TANSA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

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Context:  The first-ever bird survey in Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary was conducted and the volunteers recorded 186 species of birds.

Details:

About:

• The Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Shahapur and Bhiwandi taluka of Thane district and Wada taluka of Palghar district.
• The sanctuary is spread over an area of 320 square km
• This sanctuary is spread around the catchment area of Tansa, Vaitarna and Modak Sagar lakes which are major source of water to the Mumbai, Thane and Bhiwandi cities.
• There are about 60 villages in the sanctuary area.
• The forest area is hilly with dense patches of forest.
• While the sanctuary is spread over 338 sq km, the Tansa lake is spread over 19 sq km.

Flora:

The forest type is Southern moist deciduous forest. Common trees include Tectona grandis, Terminalia belerica, Senegalia catechu, Terminalia elliptica, Haldina cordifolia, Mitragyna parvifolia, and Pterocarpus marsupium.[1]

Fauna:

There are 54 species of mammals and more than 250 species of birds found in the sanctuary. Mammals include leopard, sloth bear, porcupine, and barking deer. Birds include various species of Owls, forest birds and the endangered forest owlet.

Threats:

The forest is under continuous threat from timber mafias who are exploiting the forest for valuable teak, Khair and Shisham trees. The other threats include forest fires, encroachment, hunting and trespassing.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/186-species-spotted-during-bird-survey-in-tansasanctuary-101676232205230.html