Why in news?
The Goa Forest Department announced that the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary will receive new animals, including barking deer and sloth bears, under an exchange programme. The transfer, taking place after a gap of 12 years, aims to diversify the sanctuary's small zoo and attract visitors.
Background
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary lies in north-eastern Goa's foothills. Established in 1969, it covers about 8 km² and is the state's smallest protected area. Despite its size, Bondla houses Goa's only zoo, a deer park, botanical gardens and nature education centre. The forest is mainly moist deciduous with patches of semi-evergreen vegetation and supports a rich array of flora and fauna.
Key points
- Fauna: Bondla shelters over 275 bird species, including the Malabar grey hornbill, flame-throated bulbul and Asian fairy bluebird. Mammals found here include gaur (Indian bison), sambar, muntjac (barking deer), four-horned antelope, sloth bear, Indian giant squirrel and leopard. Reptiles such as Russell's viper and Malabar pit viper, and amphibians like the Malabar gliding frog and Amboli bush frog, also inhabit the sanctuary.
- Zoo and rescue centre: Bondla's small zoo was originally established to house injured or rescued animals. It currently houses leopards, jungle cats, jackals, deer and antelopes. The new exchange programme will bring in additional species, but authorities emphasize that infrastructure upgrades are needed before larger carnivores, such as tigers, can be accommodated.
- Eco-tourism: Bondla is popular among school groups and tourists for its nature trails, mini-railway and interpretation centre. The sanctuary's compact size makes it ideal for environmental education and wildlife photography.
Conclusion
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary may be small, but it plays a vital role in conservation education and wildlife rescue in Goa. The planned introduction of new species will enhance biodiversity and visitor engagement, provided that animal welfare and habitat standards are maintained.
Sources: Times of India; Wikipedia.