Why in the News?

In a recent development, the Government of Goa has been directed by the Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court to take action within the next three months. Specifically, they are required to officially designate the 208 sq. km. Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) along with its adjoining areas as a tiger reserve, as per the court's decision.

Key Facts About Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary:

Location:

• It is located in the Northern Part of Goa, Sanguem taluka, near Valpoi town.
• The sanctuary is named after the Mhadei River (also known as Mandovi River), which originates from the Sahyadri range of mountains in Karnataka (Belgaum district) and falls in the Arabian Sea at Panaji crossing Goa.
• There are a number of picturesque waterfalls, including Vazra Sakla Falls and Virdi Falls.
• It is known for its nesting grounds of critically endangered Long-billed vultures near Vazra Falls.

 Flora and Fauna

• The sanctuary is abundant with lush vegetation, characterized by a dense cover of moist deciduous trees, interspersed with pockets of evergreen species.
• t is particularly well-known for its sacred groves that protect rare and indigenous trees.
• Faunas like Indian gaur, Barking deer, Sambar deer, Asian palm civet, small Indian civet, Wild boar, Indian hare etc. found here.
• The sanctuary holds immense allure for herpetologists due to its impressive diversity of snakes, encompassing all four of India's notorious venomous species - the Indian krait, Russell's viper, Saw-scaled viper, and Spectacled cobra.