Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary - Biodiversity Boot camp

Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area situated between the northern Sahyadri range and the western coast of India. Though not directly connected to the main Western Ghats range, the biodiversity is similar. Located in Murud and Roha talukas of Raigad district in Maharashtra, the Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary was created in 1986 to preserve its unique coastal woodland ecosystem that currently comprises of about 6979 hectares with pockets of open grassland, called mals that occur throughout the sanctuary. Once part of the hunting reserve of the princely state of Murud-Janjira, the region is now home to several species of flora and fauna. The sanctuary has four main trails namely, Gunyacha Maal, Chikhalgaan, Dharangaan and Phansadgaan. Observation points located near the water bodies make for easy sighting. The dense forests of the sanctuary is home to over 150 species of birds, 720 varieties of plants and 279 species of fauna, including mammals, birds, snakes, butterflies, etc. Spread over 52 sq km, the coastal woodland is a popular destination for trekking, photography and birding. The Malabar Giant Squirrel (state animal of Maharashtra), Sambar, Barking deer, porcupine, palm civet, Leopards, Wild boar and Hyenas are some of the major wildlife species that can be spotted in the sanctuary. The 150 species of birds found in the region include, Malabar pied hornbill, Asian paradise flycatcher, Yellow footed green pigeon, Plum-headed parakeet, Green billed malkoha, etc. Migratory birds visit the sanctuary during November-January. The 31 species of snakes in Phansad include Russell’s viper, Bamboo pit viper, Indian rock python, etc.

Target species

Russell's Viper, Indian Rat Snake, Green Vine Snake, Cat Snake, Bamboo Pit Viper, Saw Scaled Viper, Common Trinket Snake, Indian Rock Python, Spectacle Cobra, Atlas Moth, Owlet Moth, and many more. (Sighting of any of these is based on your luck; we cannot assure sighting of them all)