Black Buck National Park, Velavadar

Blackbuck National Park Velavadar, in the Bhal region of Saurashtra is a unique grassland ecosystem that has attracted fame for the successful conservation of the blackbuck, the wold and the lesser florican. Once found in open plains throughout the country and the state of Gujarat, its largest population at present occurs in Velavadar National Park. This exclusively Indian animal is perhaps the most graceful and beautiful of its kind. It has ringed horns that have a spiral twist of three to fours turns and are up to 70 cm long. The body's upper parts are black and the under parts and a ring around the eyes are white. The light brown female is usually hornless.

Flat land, dry grasses and herds of antelopes always attracted visitors. Since my official visit to the Park in 1994 to initiate preparation of the first management plan, I did not miss an opportunity to visit the Park annually. I felt happy to see positive changes in habitat condition and wildlife in the Park, where developmental activities were implemented as per prescriptions in the plan, which happened to be finalised by me in 1995.

Located seventy-two km away from Bhavnagar and spread over an area of 3,408 ha, Velavadar National Park was primarily a vidi (grassland) of the Maharaja of Bhavnagar. It has been classified as 4B Gujarat-Rajwada biotic province of semi-arid bio-geographical zone. On the southern border of the Park, is the high tidal zone of the Gulf of Khambhat, whereas wastelands and agriculture fields surround the other sides.

The area was a private vidi (grassland) of the ex-princely state of Bhavnagar, which was subsequently declared as reserve forest and notified as National Park. About 1788.88 ha of area was declared as National Park in July 1976 and an area of 1622.23 ha was further added by notification in the year 1980. Today the total area under the National Park is 3408 ha. The settlement procedure has been completed.

Due to the presence of the high tide zone of the Gulf of Khambhat on the southern side, a portion of the Park gets inundated with water. Its semi-arid conditions, together with this inundation of sea- water during monsoon, create habitats, on which depends varied fauna of the Park for survival. As per remote sensing study on habitat types, the Park area is classified as,

Gir National Park

Prawling in an area of 1424 sq. kms., Gir with its dry deciduous forest is a luxuriantly rich ecosystem-endowed with floral and faunal plentitude. Thirty species of mammals, twenty species of reptiles, several species of insects and birds are found here. The forest is the only place in the world, outside Africa, where the lion can be seen in its natural habitat. Gir, the last refuge of the king of the jungle, is one of the largest and most important wildlife sanctuaries in India.

The number of lions in Gir had dwindled to a mere 15 by the turn of the century, due to extensive trophy hunting. In the early 1900s the Nawab of Junagadh was advised by Lord Curzon to protect the remaining lions. The lion was declared a protected animal, although concerted conservation efforts started much later.

In India the Lion population is spread across the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. But Gir is not just about Lions, the second most commonly found predator in the Gir is Leopard. Infact, Gir national park is also home to one of the largest Leopard populations in any park in India, and especially in the hotter season they can sometimes be seen at night close to the lodges.

Other animal residents of the Gir national park are Sambar Deer, Chital Spotted Deer, Nilgai Antelope, Chowsingha Four-Horned Antelope, Chinkara Gazelle, Wild Boar, Langur Monkey, Jackal, and Hyena and numerous birds like Paradise Flycatcher, Bonneli's Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Woodpeckers Flamingo etc.

Other Attractions

Jeep Safari : The best way to observe the big cats is, of course, in their natural surroundings, at dawn and dusk, when they are on the prowl. Wildlife viewing in the Gir’s is best done, by driving via jeep around the forest.

Best Time to Visit Gir Forest

Wildlife enthusiasts can visit Gir park throughout the year, but the best period to visit the Gir Sanctuary is between the months of November and June.

The forest also harbours a number of smaller birds and animals. Other predators are the panther and the hyena. The largest Indian deer, Sambhar, Chital (spotted deer), Nilgai (blue bull), Chinkara and the unique Chowsingha (four horned antelope) are found here along with the bear and the long tailed langur.

Few people know that Gir is also one of the finest bird sanctuaries in India. Some of the typical birds of Gir are the crested serpent eagle, crested hawk eagle, brown fish owl, king vulture, jungle quail, paradise flycatcher, pygmy woodpecker, hard headed oriole etc. Adholia, Valadera, Ratanghuna and Pilipat are rewarding places for bird watching. Another attraction is a crocodile farm developed in the forest.

Marine National Park

A unique Marine eco-system is found in the Gulf of Kutch, (Jamnagar District), an area of 162.89 Sq. Km is declared as a Marine National Park and an area of 457.92 Sq. Km has been declared as a Marine Sanctuary. In all a total 931.33 Sq.Km of area including Mangrove forests is under the administration of Jamnagar Circle.

The Gulf of Kutch on the west coast of India, in the State of Gujarat abounds in a variety of marine wealth. Mangrove, coral reefs. Sea grass & Sea weeds, sandy areas, mudflats, and other associated habitats, in the Gulf of Kutch support variety of marine flora and fauna. The area has excellent coral reefs, second to none in the country, though slightly over exploited it supports 37 species of hard & soft corals, 70 species of sponges, 150-200 species of fishes, 27 species of prawns.
   

30 species of crabs more than 200 species of molluscs. 3 species of endangered sea turtle. 3 species of sea snakes. 3 species of sea mammal. 94 species of water birds. 78 species of terrestrial birds and 108 species of brown, green & red algae. Taking into consideration the presence of the flora and fauna, the Govt. of Gujarat has declared an area of 437.92 Sq. Km as a Marine Sanctuary by notification Dt. 12.8.1980 and further the area of 162.89 Sq.Km was declared as Marine National Park by notification Dt. 20.7.1982. Recently, the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) has declared this Park as category-II area in the list of important national park of the world-" published by them.

The Continental Shelf

One of the richest and most densely populated habitats lie between the land and the sea, on the underwater shelf which fringes most of the coastline in the Gulf of kutch. In this shelf, offshore water life-forms in amazing variety and numbers jostle for existence in a swirling, energetic, stimulating environment. The sea surges across rocks and reefs, burying them deep in water during high tide, replacing air with water. Then the tide ebbs and the rocks and their myriad inhabitants are exposed again to air and sun. The inhabitants are exposed to wide variations in heat, cold, light, darkness, wind, salinity and water pressure.

Mangrove Forest

The whole coast line in the gulf is fringed with luxuriant growth of Mangroves mainly Rhizophora, Avicennia. Ceriops spp. It shows remarkable ability to live in saline and tidal area where very few other tree species can grow. The slushy muddy mangrove marshes with high degree of dissolved 02 provide a paradise for marine creatures and the colourful living corals. Total area under mangroves in Jamnagar was about 300 Sq.Km in the past which reduced to 139 Sq.Km in 1975 and 33 Sq.Km in 1985. Coverage has improved ever since the area has been declared as a Marine National Park.
   

Better protection measures and extensive patrolling by staff has resulted into a good mangrove coverage. As per 1993 and 1998 report the present area of mangrove forest in the park is 118 Sq. Km and 141 Sq.Km respectively.
   

Mainly six species of mangrove are commonly represented in this area, i.e. Avicennia marina, Avicennia alba, Avicennia officianalis, Rhizophora mucronata, Ceriops tagal, Aegiceros corniculata. Sporadic presence of Salvadora, Tamarix dioca & Commiphora wightii is observed on islands. These species of mangrove grow above the surface of muddy marshes by prop roots growing from its trunk and branches which provides an excellent haven, for water and shore birds. It helps in checking soil erosion and pollutants getting into the sea.

Preserving Mangroves

Mangroves stabilize loose soil and detritus and protect the hinter land from tidal surges, cyclone storms and high velocity winds, and dissipate the wave entry. Mangroves in the estuarine inter-phases buffer high salinity, regulate rich organic-laden water flows, stabilize the alluvial soil brought from the river systems, fix the sediments of the sea with the detritus,thus producing one of the richest productive ecosystems, providing paradise for fish, marine invertebrates, molluscs, colourful living corals and birds.
   

The striking feature about the mangroves is the presence of aerial or prop roots to act as a supporting system and for respiration. Mangroves also function as a buffer against the oil leaks if any, is washed down from the sea. Such oil leaks act as a barrier in their breathing function and gradually lead to the death of mangrove species.

Major Flora and Fauna

 The Major Flora are Mangroves, Saag , Sesam , Kheru, Limda etc. and the major Fauna are Coral lichen ,Coral sponge, Green sponge, Puffer Fish, turtles , dolphins etc.

Vasnda National Park

Lofty and luxuriant trees clothing the valleys and hills holding a wealth of wildlife, graceful streams celebrating the freedom to jump and dance, a variety of birds filling the forest with their melodious calls and among this picture of beauty the sight of a leopard adds a touch of excitement and adventure....Yes, Vansda National Park has it all to immerse you in nature's beauty and bliss.

The area is bestowed with luxuriant moist deciduous forest with groves of 'Katas' bamboo and owes its beauty to no felling of trees since 1952.

Established in 1979 and located in the Navsari District, Vansda National Park is a small but unique Protected Area. Nestled in the Western Ghats or Sahyadris it has a unique flora and fauna. Vansda lies close to the National Highway - 8 and is bisected by the Waghai-Vansda State Highway. It is about 45 km from Chikhii and 80 km from Valsad.

Once the Tiger roamed here, it preyed on Sambar and Spotted Deer; Its lush forests and bamboo brakes are home to a variety of insects, birds and snakes When it rains, it seems eternal filling the streams with gushing waters, reptiles crawl and frogs croak, while missing the lost otters; Vansda is indeed a paradise on seeing a Racket-tailed Drongo will you realise..."

Forests & Flora

With trees reaching a height of 120 ft. the forests of Vansda are dense and varied. With the rain gods being generous (over 2,000 mm rainfall), parts of the Park have moist deciduous forest with 'kaatas1 bamboo. Dry deciduous forest occurring in other areas has 'manvel' bamboo and adds to the diversity of habitats.

The variety of plants (over 450 species !) keeps our eyes searching for more and leaves us content at the end of the day. Beautiful Orchids are a sight to behold thanks to their dainty and pretty flowers. Even a rotting log is decorated with ferns and mushrooms. The 'bracket fungus1 on logs and tree trunks will definitely catch your attention. You may also come across a wild relative of the banana plant.

Fauna

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, but in Vansda it's everywhere in different forms. Small creatures with their amazing diversity are the real treasures. Among these are over 60 species of butterflies and 121 species of spiders. The largest of the spiders of Gujarat - the Giant wood spider is common here. In fact, recently 8 new species of spiders were reported from Vansda. A trip here means getting lost in observing myriads of insects, centipedes, millipedes and snails. And to stop you in your tracks are the elusive snakes of which there are over 30 species. About 11 types of frogs and toads ensure that the snakes continue to thrive here.

For the bird-watcher too there are 115 species of birds including those found only in the Western Ghats like the Great Black Woodpecker, Malabar Trogon, Shama and Emerald Dove. Other noteworthy avian wonders include the Grey Hornbill, Racket-Tailed Drongo, Paradise Flycatcher, Leaf birds, Thrushes and Sunbirds. Although Vansda has lost the Tiger, Wild Dog, Otter, Sambar and Sloth bear; it still boasts a good diversity of mammals such as the Leopard, Hyena, Jungle Cat, Civets, Mongooses, Macaques, Barking Deer, Four-horned antelopes and the only herd of Spotted Deer in this part of the State.

Local Tribals

One also come across the local tribals who belong to Bhil, Gamit, Warli, Kokni, Kunbi and Dangi tribes. All the tribals have their unique culture and systems. Their dwellings and ways of life are indeed interesting to an anthropologist or even to a curious visitor.

Other Interesting Places

Those who are visiting Vansda National Park may also enjoy the pristine glory of Dang including.

• Gira Water falls adjoining to Vansda National Park
• Botanical Garden, Waghai
• Bio-diversity Conservation centre at Botanical Garden
• Mahal forest ( Purna Game Sanctuary )
• Saputara ( 52 kms ) the only hill-station of Gujarat state,
• Hot-water spring at Unai.
• VANIL Udyog ( Navtad ) and wood workshop at Waghai.