Goa Information Blog

The rugged western ghats make it an ideal haven for many species of birds and animals and also provide a corridor for migration. The western ghats called the Sayhadris in Goa, extend for a total of 600kms in Goa of their total length of 3701 kms. The widest belt of forests along the western ghats is in Goa and neighboring Karnataka state. The high rainfall accounts for this because the elevation of the mountain range here is lower here. The coastal areas on the other hand, provide the tropical backdrop. There are several plants and trees unique to Goa and some introduced by the Portuguese, most famous of which is the green Chilies, which today has become an essential ingredient in the Indian Curry.

The tropical location of Goa is responsible for its warm humid climate and laterite and lateritic Clayey-loamy soil. The mean temperature even in the coldest month is over 20 degrees centigrade. Average rainfall is over 500mm along the western ghats and a little less elsewhere. The length of the dry season averages from 5 to 6 months. For all these reasons, the dominant vegetation is of the moist deciduous type.

Goa is endowed with over 1512 documented species of plants, over 275 genera of birds, over 48 genera of animals and over 60 genera of reptiles.

About 10% of Goa is set aside as wildlife reserve and these include four large wildlife sanctuaries

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The Bondla Wildlife sanctuary lies on the border of Ponda and Sanguem talukas in North East Goa. Located 38 km from Margao in the foothills of the Western Ghats, this 8 sq. km sanctuary is an ideal jungle resort and a major attraction for school going children and nature lovers. Monkeys, jackals, wild boar, peacocks, a variety of deer, snake species and herds of Indian Bison inhabit this area. Its mini zoo with tigers, bears, lions, crocodiles and snakes, sprawling deer park in natural habitat, botanical and rose gardens attract people throughout the year. Elephant rides are available to tourists. It’s the smallest of the Goan wildlife sanctuaries and offers accommodation for an overnight stay. The Zoological Park and gardens at Bondla remain closed on Thursdays.

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