Yedshi Ramling Ghat Wildlife Sanctuary – The Wildlife Sanctuary

Yedshi Ramling Ghat Wildlife Sanctuary – The Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary is situated in the Balaghat mountain range of the Western Ghats (Sahyadri).  The sanctuary covers an area of about 22.83 sq. kms. This sanctuary serves as a vital habitat for various plant and animal species, contributing to the preservation of biodiversity and the ecological balance of the region. The Barsi Light Railway line built in 1907 connecting Kurduwadi to Latur passes through the sanctuary. The best time to visit Yedshi Ramling Wildlife Sanctuary is from October to June. There is a forest rest house at Yedshi. There is a railway rest house on Durgadevi hilltop near Ramling temple.

Flora:

The forest in the reserve is comprised of South tropical (regional) arid deciduous forests and thorny forests. Most of the forest area is hilly wooded land with patches of scrub land. The common trees found are Apta, Sag, Sandalwood, Guggul / Salai, Neem, Bhera, Garadi, Savar, Ain, Bor, Dhaman, Sitaphal, Saada, Moh, Medshing, Behda, Acacia catechu (Khair), Acacia leucophloea (Hiwar), Acacia nilotica (Babul), Aegle marmelos (Bel), Albizzia lebbek, Albizzia procera, Anogeissus latifolia (Dhawda), Butea monosperma (Palas), Boswellia serrata (Salaia), Ficus and Terminalia species. The common shrubs found in this reserve are Vites negundo, zizyphus species, Cassia auriculata (tarwad), Carissa carandas, Helicteres isora (Murudsheng) and Ghaneri shrubs. Apart from these, the forest department has planted a large number of trees like Bor, Shisam, Subabhul, Glyricidia here.

Fauna:

The main fauna found in this reserve are leopard, hyaena, wild cat, sloth bear, black buck, jackal, wolf, fox, monitor lizards, cobra, krait, python, rat snake, monkey, porcupine, barking deer, chinkara, and hares. The sanctuary recorded more than 100 species of birds. Some of the birds found here are peacock, black duck, and ashy crowned sparrow lark.