Located in the North Goa District, Sanguem taluka, near the town of Valpoi, lies the treasured Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary. Established in 1999, the sanctuary is home to a multitude of wildlife species, and hides within it impressive geographical features. Over the years, it has become a beacon for various wildlife enthusiasts, from bird watchers to herpetologists.
Potential Tiger Reserve
The Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is not just a refuge for myriad animals but also a potential haven for Bengal Tigers. As such, it could be declared as a tiger reserve under Project Tiger, a conservation initiative launched by the Indian Government. This would elevate the status of the sanctuary and provide stringent protective measures for the tigers.
An International Bird Area: Host to Rare Species
The sanctuary’s avian population includes rare and exotic species such as the Nilgiri wood-pigeon, Malabar parakeet, Malabar grey hornbill, Grey-headed Bulbul, Rufous babbler, White-bellied blue-flycatcher, and Crimson-backed sunbird. Due to the presence of these species, the sanctuary has been declared an International Bird Area, attracting thousands of bird watchers every year.
A Hub for Herpetologists
The Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is a notable attraction for herpetologists, as it houses an extensive variety of snakes. Particularly interesting are the ‘big four’ of Indian venomous snakes – the Indian krait, Russell’s viper, Saw-scaled viper, and Spectacled cobra.
| Snake | Venom Type |
|---|---|
| Indian krait | Neurotoxins |
| Russell’s viper | Haemotoxic |
| Saw-scaled viper | Haemotoxic |
| Spectacled cobra | Neurotoxins |
Preserving the Western Ghats
With the formation of the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Goa became unique among Indian states by completely protecting the Western Ghats within its boundaries. This has helped in conserving the rich flora and fauna of this biodiversity hotspot.
Geographical Marvels: Home to Goa’s Three Highest Peaks
The sanctuary is not just known for its rich wildlife, but also its striking geographical features. Nestled within its boundaries are Goa’s three highest peaks – Sonsogod (1027 mts), Talavche Sada (812 mts), and Vageri (725 mts). Vageri, interestingly, translates to ‘the abode of the tiger’.
The Lifeline of Goa: Mhadei River
Flowing through the heart of the sanctuary is the Mhadei River. Originating in Karnataka, it traverses the sanctuary and meets the Arabian Sea at Panaji in Goa, being known downstream as the Mandovi River. This river is vital for Goa as it acts as the state’s lifeline, with the sanctuary serving as its catchment area. Over the years, however, human activities and agriculture have begun replacing the originally lush natural vegetation with cashew / kumeri cultivation, raising concerns about conservation efforts.
