Situated at Mahal, 60kms north of Dang district, Purna Sanctuary is a
thick damp deciduous forest covering an area of 160.8 sq. km. Crossed
by beautiful Purna which lends name to the sanctuary) and Gira rivers,
it is located in the predominantly tribal district of Dangs. Declared
as a sanctuary in July 1990, it has the thickest forest cover in the Gujarat
state. The sanctuary is managed by the North Dangs Forest Division. The
average rainfall Purna Wildlife Sanctuary receives, 2500 mm.
Spread over an undulating terrain with rolling hills,
plateaus and small valleys, the sanctuary is home to various species of
animals. The sanctuary is a trekkers paradise with the bamboo line pathways.
But, prior permission is needed to visit this sanctuary. The tribal people
living in and around this sanctuary belongs to Bhils, Warlis, Konkanas,
Dubdas, and Kolchas etc. One can see their tribal culture in the form
of houses, dresses, jewelry, agriculture, fishing, musical instruments,
folk dances etc.
'Mahal', the main village in the sanctuary located between
the road connecting Ahwa to Songadh. There is a dense forest surrounding
this village. It is said that, due it's thick forest, sun rays are not
able to hit on the ground. There is a very old forest rest house on the
banks of this river. An apt place for conducting Nature Education Camps,
here, Nature Club members of Surat organizes an overnight stay.
Flora
The sanctuary consists of mainly tropical moist deciduous forests.
The dominant tree species found in the sanctuary is teak rising tall and
straight. There are about 700 identified plants within the forest area.
Teak, Tanach, Sisham, Bamboo, Khair, Sevan, Dudhalo, Salai, Kadaya, Sadad,
Kalam, Karanj, Haldu, Tanach, Chopadi bondara and many others are found
in this sanctuary.
Fauna
Leopard is the top predator here whose population has been increasing.
The animals found here include Leopard, Barking deer, Sambar, Rhesus macaque,
Bonnet macaque, Hyena,Common mongoose, Indian civat cat, Indian porcupine,
Four-horned antelope, Chital, Jungle cat, Flying squirrel, Python, Lizards
etc. Avi fauna includes Common grey hornbill, Grey jungle fowls, Barbets,
Woodpeckers, Shrikes, Cloropsis, Bee-eaters, Flycatchers etc.
Entrance Fee: Free; One can get a guide
from Saputara.
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Wildlife 
