Birding in Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary

Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary, is located in the Banaskantha district which is  45 kms. from Palanpur on the route to Mount Abu (a prominent hill station). Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary was declared as Wildlife Sanctuary in May 1978. 

The sanctuary area acts as a buffer zone and separates the desert from the dry deciduous type of ecosystem. The sanctuary as the name suggests is known for the endangered Sloth Bear. Sloth bear is an omnivorous animal that feeds on fruits, termites, and grasses. Most of its diet comprises of fruits. They are known to survive in wet forests and shrubs so obviously chances of sighting them is best in Monsoon and rainy season. As always my priority was Birding and being winters knew i wont be disappointed.


As the forests of this wildlife sanctuary plays a very important role in conservation of depleting Aravali ecosystem had decided to visit it for a brief one day birding. Drove into the sanctuary (camp site) by late evening. Had called the office during the day and made a reservation at the sanctuary.

Deputy Conservator of Forest's office, 
Banaskantha, Dist. Palanpur
Phone: 02742 257084

It was the last day of november (2012) and the chill in the weather could be felt. The staff at the sanctuary was very courteous, who checked us into the cozy tents. These tents are made along the hill locks and are very well protected by fabricated fences. Dinner was typical local (Gujarati) cooked traditional and served hot, which made it even fun to feast on.

Tents - Along the lake on the Hill 

Morning was very picturesque. The lake midst the Jessore hills of Aravalli ranges looked calm. 

 

View into the Jessore hills - from the Tent

View overlooking the Lake - from the Tent

Early morning moon

Indian peafowls were seen in silhouette. Soon the rising sun not only bought in light, but also could hear the chirping of birds, prominently the Jungle Babbler. Walking a few steps down from the tents, the open grassland along the lake was amazing to watch. (List at the bottom - click to see the images)

Indian Peafowl  (Pavo cristatus)

The staff had organised for a local guide to accompany me to walk from the camp site along the lake. The walk is around 3 to 4 kms, which goes along the lake into the forest. The Hanuman langurs, were the most widespread of the mammal apart from local cattle.

Changeable Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus cirrhatus) - Habitat

The area had a great ecological significance and surely acts as a buffer between the desert eco-system and the dry deciduous type of forest ecosystem.

Walkway along the lake

View from the other side of the Lake

Birds were sighted but in lesser numbers. Had started walking around 7.30am and returned to the camp site, completing the circle around the lake in 3 hours. The walk was not tiring, as the weather was just cool. By 12.30 had packed up and all set to drive out, sighted the Osprey hunting.

Lovely habitat if you love trekking, birding.

Happy Birding!

List of Birds sighted:

1. Asian Koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus)
2. Small Minivet (Pericrocotus cinnamomeus)
3. Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)
4. Black Drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus)
5. Hoopoe (Upupa epops)
6. Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus)
7. Purple Sunbird (Cinnyris asiaticus)
8. Jungle Babbler (Turdoides striata)
9. Large grey babbler (Argya malcolmi)
10. Grey Francolin (Francolinus pondicerianus)
11. Laughing Dove (Spilopelia senegalensis)
12. White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis)
13. Brahminy Starling (Sturnia pagodarum)
14. Rosy Starling (Pastor roseus)
15. Lesser Whitethroat (Sylvia curruca)
16. Yellow-crowned Woodpecker (Dendrocopos mahrattensis)
17. Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus)
18. Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
19. Black-rumped Flameback (Dinopium benghalense)
20. Spot-billed Duck (Anas poecilorhyncha)
21. Rufous Treepie (Dendrocitta vagabunda)
22. Red-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer)
23. Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis)
24. Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava)
25. White-bellied Drongo (Dicrurus caerulescens)
26. Changeable Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus cirrhatus)
27. Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
28. Goose - ID Not sure