|
Introduction The Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Mumbai is a small bird reserve with an expanse of only 4.27 square kilometers. It lies off the Mumbai-Pune Highway to Goa. One can even have a glimpse of the highway from this bird sanctuary. This park is precisely located in the Panvel Taluka of the Raigad district. In the recent years it has become the favorite destination for avid bird-watchers and hikers in the Mumbai area. This sanctuary is located in the range of the Western Ghats. It is surrounded by many hills and is also regarded as trekker's paradise. However trekking in the rainy season can be very dangerous but it is fine for the rest of the year. This sanctuary also houses the famous Karnala fort, which stands 475 meters high. This fort was built in the 12 th century. This fort was under the Nizamshahi rule until 15 th century and later on Shivaji captured it. Some of the later conquerors were the Mughals, the Angres and the Peshwas. The Flora and Fauna The flora and the fauna of Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Mumbai is very distinct. It is mostly covered by deciduous trees and is characterized by species such as Koshimb, mango, nana, kulu, kalam, asana, umbar and teak in the top canopy. This bird sanctuary is a home for over 147 species of resident and 37 species of migratory birds. These migratory birds visit the sanctuary during the winters. There are two rare birds named Ashy Minimet and Spotted Heart Woodpecker that are found in this bird sanctuary. Karnala Pinnacle also gives refuge to some endangered species such as Peregrine Falcon, King Vulture and the Crested Serpent Eagle . This bird sanctuary is also a home for some of the animals such as the four-horned antelope, wild boar, common langur, African monkeys and the muntjak commonly known as the barking deer. Another animal, which is spotter very rarely, is the leopard. The Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Mumbai has been the favorite destination of most of the people. Many tourist come to this place for trekking and bird watching. But this sanctuary does something more by just entertaining the visitors by preserving and giving shelter to some of the most rare bird species and some endangered animals.
|
