Balimela Wildlife Sanctuary, Wildlife refuge in Malkangiri district, India.
Balimela Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife refuge in Malkangiri district, Odisha, covering hilly terrain with mixed deciduous forests. The area protects diverse forest types that form part of the Eastern Highlands ecosystem.
The sanctuary was created to protect the Eastern Highlands forests and their natural habitats from destruction. Its establishment represented a commitment to preserving this woodland region for the future.
Indigenous communities living around the sanctuary maintain their traditional practices and shape how the forest is used and protected locally. Their presence influences the relationship between people and nature in the surrounding region.
Visitors need permits from the forest department before entering the sanctuary. Plan your visit during drier months when forest trails are most accessible.
The Balimela dam created water zones that form distinct habitats within the sanctuary. These water bodies make the area an unusual mix of forest and aquatic environments that support different wildlife communities.
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