Andhra
Pradesh - Wildlife
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Mahavir Harina Vanasthali
National Park: The park is located at Vanasthalipuram, at
a distance of 15 km from the city. Initially the area was
under the Nizam and later named after the renowned Jain saint
'Lord Mahavira' was established as a national park in 1975,
in commemoration of his 2500th birth anniversary.
The main species of fauna
found here is the endangered Black Buck, which once inhabited
the grasslands and plains throughout India. Their main predator
was the now extinct cheetah. Their glossy white dotted bodies,
ranging from dark brown to black, accentuated by a white underbelly,
their large lustrous eyes and mouth surrounded by white, are
a study in contrast. There are over 400 black bucks (Amtelope
Cervicapara), about 500 Cheetals and large herds of wild boar.
Common animals seen here are monitor lizards, mongooses, porcupines
besides a variety of snakes. Several species of birds like
Partridges, Quails, peacocks, Doves, pond herons, egrets,
kingfishers, cormorants and birds of prey like kites, vultures
etc. are found here. A variety of migratory birds of over
80 species can also be seen round the year. Short-toed Eagle
is another rare species nesting in this area.
There are sheds for rest and
observation towers for viewing the animals. A van is provided
to take the visitors inside the park to see the animals from
close quarters. The safari rides are between 9.30 a.m. to
5.30 p.m. Rates of admission into Vanasthali in departmental
van or mini bus are Rs.5/- per adult and Rs.3.00 per child.
There is an exhibition hall displaying exhibits explaining
intricate problems of wildlife conservation.
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