Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary in Panjim, Goa

Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

By TimelineGOA

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On the western tip of the island of Chorao along River Mandovi, mangrove swamps cover this bird-watchers’ paradise aptly named after India’s best-known ornithologist.

This is Goa’s only bird sanctuary, 1.8 Sq Km in area. A variety of local and migratory birds can be found on this island.

From Panaji , one needs to take a bus or a cab to the Ribandar ferry wharf and then take a ferry across the Mandovi river to the island of Chorao. The sanctuary is within walking distance from the ferry wharf at Chorao.

Open throughout the year, the sanctuary can be visited with the permission of the Chief Wild Life Warden, Forest Department, Junta House, Panaji. Apart from a rich variety of coastal birds, one may spot flying foxes, jackals and crocodiles.

The area consists of mangrove vegetation. Mangrove ecosystems are among the most productive ones known to us. They provide refuge and breeding grounds for several varieties of fish and insects which fall at the base of the food-chain.

The “Mangrove Scrub” type of vegetation that is found here occurs in small isolated areas along the banks of Mandovi and Mapusa rivers and also along the Cumbarjua canal. Read More+

Tags: Forests & Wildlife Sanctuaries in Goa