Barda Wildlife Sanctuary

Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is situated about 15km from Porbandar in Gujarat and spans roughly 192sq.km. Established in 1979, this hilly and green area was once a private reserve for the local royal families. The sanctuary features diverse landscapes with rivers like the Bileshvary and Joghri, two dams, and a range of forest types from tropical to thorny scrubs.

It is home to around 650 plant species, many of which are rare and used in traditional medicine. The region supports various ethnic communities, including Maldharis, Bharvads, Rabaris, and Gadhvis. Animal life there includes leopards, hyenas, wild boars, wolves, jackals, blue bulls, and several endangered bird species. Recognized for its rich ecology, the sanctuary has recently gained attention as a potential second home for Asiatic lions as part of ongoing conservation efforts, with the Gujarat government working to strengthen its prey base and habitat quality.

Barda’s natural resources also play an important role in balancing the local water systems and providing ecological stability to the surrounding farmlands and communities.