Notably, the state of Goa has been making headlines recently owing to a demand by activists and politicians. They are calling for some areas within the state’s wildlife sanctuaries to be classified as a tiger reserve. This insistence stems from a 2017 proposition by the State government for marking an estimated area of 500 sq km, encompassing parts of the Mahadayi, Netravali, Cotigao, and some portion of Bhagwan Mahaveer wildlife sanctuaries, as a tiger reserve. This demand has regained momentum following recent deaths of four tigers in the Mahadayi wildlife sanctuary.
A Closer Look at Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary
Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Goa, lies bordered by the Cotigao wildlife sanctuary to the East and Bhagwan Mahaveer wildlife sanctuary to the North. Chiefly composed of moist deciduous forest patches combined with pockets of semi-evergreen forest in the valleys, this sanctuary is home to two pronounced waterfalls — Savari and Mainapi. This region supports a rich biodiversity, including but not limited to leopards, giant squirrels, mouse deer, nilgiri wood pigeons, and Ceylon Frogmouth.
Exploring Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
Cotigao Sanctuary, established in 1968-69, occupies a spot in Canacona Taluka of Goa. It was instituted with the primary goal of safeguarding an isolated and susceptible forest area lining the Goa-Karnataka border. The sanctuary’s vegetation predominantly consists of moist-deciduous type, interspersed with semi-evergreen and evergreen patches.
About Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in the Mollem town of Goa, the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary holds a prominent spot as one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in the region. It is also home to the Mollem National Park. Originally established as the Mollem Game Sanctuary, it was later declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1969 and rechristened as the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is densely forested with tropical evergreen forests, semi-evergreen forests, and moist deciduous forests.
| Sanctuary | Established Year | Main Fauna |
|---|---|---|
| Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary | Not Available | Leopard, Giant Squirrel, Mouse Deer |
| Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary | 1968-69 | Various |
| Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary | 1969 | Various |
The Proposition of a Tiger Reserve in Goa
The state government’s 2017 proposal sparked a debate on whether a portion of these wildlife sanctuaries should be carved out as a tiger reserve. Recent deaths of four tigers within the premises of the Mahadayi wildlife sanctuary have indeed reignited this sensitivity, giving a new impetus to the demands of activists and politicians alike.