Caption Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary Banaskantha Gujrat India.
I had visited this wildlife sanctuary in the month of February 2019 while I was touring Gujrat. As I was staying in Balarampur Resort a classic Heritage Resort. And this site is close to the Resort. This is popular wildlife is Jessore Sloth Bears Sanctuary.
In 1978, in the vicinity of Jessore Hill, which is the arid and biodiversity land area of Aravalli Hill Range, was selected in India to save the extinct species of sloth bears. It was formerly part of the Palanpur princely state but now the Sanctuary is located in Iqbalgarh of District Banaskantha Gujrat, south of the Thar Desert. It’s having a preserved land about 180 square kilometres. The forest area has stopped the desert from expanding further. This forest area is operated by the forest department and the government. There are hundreds of species of trees, shrubs, creepers, medicinal herbs, grasses etc. are found and recorded in this forest area. Among trees the Indian Fig which is known as Gular and Tendu are also found. These are sweet fruits and are the favourite of Sloth Bear. As Sloth Bears are fond of eating Termites, Ants and honey including these sweet fruits. They love to hang on trees up side down so they got the name. In this forest and on the River bank many wild animals like Leopard, Crocodile, Deers, wild boars, Heyena, Wolf, Vipers, Cobras, Lizards etc are recorded by the forest department. It’s a home to many migratory birds and local birds like Grey Jungle Fowl, White bellied Minivet, White winged black tits, Indian vultures etc are also noticed. As Sloth Bears are the mammalian and Indian Pangolin along with other species are also found.
Due to Jessore hill it has got the name Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary. It’s a major attraction among the flora and fauna lovers and environmentalists. Also a popular scenic place. Morning is the best time to visit and needs two hours to enjoy the nature and to spot the Sloth Bears and other animals including birds. It’s a gateway for the famous pilgrimage and devotees attraction that is Shri Kedarnath Mahadev temple.
