Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

On the western tip of the island of Chorao along River Mandovi, mangrove swamps cover this bird-watchers' paradise aptly named after India's best-known ornithologist.

This is Goa's only bird sanctuary, 1.8 Sq Km in area. A variety of local and migratory birds can be found on this island.

From Panaji , one needs to take a bus or a cab to the Ribandar ferry wharf and then take a ferry across the Mandovi river to the island of Chorao. The sanctuary is within walking distance from the ferry wharf at Chorao.

Open throughout the year, the sanctuary can be visited with the permission of the Chief Wild Life Warden, Forest Department, Junta House, Panaji. Apart from a rich variety of coastal birds, one may spot flying foxes, jackals and crocodiles.

The area consists of mangrove vegetation. Mangrove ecosystems are among the most productive ones known to us. They provide refuge and breeding grounds for several varieties of fish and insects which fall at the base of the food-chain.

The "Mangrove Scrub" type of vegetation that is found here occurs in small isolated areas along the banks of Mandovi and Mapusa rivers and also along the Cumbarjua canal.

This Sanctuary is criss-crossed with a network of water channels. So movement is restricted to the duration of high tide if one wants to go by boats. However for canoes, the creeks are accessible even during low tides.

A watch-tower has been erected in the Sanctuary for better viewing of birds. Apart from the several resident birds, the Sanctuary also has some winter visitors like coots and pintails.

The Wildlife Division of the Forest Department proposes to start conducted tours through the water channels. It is envisaged that a group of 8-9 persons could be taken at one time.

However, the exact modalities are yet to be worked out. Resource material and useful information could be acquired at the Range Forest Office at Campal, in Panaji.

Dr. Salim Ali Bird sanctuary is one of the most famous bird sanctuaries in India. It has been named after the famous ornithologist of India, Dr. Salim Ali. This bird sanctuary is one of the smallest bird sanctuaries in Goa and is spread over an area of just 1.8 square kilometers. Even though it is small, it has a variety of species of birds and plants. Numerous tourists visit this sanctuary to observe the delightful winged creatures. Dr. Salim Ali bird sanctuary houses not just local but exotic migratory birds as well. In order to visit this sanctuary, one must seek the permission of Chief Wild Life Warden, Forest Department of Panaji.

Flora 
The sanctuary is rich in flora growth and one can see a thick covering of mangrove vegetation here. The flora cover is very fertile over here the mangrove ecology is considered to be the best for birds, fish and insects to multiply. They provide thick shelter for the birds and are their natural abodes.

Fauna 
Here one can find local as well as migratory birds. The best time to see the migratory birds is right after the monsoons around the month of October to March. The weather is quite pleasant then and the birds come here in plenty. One can find kingfishers, pintails, coots, egrets, etc. among the birds. If you are observant you may also spot crocodiles, jackals and foxes.

Dr. Salim Ali Bird sanctuary is one of the most famous bird sanctuaries in India. It has been named after the famous ornithologist of India, Dr. Salim Ali. This bird sanctuary is one of the smallest bird sanctuaries in Goa and is spread over an area of just 1.8 square kilometers. Even though it is small, it has a variety of species of birds and plants. Numerous tourists visit this sanctuary to observe the delightful winged creatures. Dr. Salim Ali bird sanctuary houses not just local but exotic migratory birds as well. In order to visit this sanctuary, one must seek the permission of Chief Wild Life Warden, Forest Department of Panaji.