread over many acres of lush green forested land. Situated 45 kms from Chandrapur, Tadoba is an extremely beautiful jungle of mixed teak forests around a tranquil lake. The Tadoba National Park has migratory ducks visiting its lake, and also swarms with crocodiles. The rest houses are ideal for the nature lovers as it commands a lovely view of the lake and the distant green hills beyond. Late nights are ideal times to see tigers, leopards, gaur, , sambar and chital. The park has facilities for tourists to stay over night.

BIRD SANCTUARIES

There are many more types of birds than animals in Maharashtra, like the bulbul, shama, cuckoo, parakeet, drongoes, wagtails flycatchers, purple sunbirds, grey jungle fowl, the great Indian bustard and above all the beautiful peacock. The Great Indian Bustard which is an endangered species, is an ostrich like bird, found in the Ahmednagar and Sholapur districts. It is known for its royal gait and is a fast runner. The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is a must for ornithologists and so is the Karnala Bird Sanctuary which is the home of winged birds like the golden oriole.

ANERDAM WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, MAHARASHTRA

The sanctuary is situated on southwestern range of in Shirpur Tehsil of . The sanctuary was once very rich in wildlife, now it is trying to regain its previous status. Some of the common animals found in this area are barking deers, chinkaras hares, porcupines and jungle cats. THANK YOU