Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary

25/05/2026

Aerides maculosum
Aerides maculosum is a beautiful wild orchid found in the dense forests of the Sahyadri and Western Ghats. This epiphytic orchid grows naturally on old tree bark without harming the tree.
🌸 Flowering Season: April to July
🐝 The fragrant flowers attract bees and butterflies, supporting pollination and the forest food chain.
🌿 Presence of this orchid indicates a healthy and humid forest ecosystem.
“Wild orchids are the hidden treasures of the rainforest.” अमरी

03/05/2026

Morning Dajipur jungle Safari

17/04/2026

03/04/2026

Golden Shower Tree (Bahava)
Bahava (Cassia fistula) is a deciduous Indian tree found in evergreen and rainforest regions. With the arrival of spring (Chaitra), it blooms with bright yellow, hanging flower clusters that look like golden chandeliers.
The tree grows up to about 40 feet tall, with pale bark and compound green leaves. Each flower has five petals and a mild fragrance, more noticeable at night. Its vibrant color attracts bees and butterflies, making it popular as an ornamental plant.
In South India, Bahava flowers (called Kanipoo) symbolize prosperity and are important during the Vishu festival. It is also the state flower of Kerala.
The leaves have medicinal uses for skin problems, burns, cough, and fever. The tree supports butterflies like the Common Emigrant. After flowering, long pods appear, turning brown when mature. These contain seeds and a sweet pulp useful for relieving constipation.
Its wood is strong and used for tools and furniture. Seeing a fully bloomed Bahava tree is a beautiful natural experience, inspiring many to plant it during the monsoon.
Photo: Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary
Credit: Sandesh

29/03/2026

In , the , also known as the Indian bison, is often seen crossing forest roads. It is a large, powerful yet generally शांत and shy animal. The sanctuary’s dense forests and water sources make it an ideal habitat for gaur. When crossing the road, they move slowly and cautiously, so visitors should drive carefully and maintain a safe distance.

18/03/2026

20/02/2026

Scientific Name: Heterometrus swammerdami
Family: Scorpionidae
Common Name: Giant Forest Scorpion / Indian Black Scorpion
This refers to the species Heterometrus swammerdami.
Habitat & Distribution (Sahyadri / Western Ghats)
This species is widely distributed in the Western Ghats (Sahyadri Mountains) of India. It is found in:
Maharashtra (Radhanagari, Kolhapur region, Amboli, Chandoli)
Goa
Karnataka
Parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu (Western Ghats belt)
It prefers:
Moist forest floors
Under rocks and fallen logs
Leaf litter in dense forests
Burrows in soft soil
It is mostly nocturnal, meaning it is active at night.
Habitat
The Giant Forest Scorpion thrives in:
Tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests
Areas with high humidity
Undisturbed forest ecosystems
Regions with loose soil suitable for burrowing
It often creates burrows or hides in natural crevices to avoid predators and extreme temperatures.
Behaviour
Generally non-aggressive unless disturbed.
Displays a defensive posture by raising its pincers and curving its tail.
Primarily nocturnal; hunts at night.
Feeds on insects, spiders, small reptiles, and occasionally other arthropods.
Females show maternal care and carry their young on their back after birth.
Pet Trade
This species is sometimes kept in the exotic pet trade because of its large size and striking appearance.
It is considered manageable in captivity compared to more venomous species.
However, illegal collection from the wild can negatively impact local populations.
Proper permits and ethical sourcing are important to prevent wildlife exploitation.
Venom and Defence
Venom
The venom is neurotoxic but relatively mild compared to highly dangerous Indian scorpions.
A sting causes:
Severe localized pain
Swelling
Burning sensation
Life-threatening reactions are rare in healthy adults.
Defence Mechanisms
Relies mainly on its large, powerful pincers for defense.
Uses the sting as a secondary defense mechanism.
Raises tail and spreads claws to appear larger when threatened.
Size and Appearance
Length: Typically 12–18 cm, sometimes up to 20 cm.
Color: Shiny black or dark bluish-black.
Body: Thick, robust, heavily armored.
Pincers: Large, broad, and powerful

03/01/2026

🦬 Scientific Wildlife Sighting of Indian Gaur
Dajipur Jungle Safari – Maharashtra, India
Sighting Time: 06:43 AM
1️⃣ Species Identification
Common Name: Indian Gaur / Gaur / Indian Bison
Scientific Name: Bos gaurus
Family: Bovidae
IUCN Conservation Status: Vulnerable
Largest wild bovine species in the world
2️⃣ Significance of Early Morning Sighting
The sighting of Indian Gaur at 06:43 AM is scientifically significant.
🔬 Ecological Explanation:
Indian Gaurs are crepuscular animals, most active during early morning and late evening
Cooler temperatures and low human disturbance favor movement and grazing
Morning dew increases nutritional value of grasses
This timing reflects natural and undisturbed behavioral patterns
➡️ Such sightings are considered high-quality wildlife observations.
3️⃣ Habitat – Importance of Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary
Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary provides an ideal habitat for Indian Gaurs due to:
🌿 Habitat Characteristics:
Dense evergreen and semi-evergreen forests
Natural grasslands and open meadows
Permanent water sources
Low human interference
🌍 Located in the Western Ghats (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the sanctuary is rich in biodiversity.
4️⃣ Physical Characteristics (Morphology)
Weight: 800–1,100 kg
Height: Up to 2.2 meters at the shoulder
Body Color: Dark brown to black
Distinctive Feature: White lower legs (“white stockings”)
Horns: Large, curved, present in both sexes (larger in males)
➡️ Their massive size and majestic appearance make them a highlight for international visitors.
5️⃣ Social Structure and Behavior
Indian Gaurs are herd-living animals
Herds are usually led by an experienced female
Adult males are mostly solitary, joining herds during the breeding season
Generally calm but may become aggressive if threatened
⚠️ Maintaining safe distance during safaris is essential.
6️⃣ Feeding Ecology
Herbivorous species
Diet includes grasses, bamboo shoots, leaves, herbs, and fruits
Peak feeding occurs during early morning and evening hours
🌱 Gaurs play a crucial role in maintaining forest grassland balance.
7️⃣ Importance for Foreign Tourists
For international wildlife enthusiasts, Indian Gaur sightings offer:

02/01/2026

Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary Safari Experience 🐾🌿
Located about 80 km from Kolhapur, Maharashtra, Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary offers a raw and authentic jungle safari experience. This sanctuary lies at an average altitude of around 1,000 feet above sea level and is spread across three different forest zones, making its terrain both diverse and challenging.
Dajipur is known as the oldest wildlife sanctuary in Maharashtra and is especially famous for the Indian Gaur (Bison). Due to its dense forest cover, rugged geography, and rich biodiversity, wildlife sightings here are often rare and unpredictable.
But every true jungle safari follows one golden rule:
Patience and timing are everything.
In the wild, nature decides — not us.
During this safari, fellow travelers who had explored many forests across India and abroad shared a common belief:
“In jungle safaris, animal sightings are never guaranteed — every visit is a new story.”
The photos capture moments beyond just animals —
📍 serene water bodies,
📍 breathtaking viewpoints, and
🐾 leopard pugmarks silently reminding us that the jungle is always alive, even when unseen.
Dajipur is not about ticking off sightings —
it’s about feeling the forest, respecting its silence, and understanding its rhythm.
🌲 Sometimes, the jungle reveals itself…
🌲 Sometimes, it simply teaches patience.

LeopardPugmarks
WildlifePhotography NatureExperience ForestVibes
MaharashtraTourism RawNature SafariDiaries

29/12/2025

🐃 Indian Gaur (Bos gaurus)
🔹 General Identity
Common name: Indian Gaur / Indian Bison
Scientific name: Bos gaurus
Conservation status: Vulnerable (IUCN Red List)
State animal: Goa & Bihar
Largest wild cattle species in the world
🌿 Habitat (Where it lives)
Dense evergreen, semi-evergreen & moist deciduous forests
Hilly forest regions with:
Grasslands
Water bodies (streams, lakes, backwaters)
📍 Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary is an ideal habitat because of:
Rich grass cover
Forest patches
Continuous water availability
Minimal human disturbance
🌱 Food & Feeding Habits
Herbivore (plant-eater)
Main Diet:
Fresh grasses
Bamboo shoots
Leaves & herbs
Wild fruits
Bark (occasionally)
Agricultural crops (only when forests are disturbed)
🕔 Feeding Time
Early morning
Late evening
Often seen grazing calmly, as in your photo
🧠 Behaviour & Nature
Generally shy and peaceful
Avoids humans unless threatened
Moves slowly but can be extremely fast if provoked
Adult males are mostly solitary
Females & calves live in small herds (8–15)
⚠️ Can become aggressive if:
Cornered
Protecting calves
Injured or disturbed
💪 Physical Features
Massive muscular body
Dark black to brown coat
Distinct white “stocking-like” lower legs
High shoulder ridge
Curved, strong horns (both male & female)
📏 Size
Weight: 600–1000 kg
Shoulder height: up to 2.2 meters
❤️ Mating & Reproduction
Breeding season: December to June
Loud mating calls heard in forests during rut
Dominant bulls mate with multiple females
👶 Gestation period: ~9 months
👶 Calves: Usually one
🍼 Calves stay with mother for several months
🐾 Social Structure
Female-led herds
Bulls join herds only during mating season
Strong maternal care
Herds protect calves by forming a circle
🦁 Natural Enemies
Adult gaurs have no major predators
Calves may be preyed upon by:
Tigers
Leopards
Humans are the biggest threat (habitat loss, disease from cattle)
🌏 Ecological Importance
Helps maintain grassland balance
Disperses seeds
Important prey base for large carnivores
Indicator of healthy forest ecosystems
📸 Special Note About Your Photo
The calm grazing posture, open grassland, and forest edge clearly indicate:
Healthy habitat
Stress-free behavior