Mollem National Park: Explore the Unspoiled Beauty of Bhagwan Mahavir National Park in Goa [2023]

Nestled in the Western Ghats of India lies Mollem National Park, a protected area spanning over 240 square kilometers. This national park is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, making it an important ecological hotspot in the region. The park’s lush forests, scenic waterfalls, and rich biodiversity attract thousands of visitors each year who come to experience its natural wonders.

However, despite its importance as a protected area, Mollem National Park has faced numerous threats to its ecosystem. From mining activities that have caused extensive damage to the park’s flora and fauna to proposed infrastructure projects that could further endanger this fragile environment, there are many challenges that need to be addressed in order to ensure the long-term survival of this vital ecosystem.

The Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park together constitute the largest protected area in Goa, with an area of 240 sq. km. This forest is part of the Western Ghats, one of the 8 biodiversity hotspots of the world and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The protected area is home to many species of fauna, including the tiger, dhole, gaur, Indian pangolin, small-clawed otters, and four-horned antelope.

In this article, we will delve into the history and geography of Mollem National Park while exploring some of the unique features that make it such an important ecological treasure. We will also examine some of the challenges facing this protected area and what can be done to mitigate these threats. At the end there is along with a list and map of all the protected areas in Goa.

Mollem National Park or Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary

My Map

Geographical information

Located in the Western Ghats of India, the region where Mollem National Park is situated boasts a diverse range of geographical features such as forests, hills, and rivers that support a variety of flora and fauna.

Spread over an area of 240 square kilometers, Mollem National Park is home to several species that are endemic to the Western Ghats, including tigers, leopards, and elephants.

The park’s topography is characterized by steep slopes and valleys that have been carved out by numerous streams and rivers.

The park’s altitude ranges from 150 meters to 1,200 meters above sea level.

This variation in elevation has created different habitats within the park that are conducive for various plant species to grow.

The lower regions of the park comprise moist deciduous forests while higher elevations feature semi-evergreen forests.

These unique ecosystems support a vast array of wildlife like sloth bears, barking deer, gaurs (Indian bison), Indian pangolins, Malabar giant squirrels and many more.

The Mandovi River flows through Mollem National Park providing water for both humans and animals alike.

Apart from this river there are three additional streams – Kalsa Nalla,Talpona River & Dudhsagar Falls which originate from within the boundaries of the national park itself.

The presence of these water bodies makes it possible for aquatic creatures like otters,fish etc.,to thrive in this ecosystem.

For nature enthusiasts,Mollem National Park offers an opportunity to explore its natural splendor through activities like trekking,camping or bird watching.

Geographical informationDetails
Protected area240 sq. km (93 sq. mi)
LocationWestern Ghats of West India
StateGoa State
TalukDharbandora taluk
Nearest townMolem
Distance from Panaji57 km (35 mi) east
Latitude15°15″30′ to 15°29″30′ N
Longitude74°10″15′ to 74°20″15′ E
Divided byNational Highway 4A
Railway lineMormugao – Londa railway line
TemplesSeveral important temples
WaterfallsDudhsagar Falls, Tambdi Falls
Nomadic buffalo herdersDhangar

History

The history of the area surrounding Mollem National Park is rich and varied, with evidence of human habitation dating back to prehistoric times. The region was ruled by various dynasties throughout the centuries, including the Kadamba, Chalukya, and Vijayanagara empires.

During the Portuguese colonial period in India, Mollem was part of a larger territory known as Novas Conquistas (New Conquests), which extended from Ponda to Canacona.

In more recent times, Mollem has become a hub for ecotourism due to its incredible biodiversity and natural beauty. The park was officially established in 1967 as a sanctuary for wildlife such as tigers, leopards, bison, and deer. It has since expanded to encompass over 240 square kilometers and includes several important trekking trails like Dudhsagar Falls and Tambdi Surla Temple.

Despite efforts to protect the park’s flora and fauna however, there have been numerous threats over the years. Invasive species like Acacia auriculiformis have threatened native vegetation while mining operations nearby have polluted water sources. In addition to this, proposed infrastructure projects like highways have raised concerns about further disturbance of the ecosystem.

Nevertheless, conservationists continue their efforts to preserve this invaluable natural resource for future generations.

History and flora & faunaDetails
Earlier nameMollem Game Sanctuary
Declared as wildlife sanctuary1969
Renamed asBhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary
Core area of sanctuary107 sq. km (41 sq. mi)
Notified as national park1978
mollem national park
Mollem National Park

Flora & fauna

One of the most fascinating aspects of Mollem National Park’s biodiversity is the sheer number of flowering plants that can be found within its boundaries. Over 70% of Goa’s flowering plant species, which amounts to approximately 1,000 different types, are present in Mollem. This is due to the park’s location within the Western Ghats, a region renowned for its abundance and diversity of flora.

In addition to flowering plants, Mollem National Park is home to a variety of other plant life such as ferns, mosses, and lichens. These plants play an important role in maintaining the ecological balance of the region by providing food and shelter for various animal species. The forest also acts as a carbon sink, absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and helping mitigate climate change.

The park is also rich with fauna, boasting over 200 different species of birds. Some notable bird species include kingfishers, drongos, hornbills and cuckoos. Additionally, Mollem is home to several mammal species such as Indian bison (gaur), leopards and sloth bears. The park’s tiger population has been steadily increasing since conservation efforts began in earnest in 2013.

Overall, Mollem National Park provides a unique opportunity to witness India’s diverse wildlife firsthand while simultaneously supporting critical conservation efforts aimed at preserving it for future generations.

VegetationWest Coast tropical evergreen forests, West Coast semi-evergreen forests and moist deciduous forests
Plant diversity722 species of flowering plants in wild belonging to 492 genera and 122 families; 128 species of endemic plants; 37 species of Pteridophytes.
MammalsLeopard (black variant), barking deer, Bengal tiger, bonnet macaque, common langur, civet, flying squirrel, gaur, Malabar giant squirrel, mouse deer, pangolin, porcupine, slender loris, sambar, spotted deer, wild boar, wild dog, tigers.
BirdsDrongo, emerald dove, fairy bluebird, golden oriole, greater Indian hornbill, Indian black woodpecker, Malabar grey hornbill, Malabar pied hornbill, grey-headed myna, grey jungle fowl, large green barbet, paradise flycatcher, racket-tailed drongo, ruby-throated yellow bulbul, shrikes, three-toed kingfisher, Sri Lanka frogmouth, wagtails.
ButterfliesBlue Mormon, common Jezebel, common Mormon, common mime, plum Judy, common wanderer, crimson rose, lime butterfly, plain tiger, southern birdwing, tailed jay, Pygmy scrub-hopper, Malabar tree nymph, Tamil yoeman.
ReptilesKing cobra, bronzeback tree snake, cat snake, hump-nosed pit viper, Indian rock python, Malabar pit viper, rat snake, Russell’s viper, Indian cobra, common krait.

Wildlife in Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary

Fauna Species Present in Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park

SpeciesIUCN Red List Status
Tiger (Panthera tigris)Endangered
Dhole (Cuon alpinus)Endangered
Mouse deer (Moschiola indica)Least Concern
Gaur (Bos gaurus)Vulnerable
Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata)Endangered
Small-clawed otters (Aonyx cinereus)Vulnerable
Four-horned antelope (Tetracerus quadricornis)Vulnerable

Dudhsagar Falls

A prominent attraction within the Mollem National Park region is Dudhsagar Falls, a multi-tiered waterfall that cascades down from a height of over 300 meters and is surrounded by lush greenery. The name ‘Dudhsagar’literally translates to ‘Sea of Milk,’which aptly describes the appearance of the falls as it crashes onto rocks below, creating a white foamy spray.

The waterfall is formed by the Mandovi River and is located on the border between Goa and Karnataka states. The area around Dudhsagar Falls is rich in biodiversity and home to various species of flora and fauna. Visitors can enjoy trekking through dense forests, swimming in natural pools, or admiring the beauty of this stunning natural wonder.

Despite its popularity among tourists, Dudhsagar Falls remains relatively untouched due to its location within a protected reserve area. Efforts are being made to preserve this natural wonder for future generations while still allowing visitors to experience its breathtaking beauty.

Overall, visiting Dudhsagar Falls offers an opportunity to immerse oneself in nature’s majesty and appreciate the wonders that our planet has to offer.

Information on Dudhsagar Falls

AttributeDescription
LocationHigh up on the Mandovi River at the Karnataka border in the southwest part of the park, 10 km upstream from Collem Village
Height310 m (1,020 ft)
AccessibilityAccessible by hiking along the 10 km one lane dirt road or hiring a 4-wheel drive vehicle at Collem. Access is dangerous and restricted during the monsoon season
Notable FeatureA viaduct of the South Western Railways passes spectacularly through the waterfalls

Tambdi Falls

Information on Tambdi Falls

AttributeDescription
LocationLocated about 2 km southwest of Tambdi Surla, at the Karnataka border
HeightOnly slightly less tall than Dudhsagar Falls
AccessibilityDifficult access by a steep, winding and irregular rocky path. A local guide is required
Notable FeatureSpectacular waterfall that is rarely visited due to its challenging access

Threats to the Protected Area

The Dudhsagar Falls may be a popular tourist attraction in the Mollem National Park, but it is not the only natural wonder that this protected area has to offer. Unfortunately, Mollem National Park is also facing several threats that endanger its biodiversity and ecological balance. These threats are mainly caused by human activities such as mining, construction of power plants, and road expansion.

One of the most pressing issues concerning Mollem National Park is the proposed three linear projects that aim to connect major cities with highways passing through the park. This development project would involve cutting down thousands of trees and destroying crucial habitats for several species of animals and plants that call the park their home. The construction would also bring in heavy machinery and increase human activity within the park, leading to noise pollution, soil erosion, and disturbance of wildlife.

Another threat to Mollem National Park comes from rampant mining activities in nearby areas. The demand for iron ore has resulted in large-scale illegal mining operations within close proximity to the park’s boundaries. Mining causes soil erosion, deforestation, air pollution due to dust generated from blasting rocks, and water contamination due to chemicals used during extraction processes. All these factors can have severe impacts on wildlife populations in the park that depend on clean water sources and healthy forests for survival.

In conclusion, it is essential to take immediate action to preserve Mollem National Park’s unique flora and fauna by implementing strict regulations against any harmful industrial or developmental activities around or within its boundaries.

ThreatsDetails
Surface mining and transport of manganese and iron oresPoses a serious threat to the protected area
Deposit of toxic wastesDumped in the Mollem Wildlife Sanctuary and at Anmod Ghat
Settlement of private rights and concessionsSome private lands are still within the sanctuary and need to be acquired in due course of time

Recently in news

  • Ministry of Environment, forest, and Climate Change has recently granted permission for clearance of 140 hectares of forest area in Mollem national park for the passage of double tracked railway project.
  • Conservationist and Environmentalists have raised the alarm against plan to cut through Mollem national park and Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • The project is to connect the Castlerock railway station in Karnataka to Kulem railway station in Goa.
  • Two more projects are waiting for approval which will considerably impact the protected areas of Goa, The four laning of National Highway passing through it and the Goa Yanmar Power transmission project.
  • “Save Mollem” movement has been recently in news for above discussed reasons.

Infrastructural Projects and Impact

ProjectsImpact
Doubling of railway lineCould potentially impact the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
Transmission lineRequires the felling of at least 91 hectares (9,10,000 square meters) of forest
Highway expansion proposalCould potentially impact the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
Approval statusCleared during the lockdown and approved despite objections from environmental activists and concerned citizens
Number of trees to be felledPegged at 55,000 by concerned citizens and admitted by the Chief Minister to be almost 70,000
Opposition to the projectsRaised by environmental activists, various groups, legislators, and citizens, both locally and from across the country

List of Protected Areas in Goa

Here is the List of Protected areas in Goa in their decreasing size of Area in Sq. Km.

NameArea
Mollem National park107
Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary211
Mhadei(Madei) wildlife sanctuary208
Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife sanctuary133
Cotigaon Wildlife sanctuary85
Bondla Wildlife sanctuary7.9
Chorao Island (DR. Salim Ali) Wildlife sanctuary1.7

Conclusion

Mollem National Park, located in the Indian state of Goa, is a protected area known for its diverse flora and fauna. The park covers an area of 240 square kilometers and is home to various species such as tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and numerous bird species.

The history of the park dates back to the Portuguese colonial era when it was used for hunting purposes. In 1969, it was declared a wildlife sanctuary and later upgraded to a national park in 1994. One of the prominent attractions within the park is Dudhsagar Falls, which is one of India’s tallest waterfalls.

Despite being a protected area, Mollem National Park faces threats from mining activities that pose significant damage to its delicate ecosystem. Additionally, there are concerns about habitat fragmentation and loss due to human encroachment on forest land.

Investigating these threats sheds light on the importance of protecting natural habitats against human activities that could cause irreversible damage. It also highlights how sustainable development can coexist with conservation efforts while safeguarding biodiversity for future generations.

Therefore, implementing policies that prioritize ecological sustainability can help mitigate these threats and preserve Mollem National Park’s unique biodiversity.

Mollem National Park (Bhagwan Mahavir National Park) in Goa is a precious natural resource that provides vital benefits to the Earth. Forests and nature play a critical role in regulating the planet’s climate, purifying the air and water, and providing a home for countless species of plants and animals. Protecting and preserving national parks like Mollem is essential for ensuring a healthy and sustainable future for our planet. It is up to all of us to recognize the value of nature and do our part to protect it for generations to come.

Here is Official link of Goa forest department website refer to know more.

Where is Mollem National Park situated?

Mollem National Park is situated in the Western Ghats of West India, in Dharbandora taluk, Goa State. It is located near the town of Molem, approximately 57 kilometres east of Panaji, the capital of Goa.

What is Mollem National Park famous for?

Mollem National Park is famous for its rich biodiversity, pristine vegetation, and stunning waterfalls. It is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

What animals are in Mollem National Park?

Mollem National Park is home to a diverse range of animal species. Some of the notable animals found in the park include leopards, barking deer, Bengal tigers, bonnet macaques, common langurs, civets, flying squirrels, gaurs, Malabar giant squirrels, mouse deer, pangolins, porcupines, slender lorises, sambars, spotted deer, wild boars, and wild dogs.

How many national parks are there in Goa?

Goa has one national park, which is Mollem National Park (also known as Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park).

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