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India is as famous for its wildlife as it is for its rich cultural diversity. The wildlife in India includes a long list of fascinating animal and plant species. The western Indian region has a moderate and at times arid climate and the wildlife of this region is adapted to these climatic factors. The wildlife Sanctuaries in West India include the famous Sasangir sanctuary in Gujarat which is the only remaining habitat of the Asiatic lion. Other sanctuaries of importance are the Dhangadhra and Velavadar sanctuaries in Gujarat, Kutch Bustard Sanctuary, Krishnagiri Upavan ( Borivli ) and Tadoba in Maharashtra and Bondla Wildlife Sanctuar in Goa. Wild life Tourism in India is gaining prominence every other day and attracts a lot of travelers and wildlife enthusiasts from all over the world.
Fauna
There are over 40 species of mammals and more than 450 species of birds and pheasants to be found in the various wildlife Sanctuaries in West India. The arid climate in this region makes sit an ideal habitat for unique species like the Indian wild ass, the desert cat and the Indian wolf. The area also supports the only surviving Asiatic lion population. The shores of Gujarat are home to endangered marine species like the Ridley turtles and dolphins besides shrimps, sponges, eels and many other marine species. The great Indian Bustard is another endangered bird encountered in the rann of Kutch. The black buck is a beautiful but endangered species of deer found in the forests of Gujarat.
Flora
The wildlife Sanctuaries in West India support a vast range of flora that includes flowering plants, fruit bearing trees and medicinal herbs. The dry areas are full of various species of cacti and thorny shrubs. The coastal regions have their own varieties of vegetation suited to the daily tidal variations.
Conservation
The endangered species found in Western India are being protected in the various sanctuaries of West India .The wild ass sanctuary in the rann of Kutch in Gujarat protects the Indian wild ass which is severely endangered. Other species under special protection in these forests are the ridley tortoise, chinkara, black buck, and the great Indian bustard. The Asiatic lion needs special mention in this context. The lion population has improved due to dedicated conservational efforts by the Government. Efforts are being made to re-allocate some lions in the forests of the neighboring states.
Tourism
Tourists to the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Goa should include trips to these sanctuaries in their itenery. Visits to these peaceful forests offer a welcome relief from the hustle and bustle of the cities and also introduce tourists to the remarkable wildlife of west India. Many of these sanctuaries have tourist accommodation within their perimeter. The nearby cities also have many hotels to visitors.
The sanctuaries are well connected by road form all the major cities of the region. Taxi and bus services are available from the nearby cities. The forest rest houses and other hotels in and around the sanctuaries are equipped with basic connectivity features like telephone and postal services.
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