Discover the Untamed Beauty of Vansda National Park: Where Wildlife Roams Free!

Vansda National Park

Vansda National Park is a protected area located in the Indian state of Gujarat. It was established in the year 1979 and covers an area of approximately 24 square kilometers.

The park is known for its diversity of flora and fauna, with a landscape that ranges from moist deciduous forests to grasslands. The history of Vansda National Park dates back to the early 1900s when it was used as a hunting ground by the local Nawabs.

Later on, it was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1959 before being upgraded to national park status two decades later. Today, Vansda National Park serves as an important conservation area for various species of plants and animals, including several endangered ones.

With its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty, Vansda National Park attracts tourists from all over India and abroad who come to appreciate nature’s bounty.

Vansda National Park Map

Gujarat National Parks Leaflet Map

Basic Information about Vansda National Park

AttributeInformation
LocationVasda Taluka of Dangs District, Gujarat
Total Area23.99 sq. km.
DeclarationDeclared as a National Park in 1986
Altitude110-360 meters
Unique IdentityNorthern zone of the Western Ghats in Gujarat
Commonly Found SpeciesIndian great black Woodpecker, heart-spotted Woodpecker, lesser golden-backed Woodpecker, grey hornbill, spotted munia, racket-tailed drongo, pheasant-tailed jacana

Introduction to Vansda National Park

Vansda National Park, located in the Navsari District of Gujarat state, is a protected area covering an area of approximately 24 km2. The park represents the thick woodlands of the Dangs and southern Gujarat and was established as a National Park in 1979 due to its unique flavor of flora and fauna population.

The deciduous forest area with groves of ‘Katas’ bamboo is one of the most attractive features of Vansda National Park. The forests have not witnessed any felling since 1952, which has helped maintain their natural beauty.

Nestled in the Western Ghats of Sahyadri range, Vansda National Park boasts a variety of flora and fauna population that make it an ideal destination for nature lovers seeking to explore India’s biodiversity.

History

The forest area of 23.99km2 in Vansda Taluk, Navsari District was declared a National Park under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 by the State Forest Department, Government of Gujarat in 1986.

This park is characterized by moderate altitude hills ranging from 110-360m that form an extension of the Sahyadri Range.

The northeastern boundary of the park is formed by Waghai-Bilimora railway line along with parallel Ambica-Khapri River while the southern boundary is marked by Navtad-Waghai State Highway.

The western side is marked by Navtad-Kala Amba road.

Apart from its natural beauty and rich biodiversity, Vansda National Park boasts over 200 bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Visitors can explore this tropical paradise through various trekking trails or opt for guided tours to learn more about its history and conservation efforts.

With its amazing flora and fauna, Vansda National Park offers an unforgettable experience for anyone seeking to connect with nature.

Vansda National Park
Vansda National Park

Geography and Extent

Located in the Dangs District of Gujarat, Vansda National Park covers an area with hilly terrain that is home to moderate altitude hills. These hills are extensions of the Sahyadri Range and represent the northern zone of the Western Ghats in Gujarat state, along with Purna Wildlife Sanctuary. The park is located between 20°51’16’ to 21°21’22’ N latitudes and 73°20’30’ to 73°31’20’ E longitudes, representing 4.2% of the total geographical area of the Western Ghats zone represented in Gujarat.

The unique geography and extent of this national park make it an ideal destination for nature lovers who wish to explore its diverse flora and fauna. Visitors can expect to witness a range of wildlife species such as tigers, leopards, hyenas, sloth bears, Indian pangolins, barking deer, sambar deer and four-horned antelopes among others.

With its picturesque landscape and serene beauty amidst lush green forests that cover over 23 square kilometers, Vansda National Park offers a perfect getaway from city life while providing a chance to immerse oneself in nature’s bounty.

An overview of Flora and Fauna

The Vansda National Park in Gujarat boasts a rich and diverse flora and fauna. The lush ecosystem of the southern Indian tropical moist deciduous forest type is home to towering trees such as teak, sadad, bamboo, dudhlo, kakad, khakhro, buto and many more. Orchids also thrive in this environment.

Flora of Vansda National Park

Flora TypeExamples of Flora
Southern Indian tropical moist deciduous forestTeak, Sadad, Bamboo, Dudhlo, Kakad, Khakhro, Buto, Timru, Umbh, Kalam, Modad, Haldu, Sisam, Chopadi bondaro, Kusum, Tanach, Asan, Mahudo, Behda, Umaro, Shimlo, Ambla, etc.

Fauna of Vansda National Park

FaunaExamples of Fauna
MammalsLeopard, Rhesus macaque, Wild boar, Hanuman langur, Common palm civet, small Indian civet, Indian porcupine, Four-horned antelope, Barking deer, Hyena, Jungle cat, Flying squirrel
BirdsIndian great black Woodpecker, yellow back sunbird, pompodour pigeon, Malabar trogon, shama, common grey hornbill, jungle babbler, forest spotted owlet (globally threatened), etc.

Meanwhile, the park’s fauna includes animals such as leopards, wild boar, Hanuman langur, small Indian civet and four-horned antelope. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting over 155 species of birds including the Malabar trogon and shama.

In addition to these fascinating creatures, there are also pythons and venomous snakes like Russell’s viper that can be found here. There are about 121 species of spider including the giant wood spider which is the largest species of spider in Gujarat.

Overall, Vansda National Park offers a unique opportunity to observe an incredible array of biodiversity that is sure to captivate nature enthusiasts from all walks of life.

Climate Temprature and Rainfall

With May being the hottest month and December being the coldest, temperature variations in Vansda National Park are influenced by passing western disturbances across northern India during the cold season. This southern Indian tropical moist deciduous forest experiences three distinct seasons: monsoon (mid-June to October), winter (October to February), and summer (March to mid-June).

Climate Information about Vansda National Park

AttributeInformation
ClimateTropical
SeasonsMonsoon (mid-June to October), winter (October to February), summer (March to mid-June)
RainfallAverage 1000-4650mm
TemperatureMay: Mean daily maximum temperature of about 40°C, mean daily minimum of about 26°C. December: Mean daily maximum temperature of about 25°C, mean minimum of 16°C.
Western DisturbancesOccasional colder weather due to passing western disturbances across northern India during the cold season

The southwest monsoon is erratic, with maximum rain experienced in July. Occasional showers occur from November to January and March to May, with an average rainfall of 1000-4650mm.

Despite its unpredictable weather patterns, Vansda National Park remains a popular destination for those who want to explore the diverse flora and fauna of this region. With over 443 species of plants, including teak, bamboo, and various medicinal herbs, visitors can experience a lush green landscape throughout the year.

The park also boasts a variety of wildlife such as leopards, hyenas, pangolins, and numerous bird species that thrive in this vibrant ecosystem. Whether you are an avid nature enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful escape from city life, Vansda National Park has something unique to offer everyone who visits.

Significance of Vansda National Park

Having discussed the climate, temperature, and rainfall of Vansda National Park in the previous subtopic, it is now important to delve into the significance of this protected area.

With its dense woodlands and diverse flora and fauna population, Vansda National Park holds immense ecological value. The park’s deciduous forest area has been preserved since 1952 with no felling of trees, which has contributed to its unique beauty.

This national park is home to several rare bird species like Indian great black Woodpecker, heart-spotted Woodpecker, lesser golden-backed Woodpecker, grey hornbill, spotted munia, racket-tailed drongo and pheasant tailed jacana. It also houses a botanical garden that contains various plant species from the Western Ghats region.

Furthermore, local tribes inhabit this region and add cultural significance to the park. Overall, Vansda National Park offers not only an opportunity for ecotourism but also serves as a vital conservation center for preserving biodiversity in Gujarat state.

FAQ

Why is Vansda National Park famous?

Vansda National Park is famous for its biodiversity of flora and fauna. It is known for its spectacular forests that are home to a variety of bird species, including the Indian great black Woodpecker, grey hornbill, and forest spotted owlet. The park also houses animals like the leopard, wild boar, Hanuman langur, and Indian porcupine. Its unique location as part of the Western Ghats in Gujarat adds to its fame.

Which animals are found in Vansda National Park?

Vansda National Park is home to a diverse range of animal species. Some of the animals that can be found in the park include the leopard, dhole, rhesus macaque, common palm civet, Hanuman langur, small Indian civet, four-horned antelope, wild boar, spotted deer, Indian porcupine, barking deer, striped hyena, jungle cat, flying squirrel, and various species of snakes, including pythons and venomous snakes like the Russell’s viper, cobras, and kraits.

Which National Park is Ambika River in?

The Ambika River is located within Vansda National Park itself. The river runs through the park, adding to its scenic beauty and providing a habitat for various aquatic species.

Conclusion

Vansda National Park is a biodiversity hotspot located in the state of Gujarat, India. The park was established in 1979 and covers an area of 24 square kilometers.

It is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna which includes rare species such as leopard, pangolin, sloth bear, giant squirrel and four-horned antelope.

The park has immense ecological importance as it serves as a vital habitat for several endangered species. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the region.

The park experiences a tropical monsoon climate with moderate temperatures throughout the year. The months from October to March are considered the best time to visit when the weather is pleasant and suitable for wildlife sightings.

In conclusion, Vansda National Park is an essential part of India’s rich natural heritage that needs to be preserved for future generations. Its unique biodiversity and ecological significance make it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts looking to explore this hidden gem.

As John Muir once said, ‘In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.’ So let us cherish our natural wonders like Vansda National Park and strive towards their conservation using sustainable practices that ensure their longevity for years to come.

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