Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary

Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary: In a significant achievement for conservation experts, naturalists, and tribal communities, the first honey harvest was recently conducted near the Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary in Raigad district, Maharashtra, close to Mumbai.

• About Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary: It is located in Murud region of Raigad district, Maharashtra.
• Purpose: Created to preserve the coastal woodland ecosystem of the Western Ghats.
• Area: Spans 17,250 acres of forest, grasslands, and wetlands.
• Historical Significance: Once part of the hunting reserves of the princely state of Murud-Janjira.
• Grasslands: Pockets of open grassland called "mals" occur throughout the sanctuary.
• Flora: Major plant species include Ain, Kinjal, Teak, Hirda, Jamba, Mango, Ficus, and others.
• Fauna: Notable animal species: Leopard, Hyena, Sambar, and Mouse Deer.
• Bird species: Malabar Pied Hornbill, Black Eagle, Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, Pompadour Green Pigeon, and Forest Wagtail.
• White-Rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis), listed as critically endangered, is also found in the sanctuary.