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From a
bushy cover that characterized the landscape before
1982, the diversity of flora today ranges from the semi
evergreen, to the moist kangada forests, coastal sal
forest, thorny bamboo brakes, planted teak and
eupatorium scrub. There is a suffusion of medicinal
plants and bamboo plants, with a few orchid species also
thrive in the wet and shady areas of the reserve.
Among the fauna about 30 species of mammals, 27 species
of reptiles and 120 species of birds can be sighted.
Besides the elephant, leopard, chital, barking deer,
mouse deer, langur, rhesus monkey, mongoose, sloth bear,
wolf and hyena also inhabit the sanctuary. A variety of
snakes, like the python, and the monitor lizard can also
be sighted there. Mugger crocodiles have adapted to
large water bodies within the sanctuary. Come July, and
water birds, mainly storks, heron, egrets and cormorants
can be observed.
The forest supports a thriving bird life, with the
Kamarkhunti reservoir being a breeding ground for the
Garganey and common teal, pin tail, white eyed Pochard
and spot billed Duck, among others.
The watch towers at Kochilaberana, Pitagodia and
Charichhak afford an excellent view of the wildlife in
the sanctuary. One of the watch towers enables tourists
to capture the pachyderm's movements during the late
evening hours.
The revived Chandaka forest reserve is popular amongst
eco-tourists and nature researchers. |
