Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary

Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)
Gaur (Indian Bison)
Location	Kolhapur district, Maharashtra, India
Nearest city	Kolhapur 46 kilometres (29 mi) NE
Coordinates	16°23.09′0″N 73°57.32′0″E / 16.38483°N 73.95533°E / 16.38483; 73.95533Coordinates: 16°23.09′0″N 73°57.32′0″E / 16.38483°N 73.95533°E / 16.38483; 73.95533
Area	351.16 square kilometres (135.58 sq mi)
Established	1958
Visitors	17,557 (in 2000-2001)
Governing body	Maharashtra Forest Department

Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary (Bison Sanctuary) is a wildlife sanctuary located in Radhanagari Taluka of Kolhapur district, Maharashtra state India. It lies at the southern end of the Sahyadri hills in the Western Ghats. It is notable as the first declared wildlife sanctuary in Maharashtra, notified in 1958, as Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary and is popularly known as the "Bison Sanctuary".^[1]

History

Geography

The sanctuary is located between 16°10‟ to 16°30‟ north latitude and 73°52‟ to 74°14‟ east longitude. The Krishna River tributaries; Bhogavati River, Dudhganga River, Tulshi River, Kallamma River and Dirba River flow through the sanctuary area.^[1] State Highway 116 passes through the center of the sanctuary.

Flora

Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary contains tropical evergreen forests typical of the northern Western Ghats.^[1] 425 species of plants have been recorded in the sanctuary. The main species found over here are Anjani, Jambul, Hirda, Awala, Pisa, Ain, Kinjal, Amba, Kumbha, Bhoma, Chandala, Katak, Nana, Umbar, Jambha, Gela, Bibba and banana. Karvi is found over almost the entire area.

Flowers of Karvand bush

Climbing plants such as Shikekai and Garambi are common. Shrub species and medicinal plants such as Karvand, Vagati (Candy Corn Plant ), Ranmiri (orange climber), Tamalpati, [Toran], Dhayati (fire-flame bush), Kadipatta (curry tree), [Nothapodytes nimmoniana|Narkya, Murudsheng (Indian screw-fruit) and small amount of Bamboo are also found. Large numbers of ephemeral bulbs of seasonal plants are also found here.^[2] Many sacred groves or devrais have been protected as a result of the efforts of the local communities.^[3]

Fauna

Sanctuary contains 47 species of Mammals, 59 species of reptiles, 264 species of birds and 66 species of butterflies. Amphibians are most visible in the rainy season. 20 species from 2 orders, 5 families and 10 genera are listed in the sanctuary.^[4]

Indian Leopard

Indian Bison or gaur (Bos gaurus) with a population around 610 in 2004,^[3] is the flagship species of the area. Other mammals, living in the sanctuary are Indian Leopard (5), Sloth Bear, Wild Boar (80), Barking Deer (140), Mouse Deer (80), Sambar (120), Giant Squirrel 50) and Wild Dogs (70). In recent years, 6 to 12 Tigers were reported in Dajipur forest 2007-08. (anonymous reports- not yet confirmed)

Birds seen here include: vultures, eagles, Jungle fowl, Quails, Plovers, Sandpipers, Owlets, Doves, Owls, Nightjars, Kingfishers, Bee-eater, Hornbills, Woodpeckers, Bulbul, Flycatchers, Warblers, Wagtails, Sunbirds are commonly seen.^[2]

Adult male Malabar grey hornbill

This sanctuary is designated as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International and is home to the rare and globally threatened Nilgiri wood-pigeon (Columba elphinstonii). Other species found here include the Ceylon frogmouth, yellow-browed bulbul, dusky eagle-owl and great pied hornbill and one of India's most admired songbirds, the Malabar whistlingthrush. Two species endemic to the Western Ghats: the small sunbird and the Malabar grey hornbill have been sighted here. This sanctuary is a favorite nesting place for the speckled piculet, Malabar crested lark, and some species of Himalayan birds such as the Indian blue robin during the winter months.

Threatened species of reptiles and amphibians seen in this sanctuary include: Malabar pit viper, Deccan ground gecko, Gunther's cat skink, Beddome's lacerta, Bombay bush frog and Humayun's wrinkled frog.^[3]

Threats

Open cast bauxite mining has been a serious threat to this protected area. In February 1998, the Maharashtra High Court passed a stay order halting bauxite mining operations in the Iderganj plateau. Other threats include, irrigation projects, encroachment of forest land, poaching, over grazing, agriculture and construction of reservoirs.^[3]

Visitor information

The nearest rail station is at Kolhapur, 45 km (28 mi). For accommodations, there is a forest rest house, dak bungalow and a dormitory managed by the Deputy Conservator of Forests - Wildlife, Bindu chowk, Ganji Galli, Kolhapur. 416 002 India ( 91-231-2542766)^[2]

References