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Commonly known as Thattekad Sanctuary, the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Goa is acclaimed as one of the best wildlife destinations in India. Sprawling over 25.16 sq. km, it is situated in the Kothamangalam Taluk of Ernakulam district on the northern bank of the Periyar River. Preserving a bulk of the species of wildlife in India, this sanctuary was the result of the recommendation of Dr. Salim Ali. Having received the notification in 1983, this park was described by Dr. Ali as the richest collection of birds in peninsular India.
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Goa:
Flora:
An outing to the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Goa will be captivating one due to the huge collection of flora and fauna. Established in 1975, the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is full of mangroves. The species of mangroves found here are similar to that of the small remote areas on the banks of Mandovi and Mapusa rivers and also by the Cumbarjua canal. Criss-crossed with a network of water channels, you can row into the sanctuary in boats during high tide and in canoes during the low tide.
Fauna:
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary has turned out to be a home to numerous wild animals. The Asiatic Lion is the most famous of all the animals preserved here. This endangered species was faced with the scare of extinction so much so that the population dipped to barely 20. Today, however, the figure has risen to 300. A smaller version of the African lion, this predator is at its best seen during dusk or dawn when it is on the move. The 300 leopards are the other points of attraction in Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.
The various species of birds that have made the park their home are as follows:
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Indian Swiftlet
Malabar Grey-Hornbill
Changeable Hawk-Eagle
Oriental Darter
Grey Heron
Indian Pond-Heron
Intermediate Egret
Whiskered Tern
Little Cormorant
Snipe
Rock Pigeon
Common Kingfisher
Pied Kingfisher
Dollarbird
White-throated Kingfisher
Eurasian Eagle-Owl
Jungle Owlet
Collared Scops-Owl
Malabar Trogon
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Stork-billed Kingfisher
Common Iora
Ashy Wood-swallow
Large-billed Crow
Grey Treepie
Bronzed Drongo
Greater Racket-tailed Drongo
Black-naped Oriole
Eurasian Golden-Oriole
Black-hooded Oriole
Small Minivet
Red-rumped Swallow
Indian Blue Robin
Little Spiderhunter
Dark-grey Tit
Black-throated Munia
White-browed Wagtail
Red-vented Bulbul
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Black-crested Bulbul
Grey-headed Bulbul
Great Reed-Warbler
Puff-throated Babbler
Jungle Babbler
Coppersmith Barbet
White-cheeked Barbet
Rufous Woodpecker
Greater Flameback
Black-rumped Flameback
Lesser Yellownape
Vernal Hanging-Parrot
Malabar Parakeet
Plum-headed Parakeet
Ceylon Frogmouth
Great Eared-Nightjar
Red-whiskered Bulbul
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The Snipe, Celeus brachyurus Rufous Woodpecker, Eurostopodus macrotis Great Eared-Nightjar and Bubo bubo Eurasian Eagle-Owl are among the most famous bird species available in this one of the best wildlife destinations in India.
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