Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary., Bird sanctuary on Chorão Island, Goa, India
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is a protected area on Chorão Island in Goa, India, covering roughly 178 hectares (440 acres) of mangrove forest along the Mandovi River. The dense roots and waterways provide nesting spots for resident birds and resting places for migrating species from different regions.
The reserve was established in 1988 to protect the mangrove forests and their birdlife from logging and development pressures. It was founded shortly after the death of the naturalist whose field studies formed the basis for many Indian bird conservation projects.
The name honors a naturalist who spent decades documenting India's birdlife and promoting conservation efforts across the country. Visitors today learn how mangrove forests support migrating species and why these wetlands play a key role in coastal ecosystems.
Wooden walkways and narrow paths wind through the mangrove area, so sturdy footwear and insect repellent are helpful for a comfortable walk. Binoculars make it easier to spot birds in the high canopy and along the river edges.
More than 270 bird species use the mangroves as breeding or resting grounds, including kingfishers and herons that hunt for fish along the muddy shores. At dusk, large groups of cormorants often gather on exposed branches above the water.
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