PANAJI: It is a well-known fact that beauty of Goa has been an attraction to the people from all over the continent but it now has been revealed that even the avians seem to be attracted to the state and a classic example of this is seen in the form of Adjutant Stork, a huge migratory bird, which has made Dr Salim Ali bird sanctuary its home and is seen there throughout the year.

According to the information provided by Mr Debendra Dalai, deputy conservator of forests (wildlife and eco-tourism), this rare bird has become a resident of the Dr Salim Ali bird sanctuary over the last several years and could be seen during any part of the year.
Mr Dalai further said that the sanctuary is home to 106 different species of birds including egrets, Brahminy kites, cormorants, lapwings, herons, etc. He also said that local migratory birds like pintails visit the sanctuary in thousands every year.
Mr Dalai said that Goa has been in the forefront of protecting its forest cover and 62 per cent of total government forest area has been declared as wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, which are protected areas. The forest official went on to add that Dr Salim Ali bird sanctuary was a different protected area as it was the only such place that was along the coastal area while rest of the areas are located in the foothills of western ghats.
Mr Dalai stated that the bird sanctuary has been attracting a lot of professionals, researchers and students (foreign as well as domestic) during the period from November to April and added that to provide better viewing facility the forest department has erected a three-storied high watch tower in the middle of sanctuary, which offers a unique and panoramic view of the entire sanctuary.
Besides, a 800-metre long pathway has been developed through the mangroves where a visitor information centre provides information about the sanctuary, birds in it, mangroves, flora and fauna in the area, etc, he said adding that the area is a unique place for studying mangroves eco-system.
Mr Dalai further said that a new island that has occurred due to accumulation of silt in the estuary near Ribandar over the last two decades at least, has been made part of the sanctuary as it was closer to it and is expected to be a feeding and breeding ground for many species of avifauna and help protection of flora and fauna in the island, including birds and mangroves.