Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary Gains Recognition for Biodiversity
Recent wildlife sightings, including rare species, highlight Chaprala's ecological significance.
Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary has recorded the Malabar pied hornbill and smooth-coated otters.
The sanctuary is home to the rare striated grassbird, marking a significant rediscovery.
Ongoing surveys aim to enhance conservation efforts and biodiversity documentation.
Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary in Gadchiroli is gaining attention for its rich biodiversity, following the recent sighting of the Malabar pied hornbill and smooth-coated otters. These discoveries come months after the historic rediscovery of the striated grassbird, which had not been documented in the region for over a century. The sanctuary's ecological diversity is becoming increasingly recognized, making it a vital area for conservation efforts.
The Malabar pied hornbill was spotted within the sanctuary on a Monday, underscoring the importance of this habitat, which is characterized by mature riverine forests. This large frugivorous bird relies on mature fruit-bearing trees and natural cavities for nesting, indicating the health of the ecosystem. The striated grassbird, documented during a citizen-science bird survey on November 29 and 30, 2025, represents a significant range extension in Maharashtra and is the southernmost known record of this species in India.
Chaprala spans 134.78 square kilometers and is managed under the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve administration. The sanctuary's landscape, which includes riverbanks, dense riparian vegetation, and deciduous woodlands, supports diverse aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The recent hornbill sighting follows the observation of smooth-coated otters, which serve as indicators of riverine ecosystem health, suggesting a thriving environment with adequate prey and undisturbed riverbanks.
In addition to the hornbill and otters, Chaprala is home to Indian giant squirrels, Maharashtra’s state animal, which thrive in the tall canopies of the riverine forests. The sanctuary also hosts a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, four-horned antelopes, and Indian tree-shrews, reflecting the considerable habitat diversity present in the area.
Forest officials have announced that systematic seasonal surveys and field documentation will continue to enhance the inventory of wildlife in Chaprala. These efforts are expected to identify critical habitats and bolster conservation planning for the sanctuary's riverine and forest ecosystems, ensuring the protection of its unique biodiversity.
