Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
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.
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.
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.
This
Sanctuary is criss-crossed with a network of water channels. So movement is
restricted to the duration of high tide if one wants to go by boats. However
for canoes, the creeks are accessible even during low tides.
A watch-tower has been erected in the Sanctuary for better viewing of birds.
Apart from the several resident birds, the Sanctuary also has some winter visitors
like coots and pintails.
The Wildlife Division of the Forest Department proposes to start conducted tours
through the water channels. It is envisaged that a group of 8-9 persons could
be taken at one time.
However, the exact modalities are yet to be worked out. Resource material and
useful information could be acquired at the Range Forest Office at Campal, in
Panaji.
