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Inside Vidarbha’s Dr Salim Ali Sanctuary

Inside Vidarbha’s Dr Salim Ali Sanctuary
Inside Vidarbha’s Dr Salim Ali Sanctuary

The Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary within Navegaon National Park stands as a testament to conservation efforts in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. Spanning across 133.78 square kilometres in the Gondia district, this protected area has become one of the most significant avian habitats in central India.


The sanctuary harbours nearly 60 percent of all bird species found across Maharashtra, a remarkable concentration that draws researchers and nature enthusiasts from across the country.


The combination of diverse ecosystems, a substantial water body, and strategic conservation measures has transformed this location into a crucial refuge for both resident and migratory bird populations.



Historical Foundations and Early Development


Navegaon National Park was formally established on 22 November 1975, though the area's significance predates its official designation by centuries.


The centrepiece of the sanctuary, Navegaon Lake, traces its origins to the early 18th century when it was constructed under the patronage of the Gond tribal rulers who once governed this territory.

According to historical accounts, the lake was built by members of the Kohali community, specifically two brothers named Kolhu and Chimna Patil, who were entrusted with the task by Rani Durgawati around 1300. The lake was created to address water scarcity in the Gondwana kingdom, spreading across approximately 11 square kilometres. The name Navegaon itself translates to "new village" in Marathi, reflecting the settlement patterns that developed around this vital water source.


The region remained under Gond rule for several centuries before coming under various successive administrations. The forested landscape that now forms the national park served as hunting grounds during the colonial period. Following independence, recognition of the area's ecological importance led to its transformation into a protected wildlife reserve.


The establishment of Navegaon National Park in 1975 marked a turning point in conservation efforts for this landscape.

In 2013, the park became part of a larger conservation initiative when it was integrated into the Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve, notified as the 46th tiger reserve of India under Project Tiger.


This designation on 12 December 2013 made it the fifth tiger reserve in Maharashtra, comprising five protected areas including Navegaon National Park, Navegaon Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary, New Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary, and Koka Wildlife Sanctuary. The core area covers 653.67 square kilometres, with an additional buffer zone of 1,241.27 square kilometres notified in 2016.



The Bird Sanctuary and Its Namesake


The bird sanctuary within Navegaon National Park bears the name of Dr. Salim Moizuddin Abdul Ali, a figure whose contributions to Indian ornithology remain unparalleled.


Known widely as the "Birdman of India," Dr. Salim Ali was born on 12 November 1896 and passed away on 20 June 1987. He became the first Indian to conduct systematic bird surveys across the country, documenting species and their habitats with unprecedented thoroughness.


His landmark work, the ten-volume Handbook of the Birds of India and Pakistan, written alongside Sidney Dillon Ripley, established a foundation for ornithological studies in the region.


His efforts extended beyond research to active conservation, playing crucial roles in establishing the Bharatpur bird sanctuary and preventing the destruction of Silent Valley National Park in Kerala.


The government of India awarded him the Padma Bhushan in 1958 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1976, recognising his contributions to science and conservation.


Several bird sanctuaries and institutions across India have been named in his honour, reflecting the lasting impact of his work.


The Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Navegaon serves as a living memorial to his dedication, embodying the principles of systematic documentation and habitat protection that he championed throughout his career.


Avian Diversity and Ecological Significance


The sanctuary's reputation rests primarily on its extraordinary bird diversity. Research conducted over multiple decades has documented the presence of 312 bird species from 57 different families under 14 orders within Navegaon National Park and its environs.


Among these, 252 species are residents, 53 are winter visitors, five are passage migrants, and two are breeding migrants. This diversity represents a substantial proportion of the approximately 568 bird species recorded across Maharashtra state.

The significance of these numbers becomes apparent when considering that the sanctuary hosts nearly 60 percent of the state's avian species within a relatively compact area. Water birds constitute a major component of this diversity, with 95 species recorded, of which 58 are residents and 37 are migrants.


The Navegaon Lake serves as the primary habitat for these species, providing feeding grounds, nesting sites, and roosting areas.

The lake's ecosystem, fed by the Deori River, maintains year-round water availability, a critical factor in supporting both resident populations and attracting migratory species.


Winter months bring the most dramatic transformations to the sanctuary's bird populations. From October through March, migratory birds arrive from distant breeding grounds in Europe, Siberia, and Central Asia. Flocks of waterfowl descend upon Navegaon Lake as they settle into their winter quarters.


Species regularly recorded during this period include Greylag Geese, Northern Pintails, Northern Shovelers, Gadwalls, Common Pochards, and various duck species.


The timing of arrival typically begins in October and November, with peak populations present from December through February. Departure occurs gradually from March through May as the birds return to their breeding territories.


Among the recorded species, 12 are listed under threatened categories according to international conservation assessments. Raptors present in the sanctuary include species such as the Egyptian Vulture, classified as Endangered, and three critically endangered vulture species - the Red-headed Vulture, White-rumped Vulture, and Indian Vulture.


The Crested Serpent Eagle, a medium-sized raptor specialising in reptile prey, represents one of the sanctuary's notable forest-dwelling species. Other raptors categorised as Near Threatened include the Pallas's Fish Eagle and the Laggar Falcon.


The grey junglefowl, an endemic Indian species and wild ancestor of domestic chickens, holds particular significance. Listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, this species occurs throughout the park's forest areas. The bird's presence in Vidarbha represents an important population within its peninsular Indian range.


The sanctuary's avian community includes representatives from diverse ecological niches. Kingfishers occupy positions along water bodies, hunting for fish and aquatic insects.


Paradise Flycatchers bring vibrant colours to the forest interior, their long tail streamers visible as they hawk for insects among the trees. Scarlet Minivets add bright patches of red and yellow to mixed-species foraging flocks. Hornbills, including the Indian Grey Hornbill, contribute to forest ecology through seed dispersal.


Various species of herons, egrets, storks, and ibises wade through shallow waters, probing for prey. Owls and nightjars represent the nocturnal component of the bird community. The diversity extends to smaller passerines, with warblers, babblers, bulbuls, and numerous other species occupying the forest understorey and canopy.


Research on seasonal variations in bird populations revealed significant patterns. During the eight-month study period from October to May, 35 species were observed regularly.


Thirteen species appeared most frequently during winter, with observation rates exceeding 50 percent of survey occasions, while the same species became rare during summer.

Twelve species recorded in winter were completely absent during the summer months. The differential relates to several factors, including water availability, food resources, vegetation cover, and temperature.

Winter conditions, with moderate temperatures and abundant water from the full lake, provide optimal habitat. Summer brings harsh conditions with temperatures reaching 45 degrees Celsius, reduced water levels, dried vegetation, and increased human disturbance from tourism and cattle grazing.




Ecosystem Characteristics and Habitat Types


The landscape encompassed by Navegaon National Park displays considerable topographic variation, with elevations ranging from 30 metres to 702 metres above sea level.


This variation contributes to habitat diversity, supporting different plant communities and associated fauna.


The vegetation primarily consists of Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest, classified under forest type 5A/C3. However, pockets of moist forest occur in valleys and along watercourses, adding to the habitat complexity.

Teak stands prominently among the tree species, valued both for its ecological role and historical economic importance. Other dominant species include Jamun, Ain, Haldu, Kawat, Mahua, Bhel, and Bhor.


Bamboo occurs throughout the park, forming dense thickets in some areas. A comprehensive floristic survey documented 722 plant species within Navegaon National Park and Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary combined.


Of these, 43 species are endemic to the region, while 300 hold economic or medicinal significance. The vegetation supports diverse animal communities, providing food, shelter, and nesting sites for birds, mammals, reptiles, and invertebrates.


The Navegaon Lake represents the most distinctive ecosystem feature within the park. Spreading across 11 square kilometres, the lake maintains water levels year-round, though fluctuations occur seasonally. The shoreline features varying characteristics, with some sections displaying mudflats exposed during low water periods, while others maintain steep banks with overhanging vegetation.


Aquatic plants establish themselves in shallow areas, providing habitat for fish, aquatic insects, and other organisms that form the food base for water birds. The lake attracts wildlife from surrounding forests, particularly during dry summer months when other water sources diminish.


Beyond birds, the park supports 26 mammal species, including Bengal Tigers, leopards, jungle cats, small Indian civets, palm civets, wolves, jackals, sloth bears, Indian bison, sambars, nilgais, chitals, and wild boars.


Nine reptile species and numerous fish species complete the vertebrate fauna. This assemblage reflects the park's position within the central Indian landscape, where populations from different biogeographic regions overlap.



Tourism Infrastructure and Visitor Experience


The sanctuary has developed infrastructure to accommodate visitors while minimising disturbance to wildlife.


Watchtowers positioned at strategic locations around Navegaon Lake offer elevated viewing platforms, allowing observers to scan across the water body and the surrounding forest.

These structures prove particularly valuable for birdwatching, enabling identification and counting of waterbird flocks at a distance.


Boating facilities operate on the lake, providing alternative perspectives for wildlife observation. Rowboats move slowly, allowing a close approach to water birds without significant disturbance.


The water-level viewpoint enables photography and detailed observation of species behaviour. Safari vehicles provide access to forest areas away from the lake. These excursions follow designated routes through different zones of the park, offering chances to encounter mammals, forest birds, and reptiles.


Safari timings vary seasonally to correspond with daylight hours and animal activity patterns. The park remains open to visitors from October through June, closing during monsoon months from July through September.


The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation operates accommodation facilities at Navegaon. In January 2025, a newly developed tourist complex was inaugurated, representing an investment of 21 crore rupees under the Regional Tourism Development Scheme.


The facility offers various accommodation categories, including VIP suites, deluxe rooms, standard rooms, and dormitories, providing options for different budgets and group sizes. The development aims to boost ecotourism in Vidarbha while maintaining environmental standards. Visitor statistics indicate that approximately 50,000 tourists visit the Navegaon complex annually, combining wildlife observation with recreational activities.


Entry fees remain affordable to encourage visitation. Indian nationals pay 50 rupees for adults, while foreign tourists are charged 300 rupees. Children below five years enter free of charge.


Vehicle entry and safari charges apply separately. The park operates from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with slight seasonal variations. Safari slots typically occur during early morning hours and late afternoon, corresponding to periods of increased animal activity.



Conservation Challenges and Management Responses


Despite its protected status, the sanctuary faces several ongoing challenges that require active management intervention. Human-wildlife conflict occurs in buffer zones where park boundaries adjoin agricultural lands and settlements.


Large carnivores, particularly tigers and leopards, occasionally prey on livestock, creating tension with local communities.

Sloth bears, though primarily vegetarian, sometimes encounter humans in forest areas, leading to attacks when surprised. The Tiger Ambassadors programme, initiated in 2014 and expanded to cover 45 villages by 2019, represents one management response.


This community-based approach trains local residents to detect animal presence, conduct patrols, share information with forest staff, and reduce their vulnerability to conflict situations. The programme has contributed to decreased conflict incidents over its operational period.


Forest fires pose recurring threats, particularly during dry summer months. Unauthorised burning of forest floor vegetation, sometimes conducted to facilitate the collection of forest products like mahua flowers and tendu leaves, can spread beyond intended areas.


Fire management measures include the creation of firebreaks, early detection systems, and rapid response teams. Awareness programmes emphasise fire prevention among communities dependent on forest resources.


Water management presents challenges during summer when temperatures soar and rainfall remains absent for months. Multiple water sources within the park dry up during this period, concentrating wildlife around remaining pools and the main lake.


This increases human-wildlife interaction as humans and domestic animals seek water access. The installation of artificial water sources in strategic locations helps disperse wildlife presence, reducing pressure on specific points.


Habitat degradation from various sources requires ongoing attention. Cattle grazing in buffer areas removes ground vegetation and competes with wild herbivores for forage. Bamboo and tree felling, though illegal, occurs in remote sections.


The corridor connecting Navegaon to Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary, spanning 8,000 hectares under the Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra, experiences poaching, illegal felling, and deliberate fire setting. Enhanced protection for this corridor remains a priority due to its importance for animal movement between protected areas.


Conservation efforts have achieved measurable success in key areas. The integration into Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve brought increased resources and coordinated management. Anti-poaching patrols operate from camps established at strategic points.


Foot patrolling complements vehicle-based monitoring. Camera traps provide a non-intrusive method for monitoring tiger and wildlife populations.

The Management Plan for 2018–2023 focused on habitat restoration, with efforts to restore grasslands and water bodies showing positive results. Gaur populations have increased, and tiger numbers, while fluctuating, remain stable.



Research and Monitoring Activities


Systematic documentation of the sanctuary's biodiversity continues through both official surveys and contributions from researchers and naturalists. Bird counts conducted during different seasons build an understanding of population trends and habitat use patterns.


Studies on specific species or groups provide detailed information to support conservation.


Research on raptors recorded 38 species within and around the park, highlighting conservation needs for threatened species.

Another study focused on aquatic birds in the Navegaon Lake ecosystem, monitoring 84 species from 2018 to 2021, tracking their distribution and ecological niches.


Long-term monitoring proves essential for detecting changes in populations and ecosystems. Camera trap surveys record tiger and prey species distribution. Waterbird counts during winter migration document arrival timing, peak numbers, and species composition. Forest surveys assess vegetation structure and regeneration. These monitoring activities inform management decisions and track the effectiveness of conservation work.


The sanctuary's location within central India adds regional significance to local conservation efforts. It functions as part of a larger ecological network connecting multiple protected areas. The corridor between Navegaon and Nagzira facilitates the movement of wide-ranging species like tigers, ensuring genetic connectivity. This extends to reserves in Madhya Pradesh to the north and other Maharashtra reserves to the south, creating a landscape-scale conservation framework.


Educational programmes complement protection efforts. School visits introduce children to wildlife and conservation concepts. Interpretation materials at visitor centres explain ecological processes and challenges. Guided walks and safaris educate tourists, fostering appreciation for natural heritage. These initiatives aim to build long-term support for conservation among local people and the wider public.


The Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Navegaon National Park exemplifies how protected areas preserve biodiversity while providing opportunities for research, education, and sustainable tourism. The sanctuary's success in maintaining viable populations of hundreds of bird species, including threatened raptors and endemic species, underscores the value of habitat protection.


The seasonal influx of migratory waterfowl confirms the ecological health of the wetland ecosystem. Integration into the larger tiger reserve framework has strengthened conservation capacity through increased coordination across a broader landscape.


Challenges persist, requiring continued vigilance and adaptive management. Climate change may alter rainfall and temperature patterns, affecting both resident and migratory species. Human population growth increases pressure on park boundaries and resources. Balancing conservation with community needs demands ongoing dialogue and innovative management.


The sanctuary's future depends on maintaining these balances while preserving the ecological processes that support its remarkable biodiversity.


The concentration of bird species at Navegaon, particularly the presence of nearly 60 percent of Maharashtra's avian fauna, highlights its conservation importance. As habitat loss increases across the region, protected areas like this sanctuary become vital refuges.


The systematic research initiated by Dr Salim Ali and continued by successive scientists provides the knowledge needed for informed decisions. The naming of this sanctuary honours both the ornithologist and the principle that protection of nature requires observation, documentation, and dedication sustained through generations.



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The NewsDirt is a trusted source for authentic, ground-level journalism, highlighting the daily struggles, public issues, history, and local stories from Vidarbha’s cities, towns, and villages. Committed to amplifying voices often ignored by mainstream media, we bring you reliable, factual, and impactful reporting from Vidarbha’s grassroots.

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