Extending to a total area of 600 kms, the Sahyadris or the Western Ghats of Goa are not only an ideal haven for an array of resident birds and animals but also act as a potential corridor of migration. Known as the 'Emerald on Land' spread over 3702 kms of length, these Western Ghats of Goa comprise of the widest belt of forests owing to a high rainfall and lower elevation. Offering a tropical backdrop, the coastal areas of Goa house a number of unique flora and fauna species. The humid climate and laterite clayey-loamy soil of the state accounts for its moist deciduous forests.

Gifted with over 1512 plant species, over 275 birds genera, 48 animals genera and over 60 genera of reptiles, around 10% of the total are of Goa is declared as wildlife reserve and houses four wildlife sanctuaries.

Wildlife Sanctuaries in Goa

Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary Spread over a total are of 1.8 Sq Km, this is the only bird sanctuary in the state. It shelters a wide

Bhagvan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in a small town of Goa namely Mollem, the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a number of wild animals and has proved to be a potential breeding ground for some of the endangered species.

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
Nestled in the very center of a small town Cotigao, the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is a fine amalgamation of a mini zoo, a deer park offering the most natural habitat to its inhabitants and a botanical and rose garden.