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State Animal: Malabar Giant Squirrel
State Bird: Yellow-footed Green Pigeon
State Tree: Mango
State Flower: Jarul (Pride of India)
State Butterfly: Blue Mormon
State Mangrove Tree: Mangrove Apple (Sonneratia alba)

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How does nature ...
produce color?

Humanity faces many challenges. Nature holds
solutions. To discover them, all we have to do is
ask. Begin your search here, or explore featured
content below to learn from other species'
successful strategies and adaptations.

Youth Design Challenge Gallery

Working with groups made me feel like I made an impact on the world. Youth Design Challenge Participant

The 2023-2024 Youth Design Challenge is here! Once again, students around the world will learn to use biomimicry to address some of the biggest environmental challenges we face. Learn more and view winners' projects from 2018 to the present.

Whether it is tool use among chimpanzees or song practice among zebra finches, the process of perfecting the craft lies in diligent practice. Karuna Skariah Educator

Education isn't just about memorization, but practicing into mastery. Looking to other species, we see that long-term success is all about incorporating new knowledge into your very being.

When materials that comprise living systems are subjected to repeated loads, they can weaken over time. This is called fatigue and it can lead to cracks and eventually failure. However, fatigue doesn't occur just anywhere on a material; the cracks usually start in areas subjected to elevated local stresses. Therefore, living systems often employ shapes, materials, and/or smooth transitions to decrease the potential for fatigue. An example of using shape is found in brown algae, an intertidal seaweed. Rather than being bent by the constant flow forces of waves and currents, its shape causes it to be pulled. This reduces stress by roughly 800 times compared to another species that bends with the flow, ultimately reducing structural fatigue.

Featured Pages for October 2023

Enjoy a hand-picked selection of pages, including seasonally themed, recently updated, or newly added Biological Strategies, Innovations, and more.

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Innovation Inspired by Nature - AskNature

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The Living Planet Report is published every 2 years by the World Wide Fund for Nature. It is the world's leading, science-based analysis, on the health of our planet and the impact of human activity.

Go through the website.

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ONE PLANET ACADEMY - The Digital Destination For Conservation

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A series of workshops for Educators to infuse Environmental Awareness in their Lessons! Look out for upcoming workshops in this section Review Our Planet's Report card here "The migratory birds stitch our world together and remind us of what we have in common".

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Established as a Charitable Trust on 27 November, 1969, WWF India set out with the aim of reducing the degradation of Earth's natural environment and building a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. In 1987, the organization changed it's name from the World Wildlife Fund to World Wide Fund for Nature India. With five decades of extensive work in the sector, WWF India today is one of the leading conservation organizations in the country.
WWF India is a science-based organization which addresses issues such as the conservation of species and its habitats, climate change, water and environmental education, among many others. Over the years, its perspective has broadened to reflect a more holistic understanding of the various conservation issues facing the country and seeks to proactively encourage environmental conservation by working with different stakeholders- Governments, NGOs, schools and colleges, corporates, students and other individuals.

Mission Statement

To stop the degradation of the planet's natural environment and build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by:

Conserving the world's biological diversity

Ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable

Promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption

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one planet academy - the digital destination for conservation: log in to the site

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ONE PLANET ACADEMY - The Digital Destination For Conservation: Log in to the site

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What is the Convention?

Signed by 150 government leaders at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, the Convention on Biological Diversity is dedicated to promoting sustainable development. Conceived as a practical tool for translating the principles of Agenda 21 into reality, the Convention recognizes that biological diversity is about more than plants, animals and micro organisms and their ecosystems - it is about people and our need for food security, medicines, fresh air and water, shelter, and a clean and healthy environment in which to live. Learn more...

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Signed by 150 government leaders at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, the Convention on Biological Diversity is dedicated to promoting sustainable development.

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David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet

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David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet

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David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet | Netflix Official Site

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A broadcaster recounts his life, and the evolutionary history of life on Earth, to grieve the loss of wild places and offer a vision for the future. Watch trailers & learn more.

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Download the Living Planet Report for Youth here.

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Background and Status

The Conference of the Parties is the governing body of the Convention, and advances implementation of the Convention through the decisions it takes at its periodic meetings.

To date the Conference of the Parties has held 14 ordinary meetings, and one extraordinary meeting (the latter, to adopt the Biosafety Protocol, was held in two parts). From 1994 to 1996, the Conference of the Parties held its ordinary meetings annually. Since then these meetings have been held somewhat less frequently and, following a change in the rules of procedure in 2000, will now be held every two years.

The Fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 15) is held in Kunming, China and Montreal, Canada, in two phases. Phase one took place virtually, from 11 to 15 October 2021 and included a High-Level Segment from 12 to 13 October. Phase two is currently happening in Montreal, Canada, from 7 to 19 December 2022.

Meetings of the Conference of the Parties

The agenda of the meetings of the Conference of the Parties is very wide-ranging, reflecting the programme of work the Conference of the Parties has established for itself. At its first meeting, the Conference of the Parties decided on a medium-term programme of work for the period 1995-1997. Implementation of this programme has laid the groundwork for the long-term implementation of the Convention itself. In particular it has seen the development of a number of thematic work programmes, and identified a series of key cross-cutting issues relevant to all work programmes.

The fourth meeting of the Conference of the Parties established a programme of work to cover the period from then until the seventh meeting and, more importantly, established a process to review the operations of the Convention and set out a longer term programme of work. As part of this process, an intersessional meeting on the operations of the Convention was held in 1999, the results of which were reported to the fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties and formed the basis for a decision on future operations of the Convention.

Major themes at meetings of the Conference of the Parties

First ordinary meeting

Guidance to the financial mechanism;
Medium-term programme of work;

Second ordinary meeting

Marine and coastal biological diversity;
Access to genetic resources;
Conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity;
Biosafety;

Third ordinary meeting

Agricultural biodiversity;
Financial resources and mechanism;
Identification, monitoring and assessment;
Intellectual property rights;

Fourth ordinary meeting

Inland water ecosystems;
Review of the operations of the Convention;
Article 8(j) and related issues (traditional knowledge);
Benefit sharing;

Fifth ordinary meeting

Dryland, mediterranean, arid, semi-arid, grassland and savannah ecosystems;
Sustainable use, including tourism;
Access to genetic resources;

Sixth ordinary meeting

Forest ecosystems; Alien species;
Benefit-sharing;
Strategic plan 2002-2010;

Seventh ordinary meeting

Mountain ecosystems;
Protected areas;
Transfer of technology and technology cooperation.

Eighth ordinary meeting

Island biodiversity;
Biological diversity of dry and sub-humid lands;
Global Taxonomy Initiative;
Access and benefit-sharing (Article 15);
Article 8(j) and related provisions;
Communication, education and public awareness (Article 13).

Ninth ordinary meeting

Agricultural biodiversity;
Global Strategy for Plant Conservation;
Invasive alien species;
Forest biodiversity;
Incentive measures;
Ecosystem approach;
Progress in the implementation of the Strategic Plan and progress towards the 2010 traget and relevant Millennium Development Goals;
Financial resources and the financial mechanism.

COP also sets out a series of standing items for the provisional agenda of its meetings, namely:

Organizational matters;

Reports from subsidiary bodies, the financial mechanism and the Executive Secretary;

Review of the implementation of the programme of work;

Priority issues for review and guidance; and

Other matters.

Background and Status

The Conference of the Parties is the governing body of the Convention, and advances implementation of the Convention through the decisions it takes at its periodic meetings.

To date the Conference of the Parties has held 14 ordinary meetings, and one extraordinary meeting (the latter, to adopt the Biosafety Protocol, was held in two parts). From 1994 to 1996, the Conference of the Parties held its ordinary meetings annually. Since then these meetings have been held somewhat less frequently and, following a change in the rules of procedure in 2000, will now be held every two years.

The Fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 15) is held in Kunming, China and Montreal, Canada, in two phases. Phase one took place virtually, from 11 to 15 October 2021 and included a High-Level Segment from 12 to 13 October. Phase two is currently happening in Montreal, Canada, from 7 to 19 December 2022.

Meetings of the Conference of the Parties

The agenda of the meetings of the Conference of the Parties is very wide-ranging, reflecting the programme of work the Conference of the Parties has established for itself. At its first meeting, the Conference of the Parties decided on a medium-term programme of work for the period 1995-1997. Implementation of this programme has laid the groundwork for the long-term implementation of the Convention itself. In particular it has seen the development of a number of thematic work programmes, and identified a series of key cross-cutting issues relevant to all work programmes.

The fourth meeting of the Conference of the Parties established a programme of work to cover the period from then until the seventh meeting and, more importantly, established a process to review the operations of the Convention and set out a longer term programme of work. As part of this process, an intersessional meeting on the operations of the Convention was held in 1999, the results of which were reported to the fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties and formed the basis for a decision on future operations of the Convention.

Major themes at meetings of the Conference of the Parties

First ordinary meeting

Guidance to the financial mechanism;
Medium-term programme of work;

Second ordinary meeting

Marine and coastal biological diversity;
Access to genetic resources;
Conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity;
Biosafety;

Third ordinary meeting

Agricultural biodiversity;
Financial resources and mechanism;
Identification, monitoring and assessment;
Intellectual property rights;

Fourth ordinary meeting

Inland water ecosystems;
Review of the operations of the Convention;
Article 8(j) and related issues (traditional knowledge);
Benefit sharing;

Fifth ordinary meeting

Dryland, mediterranean, arid, semi-arid, grassland and savannah ecosystems;
Sustainable use, including tourism;
Access to genetic resources;

Sixth ordinary meeting

Forest ecosystems; Alien species;
Benefit-sharing;
Strategic plan 2002-2010;

Seventh ordinary meeting

Mountain ecosystems;
Protected areas;
Transfer of technology and technology cooperation.

Eighth ordinary meeting

Island biodiversity;
Biological diversity of dry and sub-humid lands;
Global Taxonomy Initiative;
Access and benefit-sharing (Article 15);
Article 8(j) and related provisions;
Communication, education and public awareness (Article 13).

Ninth ordinary meeting

Agricultural biodiversity;
Global Strategy for Plant Conservation;
Invasive alien species;
Forest biodiversity;
Incentive measures;
Ecosystem approach;
Progress in the implementation of the Strategic Plan and progress towards the 2010 traget and relevant Millennium Development Goals;
Financial resources and the financial mechanism.

COP also sets out a series of standing items for the provisional agenda of its meetings, namely:

Organizational matters;

Reports from subsidiary bodies, the financial mechanism and the Executive Secretary;

Review of the implementation of the programme of work;

Priority issues for review and guidance; and

Other matters.

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The Conference of the Parties is the governing body of the Convention, and advances implementation of the Convention through the decisions it takes at its periodic meetings. To date the Conference of the Parties has held 14 ordinary meetings, and one extraordinary meeting (the latter, to adopt the Biosafety Protocol, was held in two parts).

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A filmmaker forges an unusual friendship with an octopus living in a South African kelp forest, learning as the animal shares the mysteries of her world.

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My Octopus Teacher | Netflix Official Site

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A filmmaker forges an unusual friendship with an octopus living in a South African kelp forest, learning as the animal shares the mysteries of her world. Watch trailers & learn more.

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Open Your Camera and Start Seeking!

Found a mushroom, flower, or bug, and not sure what it is? Open up the Seek camera to see if it knows!

Drawing from millions of wildlife observations on iNaturalist, Seek shows you lists of commonly recorded insects, birds, plants, amphibians, and more in your area. Scan the environment with the Seek Camera to identify organisms using the tree of life. Add different species to your observations and learn all about them in the process! The more observations you make, the more badges you'll earn!

Kid-Safe and Fun for Families

No registration is involved, and no user data is collected.

Seek will ask permission to turn on location services, but your location is obscured to respect your privacy while still allowing species suggestions from your general area. Your precise location is never stored in the app or sent to iNaturalist.

Our image recognition technology is based on observations submitted to iNaturalist.org and partner sites, and identified by the iNaturalist community.

This is a great app for families who want to spend more time exploring nature together.

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Found a mushroom, flower, or bug, and not sure what it is? Open up the Seek camera to see if it knows! Drawing from millions of wildlife observations on iNaturalist, Seek shows you lists of commonly recorded insects, birds, plants, amphibians, and more in your area.

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A playlist featuring new, challenging and even visionary thinking around climate change and sustainability.

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"Sustainable thinking" Playlist - BBC Ideas

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Explore "Sustainable thinking" at BBC Ideas. Watch this playlist to see our curated "Sustainable thinking" videos, and explore other "Sustainable thinking" related content.

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Home to many and diverse forms of wildlife, the national parks in Maharashtra draw travelers not only from India but from all over the world. Sighting exotic birds and animals in their natural habitat make unforgettable moments that you can cherish forever. Some of these national parks also offer adventure activities, like trekking, camping and forest walks.

If you are not sure which national parks you must visit in Maharashtra. Here is a rundown of the 6 best national parks in Maharashtra.

A Quick Glance Through

List of National Parks in Maharashtra

Go through this post to know more about these national parks and what they have to offer.

1. Pench National Park

I Rule The Jungle - Be Vigilant!

Tucked on the border of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, Pench National Park is administered by two Indian states.

While the forest is contiguous, you can't access the Maharashtra portion of the forest through the entry gates located in Madhya Pradesh. It is named after the river Pench, which drains a large area of the park.

The Maharashtra side of the national park is spread over a core area of 257.3 sq km. It was established as a sanctuary in 1965 and upgraded to a national park in 1975. The park was brought under Project Tiger in 1992, thus it became Pench Tiger Reserve.

It offers magnificent landscapes teeming with wooded hills, gushing streams and lush meadows. The wealth of flora and fauna in this area, undoubtedly makes it one of the must-visit national parks in Maharashtra.

The majestic big cats are a prime attraction for travelers here. In addition to Bengal tigers, the park is home to carnivores like leopard, wolf, dhole (wild dog) and striped hyena.

You can also sight umpteen birds here, such as peafowl, black drongo, Indian grey hornbill and magpie robin.

The Maharashtra side of the Pench National Park is accessible through 6 gates - Sillari, Khursapar, Saleghat, Kolitmaara, Chorbahuli and Surewani.

Sillari is the most popular gate which is just about 68 km from Nagpur city. The nearest railhead and airport are located in Nagpur.

Where To Stay

Olive Resort is one of the best places to stay near Sillari gate. It is a villa resort and offers one bedroom, two bedroom and three bedroom villas. The resort is well-kept and is comfortably furnished. It is a low to mid-range property.

Check Availability, Prices And Book A Room in Olive Resort.

2. Tadoba National Park

Welcoming Tourists To Tadoba

Tadoba National Park along with Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary form one of India's renowned tiger reserves, known as Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve.

It lies in Chandrapur district, nearly 145 km away from the city of Nagpur. Once a part of the Gondwana Kingdom, it was established as a national park in 1955 with a reserve forest area of 116.5 sq km.

The park was merged with adjacent Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary in 1995 to create the second tiger reserve of Maharashtra after Melghat Tiger Reserve.

Densely populated by wildlife, the park is a treat for wildlife photographers and explorers. The flagship species of Tadoba Forest, the elegant Bengal tigers are a major draw for the visitors.

Besides the big cats, Nilgai, Gaur, sambar deer, Gray langur and wild dog are commonly sighted mammals in the forest.

Tadoba Lake, located right in the heart of the national park, is home to rare mugger crocodiles. They are often sighted basking in the sun on the shores of the lake.

You can spot a wide range of beautiful birds here, including crested serpent-eagle, Indian Pitta and Common Kingfisher, thus making it a birding paradise. Unarguably Tadoba is one of the best national parks in Maharashtra that must feature in your wanderlust wishlist.

Also Read: Best Things To Do in Tadoba Andhari tiger Reserve.

A Creative Way To Attract Tourists

Moharli, Tadoba and Kolsa are the three core zones of the park. Safari vehicles entering from Moharli gate can also visit Tadoba zone as both are interconnected.

Chandrapur is the nearest railhead to Tadoba, approximately 45 km away. The nearest airport is in Nagpur. It is around 3 hours' drive to Tadoba National Park from Nagpur City.

Check this detailed travel guide to Tadoba National Park if you are contemplating a visit.

Where To Stay

Pugmark Jungle Lodge and Tadoba Trails Resort are excellent mid-priced resorts, located near Mahorali gate.

Pugmark Jungle Lodge lies alongside a picturesque lake and offers a comfortable stay. Tadoba Trails Resort is nestled in the midst of a lush forest and is perfect for those looking to unwind amid nature.

Check Availability, Prices And Book A Stay in Chandrapur (Moharli Gate).

3. Chandoli National Park

A Gray Langur in Contemplation Mood

Sitting amid the Sahyadri Hills in the Western Ghats, Chandoli National Park constitutes the southern part of Sahyadri Tiger Reserve. The park measures 317.6 sq km, straddling across three districts of Maharashtra - Satara, Kolhapur and Sangli.

In 1985, it was established as a wildlife sanctuary and elevated to the status of a national park in 2004. It is fed mainly by the river Warna and the reservoir of Chandoli dam, built on the river.

Jungle safari and trekking are the major attractions here. Camping facilities are also available at a few places inside the park. It is among one of the less-explored national parks in Maharashtra where you will find nature in its pristine form.

Tiger, gaur, mouse deer, sambar deer and wild boar are some of the animals you can sight in this forest. Aside from these, over 120 species of birds are also found here.

If you like exploring historical places, there are some notable forts inside the park including Prachitgad and Bhairavgad forts of Maratha kings.

Chandoli National Park is well-linked by road from cities like Mumbai (360 km), Pune (210 km) and Kolhapur (78 km).

Karad is the nearest railway station to the park, approximately 61 km away. The other nearest railheads are in Kolhapur (78 km)and Sangli (96 km). Kolhapur Airport serves as the nearest aerodrome to reach here.

Where To Stay

You can stay in Karad and visit the national park as a day trip. Karad lies in Satara district and offers mainly budget accommodation. The Fern Residency Karad and Sapphire Premium Hotel are amongst the best hotels here.

Check Availability, Prices And Book A Stay in Karad.

4. Gugamal National Park

Beautiful Landscape of The Park

Nestled in the Satpura Mountain Ranges, Gugamal National Park is one of the most popular national parks in Maharashtra. It is commonly referred to as Melghat Tiger Reserve because the park forms the core area of this tiger reserve.

The park lies in Amravati district of Vidarbha region, approximately 225 km away from Nagpur. It was established as a tiger reserve in 1974 under the Project Tiger. The reserve stretches over 1,677 sq km, out of which the core area is around 361.3 sq km.

It offers beautiful landscapes dotted with sublime hills and numerous streams. The river Tapti, one of the prominent Indian rivers, marks the northeastern boundary of the tiger reserve.

A major attraction of the park is, of course, the Bengal tiger. You may also spot animals like barking deer, sambar deer, jackal, wild boar and nilgai. Leopards are also found here but they are not easily sighted.

It is accessible through the hill station of Chikhaldara. Badnera Junction is the nearest railway station, around 100 km from the park. The two nearest airports are in Akola (150 km) and Nagpur (250 km).

Where To Stay

Forest Department-run Semadoh Tourist Complex is the nearest lodging place if you are taking a jungle safari in Melghat Tiger Reserve. There are dormitories and cottages.

It is located in the middle of dense forests and provides only basic amenities. So, don't expect luxurious facilities. You can book online through the Maharashtra Eco Tourism website (accommodation.mahaonline.gov.in).

All Ears - Spotted Deer in The Park

The Vidarbha region boasts some of the most spectacular national parks in Maharashtra and Navegaon National Park is one of them. Spread over 133.8 sq km, it is located in Gondia district in the northeastern corner of the state.

It was set up as a national park in 1975 and became a part of the Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve in 2013.

In the heart of the national park, lies the picturesque Navegaon lake, encompassed by verdant forests. The lake is actually the reservoir of Navegaon Dam.

The national park is blessed with bountiful wildlife including a range of mammal species, birds and reptiles. Four-horned antelope (chousingha), barking deer, spotted deer and jackals are the most conspicuous animals in the park.

It is home to almost 209 species of birds including native and migratory birds. The lake offers a breeding ground to numerous migratory birds during winters. If you want to sight flocks of migratory birds, the winter season is the best time to visit.

Itiadoh Dam (20 km) and Pratapgad (15 km) are some of the places nearby that are worth a visit. The Park is about 3.5 hours' drive from Nagpur (150 km), where the nearest airport is also located.

Gondia Junction (82 km) is the nearest railway station and is connected by trains from cities like Mumbai, Pune and Ahmedabad.

Where To Stay

There is only government-managed accommodation which is located near Navegaon Dam. They have cottages, tent houses and a hostel. For booking, check the Maharashtra Eco Tourism website (accommodation.mahaonline.gov.in).

Some private hotels are available in Sakoli, the nearest town to Navegaon Tiger Reserve.

6. Sanjay Gandhi National Park

SGNP - One of The Amazing Urban National Parks in Maharashtra

Amidst the bustle of the maximum city (Mumbai), lies a protected tropical forest in the western suburbs. Popularly known as Borivali National Park, it was renamed as Sanjay Gandhi National Park in 1996.

It is one of the few national parks in India that exists within the municipal limits of a city. With a sizable green expanse of about 104 sq km, the park is a source of fresh air to Mumbaikars.

Trekking, cycling, jungle safari, boating and toy train rides are some of the popular activities in the park. Jungle safari takes you through a limited portion of the forest where animals are kept in enclosures. So, you may choose to skip if it doesn't interest you.

A group of Buddhist caves, located smack in the heart of the park, draws many travelers. If you enjoy exploring historical sites, the ancient Kanheri caves is a must-visit attraction.

Also Read: Kanheri Caves - How To Plan a Day Trip From Mumbai.

It is conveniently reachable by cab or auto-rickshaw from Borivali local train station that is hardly a km away. Owing to ease of accessibility, Sanjay Gandhi National Park is immensely popular as a quick getaway from Mumbai city.

Where To Stay

Ideally, you can stay anywhere in Mumbai and visit here as a day trip. But traffic snarls add to the travel time significantly. So, choosing the right stay location is important.

Borivali East, Malad East and Kandivali East are the best nearby localities for booking accommodation.

Check Availability, Prices And Book A Stay in Mumbai.

Tips For Visiting National Parks in Maharashtra

Book forest entry permits in advance using the Maharashtra Ecotourism website.

Some of the national parks in Maharashtra are closed during monsoons. So, remember to check with the Forest Department if you plan a visit during the rainy season.

Avoid wearing bright-coloured clothes for jungle safari. Choose something that can camouflage well with the forest surroundings.

Essentials that you must carry in your backpack - Binoculars, Hat, Mosquito repellent, Sunscreen, Hand Sanitiser and A Bottle of Water.

Don't forget to take your favourite camera if you are interested in wildlife photography.

Over To You Now...

Have you been to any of these national parks in Maharashtra? Tell us in the comment section below.

Connect with us on Facebook and Pinterest.

Subscribe to our email list to discover many such exciting nature and wildlife destinations across India.

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6 Most Amazing National Parks in Maharashtra | WildlifeZones

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Home to many and diverse forms of wildlife, the national parks in Maharashtra draw travelers not only from India but from all over the world. Sighting exotic birds and animals in their natural habitat make unforgettable moments that you can cherish forever. Some of these national parks also offer adventure activities, like trekking, camping and forest walks.

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There are 48 wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra.

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People Also Ask About Maharashtra

1. Which are the best Wildlife Sanctuaries in Maharashtra to visit with family?

1. Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary: Koyna is a heavenly abode for all species of wildlife, such as Bengal Tigers, Indian Leopards, mouse deer, barking deer and Night-tailed light jar.

2. Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary: Considered to be one of the biodiversity hotspots in the world, this place covers a massive dense area and houses one of the rarest species, Indian Giant Squirrel.

3. Bhamragarh Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary attracts tourists as it houses animals like leopards, peacock, the blue bull, flying squirrel, wild boar, etc.

4. Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary: Also known as Bison Sanctuary, the place is popular for Indian Bison or Guard. One can also spot tigers, leopards, sloth bears and more.

5. Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary: Nagzira is composed of a vast biodiversity of exotic flora and fauna. There is a snake temple located right in the centre of the sanctuary.

2. Which are the famous national parks in Maharashtra?

Tadoba National Park: Known as the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, this place is famous for its heritage and most frequent tiger sightings.

Sanjay Gandhi National Park: Close to the city, this national park provides views of several animals like Flying Fox, Leopards, Kingfishers, Macaques, Boars and Sunbirds. Kanheri Caves are also a famous tourist attraction of the place.

Chandoli National Park: Packed with jungle safari, trekking, bird watching this place is a perfect one for adventurous people.

Gugamal National Park: This is the rare national park believed to house Indian Tigers. Strict conservation measures have allowed the tigers to increase in numbers.

Navegaon National Park: This place is a forest reserve which has a pristine lake and watchtower adjacent to it. It has a bird sanctuary, three beautiful gardens and a deer park; all of which provide unique views.

3. Which are the famous bird sanctuaries in Maharashtra?

1. Phansad Bird Sanctuary: This sanctuary is a picturesque place with a large number of birds. It also houses several mammals and other animals.

2. Karnala Bird Sanctuary: This sanctuary is a protected place, as it hosts both local and migratory birds. Some unique species found here are grey-fronted green pigeon, Malabar grey hornbill and Nilgiri wood pigeon.

3. Mayani Bird Sanctuary: As per the records of 2015, Mayani Bird Sanctuary has about 600 migratory birds, which include flamingo, black ibis, painted stork, stork and common spoonbill.

4. Nandur Madhmeshwar Bird Sanctuary: The sanctuary features birds like egret, the grey hornbill, heron and buzzard. Several migratory birds like glossy ibis, pintail, flamingo and white stork are also seen.

5. Thane Creek Flamingo Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary too hosts a number of migratory birds, along with boat tours for tourists.

4. How many tiger reserves are there in Maharashtra?

Maharashtra has 6 tiger reserves to protect the population of tigers. Some of them include:

1. Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary: The sanctuary hosts a number of breeding tigers and other animals. It is also connected with other tiger reserves of the state.

2. Pench Tiger Reserve and National Park: This National Park is considered to be one of the primary habitats of tigers in Central India. Rudyard Kipling's famous novels, the Jungle Book are believed to be based on the description of this place.

3. Bor Wildlife Sanctuary: Although the smallest tiger reserve, this place features a lot of tigers and other significant animals.

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30 Best Wildlife Sanctuaries in Maharashtra - 2021 (With Photos)

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People Also Ask About Maharashtra 1. Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary: Koyna is a heavenly abode for all species of wildlife, such as Bengal Tigers, Indian Leopards, mouse deer, barking deer and Night-tailed light jar. 2. Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary: Considered to be one of the biodiversity hotspots in the world, this place covers a massive dense area and houses one of the rarest species, Indian Giant Squirrel.

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There are 6 tiger reserves in Maharashtra and 312 tigers as per 2018 tiger census.

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Big Cats India - Customised Tiger Safari in India

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Maharashtra is proto-a paradise for any high spirited traveller. Monuments, caves, beaches, river banks, forest areas, wildlife reserves, tiger reserves, world heritage sites, religious pilgrimage. Name any kind of tourist destination and you will find one in Maharashtra.

It holds special significance for wildlife enthusiasts since exotic flora and fauna is spread all across the state. Hilly terrains and forests of Western Ghats provide it with a beautiful landscape and are home to innumerable wildlife species.

Tigers? Did you say tigers? Yes, you most definitely can enjoy tiger spotting in Maharashtra.

There are Six Tiger Reserves in Maharashtra. And all of them are beautiful places for spotting the beautiful Big Cat.

List of must-visit Tiger Reserves in Maharashtra

1. Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve

2. Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary

3. Pench Tiger Reserve

4. Nawegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve

Maya, Tadoba Tiger Reserve, Img credits

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve graces the district of Chandrapur in Maharashtra. Tadoba is the state's oldest and largest Tiger Reserve of Maharashtra. Located about 150 km from Nagpur city, the reserve is one of the 47 Project Tiger reserves in India.

The tiger reserve is spread in a total of 1, 727 sq. km. This area is inclusive of 1955 established Tadoba National Park.

The Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary, created in 1986, was merged with the park in 1995 to form the present-day tiger reserve.

As per the National Tiger Census conducted in 2010, the count of tiger population in Tadoba stands at 43. This is one of the highest stats in India. You can fulfill your tiger spotting wishes here on a Tiger Safari.

It is the best place to meet a Royal Bengal Tiger.

Safari Zones

The safari is open for about 4 hours each in morning and afternoon sessions. The reserve is divided into three safari zones, namely, Moharli Zone, Tadoba Zone and Kolsa Zone. Out of these, Moharli provides the best occasions for tiger spotting.

Tadoba and Kolsa zones are popular for their striking landscape features and wildlife diversity.

Safaris can be booked at the Nawegaon gate of the DFO office at Chandrapur district. Be sure to reach early for safari bookings since only 36 jeeps inside the reserve are allowed at a time.

Entry for tiger safari is permissible from all of the six gates to the reserve. These are Moharli Gate, Kuswanda, Kolara Gate, NaveGaon Gate, Pangdi Gate, Zari Gate. Kolara Gate lies 120 km away from

Nagpur and is the closest of all to the city. It also allows the highest number of vehicles inside i.e. 9 each in morning and afternoon.
Best time to visit Tadoba Tiger Reserve is from October to June.
Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary

UMRED Karhandla Wildlife, Img Credits

Umred Karhandla Sanctuary is about 58 km from Nagpur and 60 km from Bhandara. This Sanctuary also has a connection with the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve through the forest along the Wainganga River.

It is home to resident breeding tigers, herds of Gaur, wild dogs and also rare animals like flying squirrels, pangolins and honey badger.

The sanctuary provides connectivity between key tiger reserves like Tadoba, Pench, Bor, and Nagzira. It thus also serves to reduce the pressure of tourists and tourist-related activities from those protected areas because they are more Eco-sensitive.

From the last few years, the number of tourists is increasing. Tigers are very commonly seen here by many villages around the sanctuary.

About 100 km of motorable road has been developed out of which tourists are allowed on 44 km. The road can handle about 40 vehicles- 20 in the morning and 20 in the evening.

The Forest department has trained about 20 villagers from the nearby areas as guides which provide them employment. The main entrance of the sanctuary is at Karhandla village.

It is one of the most visited wildlife sanctuaries, after Pench in the Nagpur area.

The Tiger Jai

The Tiger Jai, regularly sighted in the park, has migrated here from the sanctuary at Nagzira. He is the only male and has over nine cubs from three female tigresses. This jungle has become a hotspot for many tourists and photographers who treat Jai no less than a superstar.

Pench Tiger Reserve & National Park

Royal Bengal Tiger, Pench Tiger Reserve, Img Credit

Pench National Park or Pench Tiger Reserve is one of the premier tiger reserves of India and the only one to straddle across two states - Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.

As per many experts, this area is considered as one of the most prime and critical tiger habitat remaining in central India.

It derives its name from its life line-the River Pench. Inside the park, the river flows from North to South before going on to join the Kanhan River.

This area was described as extremely rich and diverse in wildlife from the earliest records available on the 16th century Deogarh kingdom.

The scenic beauty and the floral and faunal diversity of the Central Indian Highlands have been well documented by the British since the late 17th century.

The fictional works of Rudyard Kipling, The Jungle Book, and The Second Jungle Book, are set in the region. Kipling himself never visited the area, instead of basing his descriptions on other locations in India.

Pench Tiger Reserve

As of May 2017, the number of tigers in Pench Tiger Reserve has increased up to 44 as compared to 31 in 2016. From this numbered estimate, 22 are males and 22 are females.

This estimate does not include the number of cubs present, which are assumed to be about 7-8. The estimation was conducted jointly by the Wildlife Conservation Trust (WCT) and Pench Tiger Foundation, spread over 21 days in January 2017.

There are six tourist entry gates at the reserve. Much like the system of wildlife tourism in most of India, the tourism activity in Pench Tiger Reserve is restricted to 20% of the core area and is carried out through safari drives done each day in the early morning and evening.

The number of jeeps that are allowed entry into the reserve is restricted by the Forest Department.

Best time to visit Pench Tiger Reserve

For best sighting, Pench can be visited from November to April every year. During May and June, the temperature is relatively high but it is the best time to spot a Bengal Tiger.

Pench National Park is one of the most famous parks to see a Tiger in Maharashtra.

Nawegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve

The name "Nawegaon" comes from the word Nawe + gaon (Nawe means new in Marathi and Gaon means village). This area is also known as Nawegaon Bandh locally (bandh means dam in English) because of the presence of the water body. Mostly tribal people live here and this area was under Gond Kings in the old days.

Nawegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve was notified as 46th tiger reserve of India on 12th December 2013.

It's the 5th Tiger Reserve of Maharashtra. It is situated in Gondia and Bhandara Districts in the North-Eastern corner of Maharashtra.

Strategically the Tiger Reserve is located in the heart of central Indian Tiger landscape which contributes almost 1/6 of the total tiger population of the country.

This area is an excellent abode to almost all major floral and faunal species found in central India. Apart from tigers, other animals like Panther, Palm Civet, Jackals, Bisons, Sambars, Nilgais, Chitals, Wild boars, and Sloth Bears can also be seen.

The sanctuary also serves as a living repository of various economic, medicinal, aromatic, ornamental plant species.

The tiger reserve is open to tourists throughout the year, with different timings depending on the season. Means of travel in the reserve and different forms of accommodation is available for visitors.

If you are lucky, you can witness many majestic big cats sprawling around in this undisturbed landscape.

Best time to visit Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Reserve is from November to February every year.

Some important facts about Tiger Reserves in Maharashtra

1. There are a total of 6 Tiger Reserves in Maharashtra

2. There are 312 Royal Bengal Tiger in Maharashtra as per the latest Tiger Census

3. A total of 9113 sq km is dedicated to Tiger Reserves in Maharashtra

4. Out of 9113 sq km, 3775 sq km is the core area and 5338 sq km is buffer area.

FAQs Tiger Reserve Maharashtra

Updated: March 6, 2018

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Must visit Tiger Reserves in Maharashtra | Wildlife Destination Maharashtra

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Maharashtra is proto-a paradise for any high spirited traveller. Monuments, caves, beaches, river banks, forest areas, wildlife reserves, tiger reserves, world heritage sites, religious pilgrimage. Name any kind of tourist destination and you will find one in Maharashtra. It holds special significance for wildlife enthusiasts since exotic flora and fauna is spread all across the state.

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100 common birds of Maharashtra by Dr. Raju Kasambe (Marathi)

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Butterflies (Superfamily Papilionidae) observed in the state of Mahrashtra, India

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Western Ghats is the hub for Indian biodiversity and the only remaining rainforests in India. The Western Ghats of India is home to several species of reptiles, Insects, Molluscs and Amphibians. The major population of snake species found in the Western Ghats are belongs to family Uropeltidae but Western Ghats is also habitat to most venomous snakes and non poisonous snakes of India.

Western Ghats is also home to a number of tea and coffee plantations region and five most common poisonous snakes found in Kerala are Indian Cobra, King Cobra, Russell's Viper, Saw scaled Viper and Krait. Photo Credit: Indiansnakes

King Cobra

King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is the world's largest venomous snake and mostly found in Agumbe Rainforest of Western Ghats. Western Ghats of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu is home to the magnificent King Cobra,living in the deep jungles by the Ghats and respected above all others snakes.

Malabar Pit Viper

Malabar Pit Viper (Trimeresurus malabaricus) is the highly venomous pit viper species of snake, endemic to the Western Ghats of southwestern India. The Malabar rock pit viper is nocturnal and slow moving snake and commonly found on trees and rocks near streams.

Hump Nosed Pit Viper

Hump Nosed Pit Viper (Hypnale hypnale) is one of the highly venomous pitviper species,found in the Western Ghats of India. This species of vipers are nocturnal, aggressive and listed as highly venomous snake in western coast of India.

Bamboo Pit Viper

Indian Green Pit Viper or Bamboo pit viper found in bamboo forests of southern India but also seen near Harishchandragad in Western Ghats range. Bamboo Pit Viper (Trimeresurus gramineus) is a venomous pit viper snake and has no subspecies.

Horseshoe Pit Viper

Horseshoe Pitviper (Trimeresurus strigatus) found in the Western Ghats region of southern India. The Horseshoe Pit Viper is another most venomous pitviper species and no subspecies are currently recognized.

Large Scaled Pit Viper

Large Scaled Pit Viper (Trimeresurus macrolepis) mostly found in Palakkad Gap mountains of southern Western Ghats. Trimeresurus macrolepis is one of the venomous pitviper species of Western Ghats and no subspecies are currently recognized.

Banded Kukri

Common Kukri (Oligodon arnensis) or Banded kukri snakes are nonvenomous colubrid species of snake,found in Indian subcontinent. Kukri snakes has knife shape teeth and easy to distinguish because of prominent cross bands and characteristic marks.

Green Vine Snake

Green Vine Snake (Ahaetulla nasuta) is mildly venomous tree snake found in India and one of the snake species who giving live birth. This beautiful mildly venomous snake of western ghats is very commonly in the forested areas of the Ghats.

Montane Trinket Snake

Montane Trinket snake species are nonvenomous constrictor species of colubrid,found in Sri Lanka and southern India. The trinket snake species are generally aggressive and Montane Trinket snake is endemic to the Western Ghats.

Wayanad Keelback

Wayanad Keelback (Amphiesma monticola) is a harmless colubrid snake,found in the Kodagu and Wayanad regions of the Western Ghats. This non venomous snake has reddish head and large eye, endemic to western Ghats.

Travancore Wolf Snake

Travancore Wolf Snake (Lycodon travancoricus) mostly found in South Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. These are of nonvenomous species of snake and has dark brown body with yellow bands.

Beddome's Cat Snake

Beddome's Cat Snake (Boiga beddomei) is a colubrid species of snake, found in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra state and also found in Sri Lanka. Boiga beddomei snakes are mildly venomous, mostly arboreal and nocturnal in nature.

Khaire's Black Shieldtail

A new species of snake called Khaire's black shieldtail (Melanophidium khairei) has been discovered in the Western Ghats of India. This new snake species belongs to family of Uropeltidae and mostly lives underground,Its first such discovery of snake after a span of 144 years.

Giri's Bronzeback Tree Snake

Giri's Bronzeback Tree Snake (Dendrelaphis Girii) is a new species of bronzeback tree snake, endemic to Southern Western Ghats in India. Dendrelaphis girii first spotted in Amboli village and has a black coloured stripe, they were commonly called as bronzeback tree snakes.

Indian Rat Snake

Indian Rat Snake (Ptyas mucosa) is a harmless species of colubrid snake, found in all over India and Southeast Asia. Ptyas mucosa are non poisonous fast moving snakes and the most favourite food of the King Cobra in Western Ghats of India.

Indian Rock Python

Indian Rock Python (Python molurus) found in wide range of habitats in India, including rocky foothills,swamps,grasslands and rainforest. Python molurus are non-venomous with yellow and black in color but depending upon its habitat.

Indian Cobra

Indian Cobra (Naja naja) is the most dangerous snakes in India,found in the Indian subcontinent. The Palni hills,kerala rainforest,Tea and coffee plants in the Western Ghats are the best known habitat of spectacled cobra.

Russell's Viper

Russell's Viper (Daboia russelii) found in throughout the Indian subcontinent and member of big four most poisonous snakes of India. Daboia are aggressive to human and responsible for causing the most snakebite incidents in India.

Saw Scaled Viper

Saw Scaled Viper (Echis carinatus) also called as death viper is one of the smallest member of viper found in India and responsible for causing the most snakebite cases and deaths. However Saw Scaled Viper found in the dry regions of India but some time appear in the hilly areas of Western Ghats in Maharashtra.

Indian Krait

Common Indian Krait (Bungarus caeruleus) is the most venomous snake in India. Indian Krait is one of the top five most common poisonous snakes found in Kerala,Indian Cobra, King Cobra, Russel's Viper and Saw-scaled viper are being others.

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20 Species of Snakes Found in The Western Ghats of India

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Western Ghats is the hub for Indian biodiversity and the only remaining rainforests in India. The Western Ghats of India is home to several species of reptiles, Insects, Molluscs and Amphibians. The major population of snake species found in the Western Ghats are belongs to family Uropeltidae but Western Ghats is also habitat to most venomous snakes and non poisonous snakes of India.

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तुम्ही आता येथे आहात

मुख्य-पृष्ठ

महाराष्ट्रातील कांदळवन

कांदळवन - एक परिचय

कांदळवन हा वनस्पतींचा एक विशेष गट आहे. ज्यामध्ये झाडे, झुडपे, ताड जातीची झाडे, औषधी वनस्पती किंवा वेली, जमिनीलगत वाढणाऱ्या प्रजातींच्या झाडांचा समावेश आहे. कांदळवने भरती-ओहोटी दरम्यानच्या कठीण पर्यावरणीय परिस्थितीशी जुळवून घेतात. जगातील उष्णकटिबंधीय आणि उपोष्णकटिबंधीय प्रदेशातील (जवळजवळ ३२° उत्तर आणि ३८° दक्षिण दरम्यान) किनारपट्टी प्रदेशात सापडणारी ही झाडे धोकाग्रस्त असूनही ती सर्वात उत्पादनक्षम अशी परिसंस्था निर्माण करतात. ही परिसंस्था आता अनेक खंडांमध्ये समशीतोष्ण प्रदेशात विस्तारत आहे.

कांदळवनांची घनता समुद्राचे पाणी आणि गोडे पाणी यांची नियमित सरमिसळ होणाऱ्या भागात, २०० सेमीपेक्षा जास्त वार्षिक पाऊस पडणार्‍या भागात, २०° पेक्षा कमी तापमान नसणाऱ्या तसेच तापमानातील बदल ५° पेक्षा जास्त नसणाऱ्या भागात अधिक चांगली दिसून येते.

कांदळवने ही त्यांच्या आकारिकीय, रचात्मक, वैज्ञानिक, बियाणे आणि रोपांच्या बाबतीत इतर वनस्पतींच्या तुलनेत बरीच वेगळी असतात. जमीन आणि समुद्र यांच्यातील संक्रमण क्षेत्रांमध्ये कांदळवनांची वाढ होत असल्याने त्या अधिवासाशी जुळवून घेण्यासाठी त्यांच्यात अनुकूलन दिसते.

कांदळवनांमध्ये दिसणारी काही प्रमुख अनुकूलने खालीप्रमाणे आहेत.

भुपृष्ठावरील मुळे - आधार मुळे, श्वसनमुळेआणि केबल मुळे, इत्यादी

मीठ उत्सर्जित करणारी पाने

पाण्यातून कंदिकांचे विकिरण

जगभरातील खारफुटीचे क्षेत्र १३७,७६० चौ.कि.मी. असून ते ११८ देश - प्रदेशांत विस्तारलेले आहे. सध्या जगातील कांदळवन प्रजातींच्या अद्यावत यादीमध्ये १७ गटातील ३० जातींमधील ८३ प्रजातींचा समावेश आहे. रेखांशाच्या दृष्टीने जगात कांदळवनांची दोन मुख्य केंद्र आहेत. - 'अंटलांटिक ईस्ट पॅसिफिक'मध्ये (एईपी) ज्यात पश्चिम अमेरिका, पूर्व अमेरिका, पश्चिम आफ्रिका आणि 'इंडो-वेस्ट पॅसिफिक'मध्ये (आयडब्लयूपी) ज्यात पूर्व-आफ्रिका, इंडो - मलेशिया आणि आॅस्ट्रेलियाचा समावेश होतो. 'आयडब्लयूपी' विभागात कांदळवनांच्या ७१ प्रजाती आढळून येतात, तर 'एईपी' विभागामध्ये १३ प्रजातींची नोंद आहे.

भारतातील नऊ राज्य आणि चार केंद्रशासित प्रदेशांच्या किनारपट्टीलगत कांदळवन आढळते. हे कांदळवन ४,९२१ किमी क्षेत्रावर पसरलेले आहे. जागतिक कांदळवनांच्या आच्छादनापैकी ३.३ % कांदळवन क्षेत्र भारतामध्ये आहे. जगाच्या तुलनेत भारतामध्ये गेल्या दशकात कांदळवन क्षेत्रामध्ये लक्षणीय वाढ झाली आहे. 'भारतीय वन सर्वेक्षणा'नुसार १९८७ ते २०१७ दरम्यान भारतातील कांदळवन क्षेत्रामध्ये अंदाजे ८७५ चौ.किमी वाढ झाली आहे. म्हणजेच कांदळवन क्षेत्रामध्ये ३०.२१ ±८१.७२ चौरस किमी इतकी सरासरी वार्षिक वाढ झाली आहे. २०१३ ते २०१५ दरम्यान ११२ चौरस किमी, तर २०१५ ते २०१७ (एफएसआय २०१७) दरम्यान १८१ किमी इतकी वाढ झाली. 'भारतीय वन सर्वेक्षण'ने (२०१९) नुकत्याच प्रकाशित केलेल्या अहवालानुसार, कांदळवन आच्छादनामध्ये १३४ चौरस किमीने वाढ झाली आहे, जी गेल्या सहा वर्षांमध्ये ७२ % वाढ आहे.

राज्य

१९८७

१९८९

१९९१

१९९३

१९९५

१९९७

१९९९

२००१

२००३

२००५

२००९

२०११

२०१३

२०१५

२०१७

२०१९

महाराष्ट्र १४० ११४ ११३ १५५ १५५ १२४ १०८ ११८ ११६ १५८ १८६ १८६ १८६ २२२ ३०४ ३२०

स्रोत - भारतीय वन सर्वेक्षण अहवाल (१९८७ ते २०१९)

तक्ता: भारतीय कांदळवन क्षेत्रातील बदल (२०१५-१९)

भारतात कांदळवनांच्या १४ गटातील २२ जातींमधील ४६ प्रजाती आढळतात. भारतातील कांदळवनांचा अधिवास मोठ्या प्रमाणात तीन प्रकारांमध्ये विभागला गेला आहे: डेल्टाइक मॅंग्रोव्ह (पूर्व किनाऱ्यांवरील कांदळवने), इस्टुराईन आणि बॅकवॉटर मॅंग्रोव्ह (पश्चिम किनाऱ्यांवरील) आणि इंसुलार मॅंग्रोव्ह (अंदमान आणि निकोबार बेटांवरील). या तिघांपैकी अंदमान आणि निकोबार बेटांवरील कांदळवने जैवविविधतेच्या दृष्टीने निरोगी आणि सर्वोत्तम आहेत. एकंदरीत, भारताच्या मुख्य भूमीवर कांदळवनांच्या १४ गटातील २२ जातींमधील ४० प्रजाती आहेत. यामधील सर्व ४० प्रजाती या भारताच्या पूर्व किनारपट्टीवर आढळतात, तर पश्चिम किनारपट्टीवर ११ गटातील १६ जातीमधील २७ प्रजाती सापडतात.

नकाशा - भारतातील कांदळवने

उत्तरेकडे गुजरातच्या सीमेस लागून असलेल्या झई नदीपासून दक्षिणेस गोव्याच्या सीमेवर असणाऱ्या तेरेखोल नदीपर्यंत महाराष्ट्राची ७२० कि.मी लांब किनारपट्टी पसरलेली आहे. भारतीय वन सर्वेक्षण अहवाल, २०१९ नुसार राज्यातील कांदळवनांचे क्षेत्रफळ ३२० चौ.किमी आहे. भारताच्या पश्चिम किनाऱ्यावरील महाराष्ट्रात कांदळवनांच्या ११ गटातील १५ जातींमधील २० प्रजाती आढळतात. महाराष्ट्रातील किनारपट्टीच्या सात जिल्ह्यांमध्ये कांदळवनांचे क्षेत्र विस्तारले आहे.

सारणी - महाराष्ट्रातील वन क्षेत्रामध्ये झालेला बदल (क्षेत्र चौ. किमीमध्ये)

स्त्रोत - भारतीय वन सर्वेक्षण अहवाल २०१९

जिल्हा

२००५-१३

२०१५

२०१७

२०१९

एकूण १८६ २२२ ३०४ ३२०.२७

नकाशा - महाराष्ट्रातील कांदळवन क्षेत्रामध्ये झालेला बदल (स्त्रोत : एफएसआय-आयएसएफआर) सारणी - महाराष्ट्रातील कांदळवन प्रजातींची यादी

क्रं.

नाव

सामान्य नाव

स्थानिक नाव

स्थान

दोन प्रजाती उदा. ब्रुगुएिरा परवीफ्लोरा आणि अ‍ॅव्हिसेंनिया अल्बा महाराष्ट्रात आढळतात. मात्र, त्यांच्या अस्तित्वाची तपासणी करणे आवश्यक आहे.
कांदळवन प्रजाती

माननीय मुंबई उच्च न्यायालयाने कांदळवनांच्या संरक्षणासाठी, ६ ऑक्टोबर २००५ रोजी महाराष्ट्रात असलेल्या सर्व कांदळवनांना 'संरक्षित वने' म्हणून घोषित करण्याचे निर्देश दिले. या निर्देशानुसार मुंबई व त्याच्या आसपासच्या ५,४६९ हेक्टरवर पसरलेल्या कांदळवनांना 'संरक्षित वने' म्हणून सूचित केले गेले. राज्य सरकारने २०१३ मध्ये सरकारी जमिनींवरील कांदळवनांचा दर्जा 'संरक्षित वनां'वरून 'राखीव वन' असा करण्याचा निर्णय घेतला. आज महाराष्ट्रातील सात जिल्ह्यांमधील सुमारे १५,०८८ हेक्टर सरकारी भूमीवरील कांदळवने 'राखीव वन' म्हणून अधिसूचित आहेत.

जिल्हा

भारतीय वनसंरक्षण कायदा, १९२७ च्या कलम ४ अंतर्गतचे

क्षेत्रफळ (हेक्टर)

भारतीय वनसंरक्षण कायदा, १९२७ च्या कलम २० अंतर्गतचे

क्षेत्रफळ (हेक्टर)

मुंबई शहर
२७६.६५०

२७६.६५०

एकूण १७,०९१.६१३ ११,२५७.८८०

सारणी - महाराष्ट्रातील राखीव कांदळवन क्षेत्राची व्याप्ती

कांदळवन व्यवस्थापनात सुधारणा करण्याच्या हेतूने केलेल्या तीन शिफारसी पुढीलप्रमाणे आहेत: (१) खाजगी जागेचे भूसंपादन (ज्यावर कांदळवनांचा अधिवास आहे), (२) कांदळवनांचे कायदेशीर संरक्षण आणि (३) कांदळवन पुनर्वसन प्रकल्प.

कांदळवन परिसंस्थेचे संरक्षण आणि पुनर्वसनासाठी चांगले उदाहरण म्हणून नेहमीच भारताचे उदाहरण दिले जाते (भट्ट आणि काथीरसन २०१२). 'भारतीय वन कायदा' १९२७, 'वन (संवर्धन) कायदा १९८०', 'वन्यजीव (संरक्षण) कायदा १९२७', १९८६ च्या 'पर्यावरण संरक्षण कायद्या'अंतर्गत 'किनारी नियमन क्षेत्र (सीआरझेड) अधिसूचना' (२०११) सीआरझेड (२०१९), १९९४ ची 'पर्यावरणविषयक प्रभाव मूल्यांकन अधिसूचना' (ईआयए) आणि २००५ च्या 'किनारपट्टी जलचर प्राधिकरण कायद्या'अंतर्गत भारतातील कांदळवनांचा अधिवास कायदेशीररित्या सुरक्षित करण्यात आला आहे. त्या व्यतिरिक्त विविध राज्यांच्या वन विभागाने कांदळवनांच्या पुनर्वसनाचे कार्य हाती घेतले आहे.

कांदळवन कक्ष आणि कांदळवन प्रतिष्ठानाने महाराष्ट्र राज्यातील कांदळवन क्षेत्रात वाढ करण्यासाठी निकृष्ठ दर्जाच्या वनक्षेत्रावरील कांदळवन लागवडीवर प्राथमिक लक्ष केंद्रीत करुन महाराष्ट्राच्या किनारपट्टीवरील सर्व जिल्ह्यांमध्ये कांदळवन लागवड सुरू केली आहे. उदा. मुंबई, ठाणे, पालघर, रायगड, रत्नागिरी आणि सिंधुदुर्ग. कांदळवन वृक्षारोपण हे श्रम-केंद्रित काम आहे. कांदळवन लागवड कार्यक्रमामध्ये किनारपट्टीभागात कांदळवनांच्या रोपवाटिकांचा विकास करणे आणि निकृष्ठ दर्जाच्या जमिनीवर वृक्षारोपन करणे, यांचा समावेश आहे. कांदळवनांच्या लागवडीची प्रक्रिया बरीच दमवणारी आहे. कारण, यामधील लागवडीच्या प्रत्येक टप्प्यांमध्ये खूप कष्टाचे काम करावे लागते. कांदळवन लागवडीच्या टप्प्यांमध्ये वेगवेगळ्या हंगामात कांदळवन प्रजातीच्या बीया/कंदिका गोळा करणे, गोळा केलेल्या कंदिका पिशव्यांमध्ये लावणे, पाण्याचा प्रवाह वाहू देण्यासाठी आणि लागवड केलेल्या रोपट्यांची वाढ सुनिश्चित करण्यासाठी छोटे कालवे खोदणे, अशा पद्धतीचे काम केले जाते. ह्या लागवडीची देखभाल पुढील सात वर्ष केली जाते. कांदळवनांच्या वनीकरणाचे दोन हेतू आहेत. एक म्हणजे निकृष्ट दर्जाच्या कांदळवन जमिनींवर कांदळवनांची पुनर्लागवड करणे आणि स्थानिक समुदायांसाठी उपजीविका निर्माण करणे.

महाराष्ट्रात जिल्हावार कांदळवन आच्छादन

Sr no

Districts

2009

2015

2017

2019

VDM

MD

OM

एकूण

VDM

MD

OM

एकूण

VDM

MD

OM

एकूण

VDM

MD

OM

एकूण

एकूण 0 69 117 186 0 79 143 222 0 88 216 304 0 88 232.27 320.27

(VDM-Very Dense Mangroves, MD-Moderately Dense, OM-Open Mangroves)
(चौरस किमी क्षेत्रफळ)

स्रोत - भारतीय वन सर्वेक्षण अहवाल (2009 ते 2019)

महाराष्ट्रातील कांदळवन आच्छादन आकडेवारी

ठाणे 2017

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महाराष्ट्रातील कांदळवन

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Coastal and Marine Biodiversity of Maharashtra

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Coastal and Marine Biodiversity of Maharashtra