New Delhi: With the arrival of the monsoon, lush greenery attracts wildlife enthusiasts to nearby wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. The monsoon season offers an excellent opportunity to observe favourite animals in the wild. This article will explore the fauna to watch out for during the monsoon in various wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.
Fauna to watch out for this monsoon
Valley of Flowers National Park, Uttarakhand
This UNESCO World Heritage Site transforms into a vibrant carpet of colourful flowers during the monsoon season. The flora includes a variety of exotic flowers like orchids, poppies, primulas, and daisies, painting the meadows in a breathtaking display. Beyond the flora are fascinating fauna to watch out for, such as the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, and blue sheep. It is a delight for birdwatchers, and they can spot the Himalayan monal pheasant and other high-altitude birds.
Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal
The largest mangrove forest in the world, Sundarbans National Park is situated in West Bengal and is known for its unique ecosystem that is mesmerising during monsoons. Amid the Sundarbans flora, the fauna to watch out for here is the Bengal Tigers, which have adapted successfully to survive in waterlogged mangrove environments, crocodiles, Indian pythons, several bird species like green pigeons, seagulls, egrets, sunbirds and cuckoos. One can also find fishes like the endangered species of shark and rays, white spotted shovel nosed guitar fish and Pondicherry shark, Indian dog shark, Bull shark, hammer-headed shark, black tip shark, pale-edged sting ray, black-edged sting and many more.
Kabini National Park, Karnataka
While most National Parks like Kanha, Corbett and Ranthambore are closed during monsoon months (June, July, August and September), Kabini in Karnataka’s Nagarhole National Park is open all year round. The monsoon months are months of rejuvenation for the dry deciduous forest and for many animals, especially during this time when the forest is at its greenest; it provides an abundance of food and is an opportunity to stock up and make the most of it. One can see wild boars, Sambar deer, peacocks, elephants and leopards.
Hemis National Park, Ladakh
The best time to visit Hemis National Park is from June to October. The weather is comparatively pleasant during this time so that you can explore the park at its best. One can mostly see Snow Leopards, but other animals to watch out for are Bharal (blue sheep), shape (Ladakhi Urial), Himalayan Marmot, and Himalayan Mouse Hare. Other animals one can spot inside the park are Eurasian Brown Bear, Red Fox, and Tibetan Wolf.
Periyar National Park, Kerala
Located in the Western Ghat ranges, Periyar National Park is a must-visit national park in South India. This sanctuary provides an opportunity to observe and photograph wild elephants up close. But during the monsoon, Periyar National Park becomes a birdwatcher’s paradise as the rain brings out a host of beautiful and exotic birds. One can spot them perched on branches or taking flight in the rain, adding to the park’s unique charm.
Tadoba National Park, Maharashtra
During the monsoon season, Tadoba National Park is an experience unlike any other. A visual feast for nature lovers, the park is teeming with wildlife activity, offering a chance to witness its dramatic transformation. While tiger sightings might be a little less frequent during this time, the park provides a plethora of other wonders. Giant wood spiders, crab spiders, red wood spiders, wolf spiders and lynx spiders are seen during and after the rainy season, adding to the park’s allure.
Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
The core zones of this national park remain closed during monsoons, but the buffer zones let you explore all this and more. One can find nearly 37 species of mammals and 250 species of birds roaming the park, and there is a chance you will watch a sambar deer prance past you. Also, one can see leopards, sloth bears, jackals, wild dogs, aviators like the pond heron, sarus crane, Asian green bee-eater, and others.
Bandipur National Park, Karnataka
It is a perfect monsoon getaway; the rain-soaked wilds give it a new look. While one can see a tiger, this monsoon, many elephants like nothing better than to play in the rain. Also to look at this rainy season is the peacocks who greet the weather with a dance.
The arrival of the monsoon is important not just to humans; the rains are crucial for flora and fauna. Many wildlife enthusiasts prefer to visit Wildlife Sanctuaries during this season. This article will discuss the fauna to watch out for in sanctuaries or national parks during the monsoon season. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
