Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, Wildlife sanctuary in Maharashtra, India
Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in the Western Ghats that surrounds the Koyna Dam reservoir with elevations ranging from 600 to 1100 meters. The landscape shifts between densely forested slopes, open grasslands, and water bodies, where tropical deciduous forests meet grassy patches and rocky outcrops.
The area received official sanctuary status in 1985 and was later included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation for the Western Ghats in 2012. These designations marked important steps in protecting the region and its wildlife.
The region holds old temples and forts scattered throughout, showing how local communities have lived alongside this landscape for many generations. You can see these structures woven into the natural terrain as you explore.
The best time for wildlife watching is between October and January when the weather is dry and cool. Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water, as parts of the terrain are rocky and it takes time to move between viewing spots.
A toad species called Bufo koyanansis is found only here and nowhere else on Earth. This frog is important to scientists because it shows how the wildlife in this region has adapted to its specific environment over a long time.
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