Ecology
In the heart of central India lies the Nawegaon Nagzira landscape, cradled by the Winganga, Chulbandh, and Gadvi river basins. This verdant expanse is marked by seasonal rivulets that come to life with the arrival of the monsoon, transforming the parched summer terrain into a lush haven for flora and fauna.
As the first drops of rain touch the thirsty earth, a symphony of life begins. The dry riverbeds fill rapidly, their banks swelling with the rush of water, carrying the promise of sustenance to every corner of the landscape. The Winganga, Chulbandh, and Gadvi rivers, along with their smaller tributaries, weave a network of lifelines, ensuring that even the farthest reaches of Nawegaon Nagzira receive the life-giving essence of water.
With the onset of the monsoon, the landscape awakens from its summer slumber. The once-dormant seeds, lying patiently in the soil, burst forth in vibrant greens. Grasslands spread like a verdant carpet, while wildflowers dot the scene with splashes of red, yellow, and blue. Trees, which stood as skeletal silhouettes against the summer sky, now don their lush foliage, creating a canopy that shelters the diverse life below.
The rich hydrology of Nawegaon Nagzira supports an intricate web of life. In the rejuvenated rivers, fish dart playfully, providing a vital food source for the numerous bird species that flock to the area. The wetlands, replenished by the monsoon rains, become bustling hubs of activity as frogs, insects, and small mammals emerge in abundance. The rhythmic croaking of frogs and the buzz of insects add to the melody of the forest, creating a chorus that celebrates the season.
Herbivores such as deer and gaur, drawn by the abundant greenery, graze peacefully, while predators like tigers and leopards, sleek and powerful, patrol their territories, ensuring the delicate balance of the ecosystem. The forest floor, now moist and fertile, becomes a playground for smaller creatures like the elusive pangolin and the industrious ant, each playing their part in the grand tapestry of life.
Birds of myriad species fill the air with their songs, their plumage adding flashes of color to the verdant landscape. The wetlands attract migratory birds, turning Nawegaon Nagzira into a birdwatcher's paradise. The sight of a peacock dancing in the rain or the call of a distant hornbill creates moments of wonder for those lucky enough to witness them.
The Nawegaon Nagzira landscape, supported by its rich hydrology, becomes a haven for flora and fauna with each monsoon. It is a testament to nature's resilience and the intricate connections that sustain life. The rains bring renewal, and in this timeless cycle, the landscape thrives, offering a sanctuary where the harmony of nature can be seen, heard, and felt in all its glorious diversity.
Flora
Major flora of the Reserve includes Terminalia tomentosa, Lagerstroemia parviflora, Anogeissus lotifolia, Pterocarpus marsupium, Diospyrus melanoxylon, Ougeinia oojeinensis, Tectona grandis, Bombax ceiba, Lannea grandis, Boswellia serrata, Adina cordifolia, Xylia xylocarpa, Terminalia arjuna, Syzygium cuminii, Schleichera oleosa, Terminalia chebula, Sterculia urens, Holarrhena antidysenterica, Wrightia tinctoria, Woodfordia fruticose, Helicteres isora etc.
Fauna
Major fauna of the Reserve includes Panthera tigris, Panthera pardus, Viverricula indica, Paradoxurus hermaphroditus, Canis lupus, Canis aureus, Cuon alpinus, Melurusus ursinus, Mellivora capensis, Ratufa indica, Bos gaurus, Rusa unicolor, Axis axis, Tetracerus quadricornis Tragulidae, Manis crassicaudata etc