Overa Wildlife
Sanctuary is located 76-km from Srinagar , near Pahalgam, and has an
area of 32.27-sq-kms. The area is home to a number of rare, threatened
and protected species of birds and mammals. It sustains 13 species of
mammals and over 80 species of birds. The sanctuary has acquired an
outstanding position for its varied and magnificent species of
pheasants.Flora
The Overa
Wildlife Sanctuary is r
ichly
covered with a variety of floral complexes, which comprise mainly of
conifers; the principal species being Pinus Griffithii, Abies Pindrow,
Aesculus Indica, Morus Alba, Juglans Regia, etc. Major shrub associates
are Indigofera Heterantha, Desmodium Tiliaefolium, etc, while the main
ground layer is dominated by Dicotlydonous herbs comprising of Taraxacum
Officinale, Artemisia Vulgaris, etc.
Fauna
This area houses
a variety of mammals most of which are faced with the serious threat of
extinction. They are the Hangul, Musk Deer, Serow, Rhesus Macaque,
Langur, Leopard, Leopard Cat, etc.
Avifauna
The sanctuary
area as distinct from the other wildlife reserves of the valley holds a
rich assemblage of pheasants like the Chukar, Koklas, Monal and
Himalayan Snow Cock. Other avifaunas include the jungle Crow, red billed
Chough, griffon Vulture, bearded Vulture, Himalayan Whistling Thrush,
Rufous-backed Shrike, Indian Mynah, etc.
HOW TO GET
THERE
Air: Nearest
Airport is Srinagar (87-km).
Rail: Nearest railhead is Jammu (280-km).
Road: Regular buses ply from Pahalgam (11-km), Anantanag (40-km), and
Srinagar (76-km) to the sanctuary.
WHERE TO STAY
For overnight
stay there is a two-bedroom hut as well as a 10-bedded dormitory.
Note: When in a
sanctuary or national park it is important to dress in camouflage colors
(khaki, green etc). Do not make undue noise and avoid littering the
forest floors with paper, tins and food leftovers. While photographing
take due caution not to disturb the birds and animals.
Bird
Viewing - March To May
