In News:

A significant wildlife discovery has been made at Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra, where the Eurasian goshawk, a large bird of prey, was spotted for the first time. This marks the first documented instance of the Eurasian goshawk in the sanctuary, although the species has been previously recorded in Maharashtra three times.

About the Eurasian Goshawk

• Scientific Name: Accipiter gentilis
• Description: A powerful raptor known for its short, broad wings and long tail.
• Habitat: Dense forests, particularly coniferous and mixed woodlands across Europe, Asia, and parts of North America.
• Winter Visitor: The Eurasian goshawk is a winter visitor to India, making this sighting at Tansa particularly noteworthy.

Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary

• Located in the foothills of the Western Ghats in Thane District, Maharashtra, Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary covers 320 sq. km.
• Positioned approximately 90 km northeast of Mumbai, it serves as a vital catchment area for Tansa Lake and is bordered by the Tansa and Vaitarna rivers.

Flora and Fauna

The sanctuary boasts a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including:

• 200 bird species
• 54 animal species, including endangered animals like:
  • Panther
  • Hyena
  • Barking Deer
• Notable species include:
  • Critically Endangered vultures
  • Vulnerable Pallas’s fish-eagle

Vegetation and Landscape

• Southern Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest with patches of Evergreen Forest.
• Flora includes trees like Kalamb, Bibla, Khair, Hed, Teak, and Bamboo.

Avian Discoveries

Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary is also renowned for its avian discoveries, such as the critically endangered Forest Owlet, which was first documented here in 2014. This discovery highlighted the sanctuary’s significance for bird conservation.

Conservation Efforts and Ecological Role

The sighting of the Eurasian goshawk further emphasizes the critical need for ongoing conservation efforts at Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary.

Role of the Eurasian Goshawk in Ecosystem

As a bird of prey, the Eurasian goshawk plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling populations of smaller mammals and birds.

Though listed as "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List, the Eurasian goshawk’s presence underscores the sanctuary’s importance in the region’s biodiversity.