The rich flora and fauna of Goa comprise of bamboo canes, chillar barks, maratha barks, bhirand. Coconut trees are ubiquitous and are present in almost all areas of Goa barring the elevated regions. Most of the forest products come from coconut trees. The flora and fauna of Goa include deciduous vegetation like teak, sal, and cashew. Fruits include jackfruits, mangos, pineapples and blackberries. Since there is a substantial area under private forests and a large tract under cashew, mango, coconut, etc. plantations, the total forest and tree cover constitutes 56.6% of the geographic area.
Foxes, wild boars and migratory birds are found in the jungles of Goa. Numerous types of fish are also caught off the coast of Goa and in its rivers. Crabs, lobsters, shrimps, jellyfish, oysters and catfish form some of the piscine catch. Goa also has a high snake population, which keeps the rodent population in control. The avifauna includes kingfishers, mynas and parrots. The Salim Ali Bird sanctuary is one of the best-known bird sanctuaries in India is located on the island of Chorao. Other wildlife sanctuaries include the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Molem Wildlife Sanctuary, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Madei Wildlife Sanctuary, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary and Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary.
Last Updated on 4th October 2010
