Flora and Fauna
Flora:
The sanctuary is a freshwater ecosystem. The plant species of Typha, Ipomoea and Acacia cover the periphery of the waterline, while agricultural fields surround the reservoir and the river. Some of the major tree species found are Ipomea, Babool, Prosopis, Vallisneria, Eichornia, Reeds.
Fauna:
The sanctuary is a riverine habitat supporting Mugger crocodile and fresh water turtles. The sanctuary is home to prawns, molluscs, and fishes like catla, rohu, murrel, eel, karugu and chidwa . Among reptiles, monitor lizard, mugger crocodile, turtles and cobra are present. The Indian hare, wild boar, mongoose and jackal are also present.
Avifauna:
Around 73 species of birds are present in the sanctuary. A large flock of Common Teal and Cotton Pygmy-goose is found. Sometimes more than 1,500 Ruddy Shelduck are seen. Upstream of the Manjeera lake, a large number of cranes and barheaded geese. Fourteen species of birds breed in the sanctuary, some of them are: Darter, Asian Openbill, Painted Stork, Eurasian Coot and Black-crowned Night Heron.
In recent time the Vulnerable species Lesser Adjutant and Indian Skimmer have been spotted at the sanctuary. The Near Threatened species Darter, Painted Stork, Oriental White Ibis are also present in the sanctuary.
Some of the other birds found in the sanctuary are : little egret, cormorant, pochard, spoonbill, Brahminy duck, pintail, kite, partridge, quail, peacock and open billed stork.
Read more about this topic: Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary
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