Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary is part of Sharavathi River Valley and was declared protected in 1972. It is the best place to spot many species of exotic birds and butterflies along with mammals and amphibians.
It is spread over an area of 431 kilometers. Shravathi River, Linganamakki reservoir, and Sharavathi Valley Region are also part of this sanctuary. The sanctuary is divided into core, buffer, and tourism zone.
Picture – Great Indian Horn Bill
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The islands and Sharavathi River Valley and the sanctuary is inhabited by mammals like Gaur, Sambar, many types of Deer, Wild Boars, Pangolins, Porcupines, Malabar Gaint Squirrel, Giant flying squirrel, Slender Loris, Tiger, Leopard (black panther), Dhol/Wild dog, jackal, sloth bear, Langur, Bonnet macaque, and Otter.
Due to the presence of 52 Myristica Swamps in these ranges, there are 22 Lion Tailed Macaque groups present near the swamps. This is one of the largest colonies of Lion Tailed Macaque reported in India. “Live and Let live the Lion Tailed Macaque” is the mantra adopted in this forest region.
Reptiles that slither in these forests are king cobra, python, rat snake, crocodile and monitor lizard.
About 140 species of birds inhibit the forests.
Picture – Great Indian Horn Bill
Click on image to enlarge
The avian natives are Grey headed and yellow browed Bulbul, Great Indian Hornbill, Black necked stork, White Ibis, Blue bearded Bee-eater, Great Black Woodpecker, Slaty Headed Scimitar Babbler, Paradise Flycatcher, Racket-tailed Drongo, Blue-Throated Barbet, Indian Lories, and Lorikeets.
Picture – Brown Browed Bulbul
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Around 134 species of butterflies, including the Fluffy tit, Monkey Puzzle, Malabar Raven, Redspot Duke, flutter in this region. 84 species of ants have been spotted here along with 180 species of beetles.
23 types of amphibians happily roam these forests as water and food suitable for their survival is ample.
Wildlife conservation in these regions should be the paramount agenda here. When you visit these places, ensure to respect the region and avoid disturbing the ecological balance by restraining on littering and reducing the noise levels.
The sanctuary has mainly evergreen, semi-green and some moist deciduous forests. The trees are invaluable and provide shelter and food to many species of animals and birds.
Places of interest:
Gerusoppa Dam
Sharavathi Generating Station
Linganamakki Dam
Jog Falls
Sharavathi River
Honnemaradu / Backwaters of Sharavathi River
River Sharavathi Valley View
Honnavara Estuary
Honnavara Beach
Apsarakonda Waterfalls
Dabbe falls
Place Statistics:
Type of place: Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated: Shimoga District
Distance: 350 Kms from Bangalore
Transport: Well connected by road
Facilities: Best place to stay is at Jog Falls
