Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, located in northeastern Goa, India, is the smallest of the state's wildlife sanctuaries, spanning 7.98 km². It is a significant destination for both tourists and schoolchildren, primarily because it houses the only zoo in Goa. The sanctuary serves as a crucial refuge for animals, including leopards injured in human-wildlife conflicts, and "dancing" bears and cobras that require new lives after their previous treatment. Bondla Zoo is particularly recognized for its successful breeding initiatives, especially for the gaur, and provides an environment conducive to animal breeding and research.

Geography and Flora

The sanctuary is situated 38 km from Madgaon and 46 km from Panaji, adjacent to the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary and Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park. Its forest composition is primarily moist deciduous, interspersed with pockets of semi-evergreen trees. The sanctuary's flora includes state trees like Matti and Indian rosewood, alongside other common trees and exotic plants found in its gardens. The optimal period for visiting the sanctuary is from October to March, when the climate is temperate.

Fauna

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary boasts a rich biodiversity. It is home to over 275 species of birds, with notable examples including the Greater racket-tailed drongo, Malabar trogon, and Flame-throated bulbul. The mammal population includes giant squirrels, malabar grey langurs, leopards, bears, gaurs, and jungle cats. Reptile sightings can include species like the Roux's forest lizard and various snakes. The sanctuary is also a habitat for amphibians such as the critically endangered Amboli bush frog and the Malabar gliding frog. A significant discovery within the sanctuary was Gegeneophis nadkarnii, a species of caecilian. Insect life is also abundant, with a recent assessment identifying 91 species of butterflies.

Zoo and Rehabilitation

The zoo, located centrally within the sanctuary, exhibits a range of animals such as leopards, jackals, various deer species, bears, crocodiles, and numerous bird species. Beyond exhibition, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary actively engages in rehabilitation programs. Animals that have encountered human settlements are housed in the park's rehabilitation centers. Species successfully rehabilitated include crocodiles, pythons, palm civets, jackals, and several types of deer and langurs.

Park Facilities

Within the sanctuary, visitors can explore a botanical garden featuring exotic and rare plant types. Nature trails, trekking, and hiking routes are available, often guided by local experts. A Nature Education Center, complete with a library, is also present, offering facilities for screening movies and documentaries upon request. The park experienced a temporary closure in 2025 due to a viral infection that led to the deaths of several civets and cats.