Located in Sanguem Taluk of South Eastern Goa

Geographical location of the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary
Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary (NWS) is located in Sanguem Taluka of South Eastern Goa. It is spread in an area of 211 sq km and is connected to the Madei Wildlife Sanctuary. Together they cover an area of 420 sq km. Netravali or Neturli is a key tributary of River Zuari that originates in the sanctuary. Netravali Sanctuary is adjoined by Karnataka’s Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve on the eastern side; Goa’s Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary on the Southern side; and Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park on the northern side; which in turn forms a contiguous protected area along with Goa’s Madei Wildlife Sanctuary; and Karnataka’s Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary.

Netravali Wildlife Habitat
The Netravali Sanctuary sustains a good mammal population due to its rich habitat and plenty of perennial streams. The wildlife habitat found in Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary consists of Black Panthers, Slender Loris, Great Pied Hornbills, Malabar Giant Squirrels, Hornbills, King Cobras, Gaur Bos Gaurus, Ratufa Indica, Four-Horned Antelope or Chousingha Tetracerus Quadricornis, Leopard Panthera and a host of predators and herbivores find home in the sanctuary.

Netravali Birds Habitat
Birds like the rare Malayan Night Heron Gorsachius melanolophus, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon Columba elphinstonii, Great Pied Hornbill Buceros bicornis, Grey-headed Bulbul Pycnonotus priocephalus, White-bellied Blue Flycatcher Cyornis pallipes, Wynaad Laughingthrush Garrulax delesserti, White-bellied Treepie Dendrocitta leucogastra, Rufous Babbler Turdoides subrufa make a magnificent sight at Netravali Sanctuary. The Sanctuary is also a host for many rare butterfly species as well including the Malabar Banded Swallowtail Papilio Liomedon, Malabar Banded Peacock Papilio Buddha, Malabar Tree Nymph Idea malabarica, Southern Birdwing Troides Minos, Blue Nawab Polyura schreiber, Black Rajah Charaxes solon, Redspot Duke Dophla Evelina.

Netravali Flora
Netravali has gained a reputation for its stunning forestation and diverse wildlife. It is rich in damp deciduous forests and contains semi-ever green and evergreen forests. Many floral species are present in this Sanctuary. The forest products such as bamboo canes, Maratha barks, chiller barks and bhirand are seen here. Coconut trees are present all around the sanctuary and a large number of deciduous vegetation consisting of teak, sal, cashew and mango trees are present. Fruit trees such as jackfruits, mangos, pineapples and blackberries are all available here.

Netravali is also home to a high range of mountains here which the local habitants consider religious and which are of socio cultural importance to them. The sanctuary is an extremely significant source of fresh water and known to be named after the Netravali which is an important tributary of the Zuari River. Read More+

By Air: Dabolim airport is 65 km away from the sanctuary.
By Rail: Margao is 45 km away from the Wildlife Sanctuary.
By Road: The sanctuary is well connected by roads in Goa.

Image Credit: www.sanctuariesindia.com