Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary

The second largest of Goa's wildlife sanctuaries, Cotigao, established in 1969, is about 80 km south of Panaji. One of the most densely forested areas of the state, the 105 sq km sanctuary is in part hilly to the south and east. The vegetation is mostly moist deciduous with some semi-evergreen and evergreen forest cover. The Talpona river flows through the park. There are several small settlements of Velip and Kunbis who are forest-dwelling groups existing on subsistence farming so it offers a good opportunity to observe traditional rural life. Some regret that their hunting and wood-gathering activities have been curbed with the establishment of the Sanctuary. The villagers grow chillies and harvest cashew from the forest to take to the market in Cotigao. There have been attempts to introduce sugarcane, rubber and eucalypts by some agencies but environmentalists argue that this would lead to clearing of trees and change the nature of the forest. There is a Nature Interpretation Centre with a small refrence library at the entrance.

Access. 7 km south of Canacona, a 1.5 km road along a left turn (east) off the NH17 between Canacona and Poinguinim leads to the Cotigao Sanctuary. Buses run from Canacona. Open 0800-1800.

Wildlife. The sanctuary claims to harbour a wide range of mammals (including panther, sloth bear and hyena) and several reptiles but you are really only likely to see wild boar, the odd deer and gaur and many monkeys on a visit although bird spotting is more rewarding. Birds not easily seen elsewhere in Goa include rufous woodpecker, Malabar crested lark and white-eyed eagle.

Viewing. The Department's jeep is available to go around the sanctuary along the network of metalled and unmetalled roads within the sanctuary with a free guide. Contact the Range Forest Officer whose office is by the Interpretation Centre at the entrance. There is a viewing platform up a tall tree at Bhutpal 9 km from the entrance and waterholes at Tulsimol and Dhantali but there are no signposts so you will have to be taken by a guide.

Park information. Visitors usually come for a day trip. Those wishing to stay close by, choose to stay in Palolem or at Molyma at Kindlebaga. Overnight stay in the forest is possible, with permission. Three tents with concrete floors are available free but only the hardiest of campers could endure a night here, made even more difficult by the rich insect life.