Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary

Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary has strong summers when the temperature ranges between 37 degrees and 21 degrees Celsius. The summer months remain between the months of March and May. Temperatures fall to a minimum of 10 degree Celsius in the winter season that remains from November and February. Monsoons see extensive rains and stays in the months of June and September. Rainfall varies from 9.0 to 693 mm/month and the average rainfall recorded is 725 mm annually. This is when the vegetation gets a chance to rejuvenate and propagate.

Visitors find the months between January and March as the most perfect time to visit the Sanctuary. The winter is at its peak and the climate is moderate during this time. Longer excursions are often held during this time for the students.

Fauna

The forest in the sanctuary provides the perfect habitat conditions for a variety of birds and animals. There are at least 54 species of animals and 230 species of birds that has been recorded till date in the sanctuary. Major wild animals are Leopard, Nilgai, Sloth bears, Wild boar, Jungle cat, Bats, Chinkara, Leopard cat, Civet cat, Barking deer, Wanderoo, Monkey, Fox, Jackal, Langoor, Hare, Bats, Grey Langur, Dhole, Wolf and more. Among the bird species, most notable ones are Storks, Cranes, Ibis, Pochards, Spoonbills, and many other species of Waders. Peafowl has much dominance in the area along with the ground birds such as patridges, quail, Jugale fowl. Reptiles includes snakes-Cobra, Keel backviper, Python, Krait, Rat snake are seen. Monitor Lizzard is also commonly spotted in this sanctuary.

Flora

The area is clearly dominated by dry deciduous forest and has stunted tree growth. Major tree species that are prevalent in the area includes Anjan, Dhawada and Khair. The tree heights are on an average less than ten meters. Hills top regions in the sanctuary have sparse vegetation and the slopes are covered with Euphorbia spp. River valleys support the moist zone species such as Arjun and Chandan valleys but have got diversified vegetation.

In the past, efforts were done to do afforestation through various plantation schemes along with intensive soil and water conservation works. Grass lands at hill tops, plain growth have good growth of grasses and it is necessary to preserve them. Thus, the diversified vegetation scattered intermittently throughout the sanctuary supports the rich faunal diversity. This habitat is particularly good for sloth bear habitat and exceptional for the resident birds as well as for the migratory species.