A birding camp in Goa's Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary

Discover the most ecologically rich region of Goa, where birds endemic to the Western Ghats and southern India can be found alongside a host of forest species and winter migrants, comprising a birdlist of over 250 species. 

Nestling against the foothills of the Western Ghats - one of the richest reservoirs of biodiversity in the world - and quietly merging into the tranquil forest of the largest protected area in Goa, Backwoods Camp is the perfect place from which to explore the sanctuary and to discover the region's distinctive avifauna. 

Being within close proximity of Mollem National Park (a part of the Bhagwan Mahaveer wildlife sanctuary), Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, and Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Backwoods Camp is also a convenient place from which to explore these protected areas. 

Run by birders for birders, the tranquil surroundings and exhilarating birding are complemented by simple yet cosy accommodation, traditional local cuisine, warm hospitality, and a host of other wildlife.

*NEWS: Ceylon (Oriental) Bay Owl found at Backwoods Camp, April 2009

A rare and secretive resident of semi-evergreen and evergreen forests, the Oriental Bay Owl occurs in the Himalayan Foothills of Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and the south Assam Hills, in the southern Western Ghats, and in Sri Lanka.  The two southern populations are sometimes considered as a distinct species, Ceylon Bay Owl Phodilus assimilis, on the basis of morphological and in particular vocal differences from the northern race, Oriental Bay Owl Phodilus badius.

Before the 1990's the race occurring in the Western Ghats (P.b.ripleyi or P.ripleyi) was known from a single specimen from Kerala, and it has long been considered that the distribution of this species is limited to a small region centred on the Anaimalai Hills of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.  This is the first recorded sighting in Goa, and the northernmost of only three sightings outside of this part of the southern ghats.

The bird itself was sadly suffering from a severe facial would, and later died despite attempts at treatment (we express our thanks to the Goa branch of International Animal Rescue for their assistance).  Since this is an important sighting representing a possible considerable range extension of a little-known species, the bird is to be donated to the collections of the Bombay Natural History Society following taxidermy. 

In addition to raising questions about the wider distribution of this species in peninsular India this sighting also underlines the wealth of biodiversity in the forests of Goa and surrounding areas - the fact that it remains to some extent unexplored emphasises the urgent need for protection.

The entire stretch of the Western Ghats is globally celebrated as a hotspot of biodiversity by conservationists and designated an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International, yet the forests are continually fragmented and disturbed by encroachment and industrial activities placing habitats, and the multitude of species they support, under ever-increasing pressure.

Ceylon Bay Owl P.b.ripleyi, Backwoods Camp, 8th April 2009. Image courtesy David Napier.

 Backwoods Camp