The authorities established Vansda National Park, also known as Bansda National Park, in 1979. It is in the Vansda tehsil, Navsari District of Gujarat, India. It is a protected area representing the thick woodlands of southern Gujarat and the Dangs. Adivasis, an important trading place for the surrounding area, represents the majority of this area’s population. It is part of a moist deciduous forest area with groves of “katas” bamboo. The Dry Deciduous Forest areas have “Manvel” bamboo, making it diverse.

Flora and Fauna found in the region

•  Different animals found in the region are dhole, rhesus macaque, Indian leopard, wild boar, common palm civet, small Indian civet, Hanuman langur, Indian porcupine, Indian giant squirrel, jungle cat, four-horned antelope, striped hyena, flying squirrel and pangolin.
• It is a potential habitat for the tiger, but the Bengal tiger is reportedly extinct in Gujarat. The border areas of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh have tigers.
• The area has a high diversity of species of forest birds, which is one of the main attractions for ecotourism.
• The species of birds include yellow-backed sunbird, common grey hornbill, Malabar trogon, grey-fronted green pigeon, jungle babbler, forest spotted owlet, great Indian black woodpecker and Shama.
• Pythons and venomous snakes can also be found here.
• The Giant wood spider, the largest spider in Gujarat, is found here.
• There are various flowering plants found in this region. This includes sadad, teak, kadad, timru, khakhro, humb, bamboo, mahudo, dudhkod, kusum, umaro, behada, asan, Tanach, ambla, shimlo, chopadi, sisam, etc.

Vansda National Park Map

History

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

Moderate altitude hills ranging from 110-360m, which form an extension of the Sahyadri Range, characterize this park. The northeastern boundary of the park is formed by the Waghai-Bilimora railway line, which runs parallel to the Ambica-Khapri River. The southern boundary is marked by the Navtad-Waghai State Highway, and the western side is marked by the 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.

Flora and Fauna found in the region

•  Different animals found in the region are dhole, rhesus macaque, Indian leopard, wild boar, common palm civet, small Indian civet, Hanuman langur, Indian porcupine, Indian giant squirrel, jungle cat, four-horned antelope, striped hyena, flying squirrel and pangolin.
• It is a potential habitat for the tiger, but the Bengal tiger is reportedly extinct in Gujarat. The border areas of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh have tigers.
• The area has a high diversity of species of forest birds, which is one of the main attractions for ecotourism.
• The species of birds include yellow-backed sunbird, common grey hornbill, Malabar trogon, grey-fronted green pigeon, jungle babbler, forest spotted owlet, great Indian black woodpecker and Shama.
• Pythons and venomous snakes can be found here in the park.
• The park harbors the Giant wood spider, which is the largest spider found in Gujarat.
• There are various flowering plants found in this region. This includes sadad, teak, kadad, timru, khakhro, humb, bamboo, mahudo, dudhkod, kusum, umaro, behada, asan, Tanach, ambla, shimlo, chopadi, sisam, etc.

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. Since 1952, the park has preserved its deciduous forest area 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.

FAQs about Vansda National Park