about
Flora & fauna of sanctuary
The sanctuary is centered on the historic Karnala Fort and certified as an Important Bird Area (IBA).
The bird sanctuary is a popular destination for bird-watchers and hikers. Following eight species endemic to Western Ghats has been found in Karnala: Grey-fronted Green-pigeon (Treron affinis), Nilgiri Woodpigeon (Columba elphinstonii), Malabar (Blue-winged) Parakeet (Psittacula columboides), Malabar Grey Hornbill (Ocyceros griseus), White-cheeked Barbet (Megalaima viridis), Malabar Lark (Galerida malabarica), Small Sunbird (Leptocoma minima) and Vigor's Sunbird (Aethopyga vigorsii).
Five rare birds, the ashy minivet, three-toed kingfisher, Malabar trogon, Slaty-legged Crake (Rallina eurizonoides), and Rufous-bellied Eagle (Lophotriorchis kienerii) have been sighted here.
Karnala Bird Sanctuary is also home to 114 species of butterflies and home to various mammals like wild boar, muntjak, langur and four-horned antelope. Few years back, there was also a reported sighting of leopard at Karnala which appeared in sanctuary after many years.
The forest cover is mainly moist deciduous type with the different kind of trees found here including the Kulu, kalam, mango, nana, asana, teak and umber. The forest provides for perfect conditions for a thriving bird as well as wildlife population.
