Belagavi : Spread over 19,000 ha; Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary boasts species including the tiger, panther, elephant, bison, fox, bear, deer, buffalo, pig and snake besides different types of winged wonders such as hornbills and peacocks. Numerous varieties of medicinal plants are found.
It’s famous for free-tail bats also seen in Meghalaya and Cambodia. These creatures stay in caves – within small holes and corners – and visitors should carry high-beam torches. Forest officials say that nearly 500 such nocturnal flying mammals are present there.
Cameras installed in particular areas capture movement of animals, trespassers and poachers alike! Water sources comprise canals, ponds, etc. There are beautiful spots like Limestone Hills and waterfalls.
Thousands of people living inside the jungle area even today are facing many quandaries vis-à-vis schools, health, roads, transportation, electricity and other aspects. Nowadays big cats, elephants, bears and bison enter urban areas and nearby villages as a consequence of insufficient food. A few months back a tiger killed a woman in Madagai village. Pachyderms cause crop loss.
As a multitude of creatures died due to mishaps involving vehicles, organisations and fauna lovers pressurised authorities to ban automobiles during nighttime. Vehicle movement has been prohibited along this route from 1800-0600 hrs.
The Forest Department had about 20 ponds dug. Staff locates water sources and utilises solar power to supply the life-giving fluid to the ponds.