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Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary Pune

Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Pune. This sanctuary of Maharashtra was built in 1984 in the Talukas of Ambegaon and Khed within Pune district. The sanctuary was actually formed, in order to protect or conserve the endangered species of giant squirrels of India. This sanctuary occupies a huge area of 131 sq kilometer. Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is a part of Western Ghats. It encompasses 9 tribal villages. This is preserved as sacred groves. Tributaries of Krishna River originate from this area, namely Ghod and Bhima.

Bhimashankar Wildlife

The sanctuary is the home for more than 529 wildlife species. There are total 79 endemic birds in India and out of that 19 are found in Bhimashankar sanctuary. There are total 65 types of butterflies found in the sanctuary. The largest moth of India is known as Atlas and it is found here. Ahupe grove and Bhimshankar Grove are one of the best sacred groves of this country. In this sanctuary, birds like White Cheeked barbets, Grey fronted green pigeon, Indian rufous babbler etc are found. Apart from all these species, there is also existence of different mammals, amphibians, fishes, molluscs, reptiles, centipedes etc. During August and February, the main attractions of the region unfold.

Places to Stay Near Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary Pune


Tourists can stay in the hotels. Otherwise they can also book their stay in Government forest house. This needs to be booked through deputy conservator of forest of the state of Maharashtra.

Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary Pune Location


The accessibility to this place is extremely convenient. The place is just 62 kms away from Pune and Nasik Highway. So, the connectivity is quite easy because tourists can reach this place by visiting Pune by airways, railways and roadways as well.

Best known for


The place is obviously famous for the Giant Squirrels. The region is also popular for the 14 sacred groves it has. Numerous types of butterflies are found here, out of which most famous is Atlas. Atlas is the largest moth of the country.

Concerns regarding Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary Pune

Various anthropogenic factors are the main point of concerns regarding this sanctuary. Since this sanctuary conserves many endangered species, so it is definitely very important to maintain the eco diversity of this region properly. But the overall eco system of this region is facing real threats from various human interferences. First point of concern is the increased human footfall due to the increase in numbers of tourists. Secondly, deforestation and felling of trees are also serious threats to the eco system of this region. Finally and most importantly illegal hunting and poaching are also contributing to the loss of ecological balance of this region.

Suggested Preventive Actions

Some basic and regulatory steps can easily help in solving the afore0mentioned issues. For the matter of fact, government has already concentrated in the security of this place. The hospitality or hotel industry has been planned to be restricted outside the boundaries of this sanctuary.

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