Vansda National Park is located in the Navsari district of Gujarat, India, and covers an area of approximately 24 square kilometers. The park is situated at an elevation of 250 to 800 meters above sea level and is surrounded by the Satpura Range of hills.
| 1 | Name of the National Park | Vansda National Park |
| 2 | Year established | 1979 |
| 3 | Area in Sq Km | 24.32 sq km |
| 4 | Elevation in m | 200-800 meters |
| 5 | State / States spread in | Gujarat |
| 6 | Main Animals found | Leopard, Rusty-spotted Cat, Barking Deer, Four-horned Antelope |
| 7 | Main Birds found | Grey Hornbill, Paradise Flycatcher, Malabar Whistling Thrush |
| 8 | Main reptiles found | Python, Cobra, Viper, Krait |
| 9 | Best time to visit | October to May |
The history of Vansda National Park dates back to the 19th century when it was a private hunting reserve for the local rulers of Vansda. In 1942, the park was declared a wildlife sanctuary by the British government. In 1979, it was declared a national park under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
Geology
The geology of the park is characterized by the presence of metamorphic rocks, such as gneiss, schist, and quartzite. These rocks were formed through the process of metamorphism, which involves the transformation of existing rock types due to heat and pressure over time.
The park is also known for its unique topography, with rugged hills and steep valleys. The streams and waterfalls in the park have eroded the rocks over time, creating a scenic landscape. The park’s soil is predominantly composed of red laterite soil, which is rich in iron and aluminum oxides. This type of soil is characteristic of tropical regions and is often found in areas with high rainfall and high temperatures.
Type of Forests and Trees
Vansda National Park is predominantly covered with mixed deciduous forest, which is characterized by a variety of trees that shed their leaves during the dry season. The forest in the park is composed of a variety of tree species, such as teak, bamboo, flame of the forest, mahua, amla, jamun, tendu, and many others.
Teak is one of the dominant tree species in the park and is widely used for its timber. Bamboo is another important species in the park, with several varieties found here, including the rare Vansda Soneri bamboo. This bamboo species is endemic to the park and is characterized by its golden-yellow color.
There are 443 flowering plant types. Teak, sadad, khakhro, kadad, humb, timru, kalam, bamboo, dudhkod, mahudo, behada, umaro, kusum, tanach, asan, shimlo, ambla, sisam, chopadi bondaro, and other woods are included. Ambika River is home to a wide range of colorful orchids.
Biodiversity of Vansda National Park
The park is home to a diverse range of animal species, including the Indian leopard, dhole, rhesus macaque, common palm civet, Hanuman langur, small Indian civet, four-horned antelope, wild boar, Indian porcupine, barking deer, striped hyena, jungle cat, flying squirrel, pangolin, and Indian giant squirrel. Additionally, there are pythons and venomous snakes such as the Russell’s viper, cobras, and kraits present.
In 1992, a rusty-spotted cat was spotted in a farmhouse located within the mango plantation of the park. In February 2020, two dholes were sighted in the park, and camera traps confirmed their presence in May of the same year. This was the first confirmation of dholes in Gujarat in 50 years.
The park’s high diversity of forest bird species is a major attraction for ecotourism, with approximately 155 species found, including the common grey hornbill, grey-fronted green pigeon, yellow backed sunbird, Malabar trogon, jungle babbler, forest spotted owlet, shama, and great Indian black woodpecker. Additionally, there is a variety of insects, centipedes, millipedes, and snails, with approximately 121 species of spider, including the giant wood spider, the largest species of spider in Gujarat.
Best time to visit Vansda National Park
The best time to visit Vansda National Park is from November to June when the weather is pleasant and the park is open to visitors. During this time, visitors can enjoy various outdoor activities and wildlife sightings without any hindrance.
The importance of visiting Vansda National Park lies in its unique biodiversity and conservation efforts. The park is home to several endangered species, including the four-horned antelope, Indian giant squirrel, and pangolin, making it an important habitat for their survival. By visiting the park, tourists can support local conservation efforts and contribute to the preservation of these species.
Furthermore, the park offers opportunities for eco-tourism and adventure activities like trekking, bird-watching, and nature walks, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the area while promoting sustainable tourism. This not only benefits the local economy but also helps to raise awareness about the importance of conservation and the need to protect natural habitats.
