wildlife-sanctuary

CHANDIGARH

Wildlife

Sanctuary

Explore

Sukhna

CHANDIGARH

Wild Variety

of Flora & Fauna

Discover

Sukhna

CHANDIGARH

Encounter &

Experience

Wildlife

Sukhna

CHANDIGARH

Wildlife

Home to Migratory Birds

Attraction

Sukhna

CHANDIGARH

Wildlife

Conservation Balancing

Nature

Sukhna

About us

Sukhna wildlife sanctuary is located in the Shivalik foothills of Chandigarh city near Sukhna lake and is spread over an area of 2600 hectares. The Shivalik region along with the adjoining plains have come under heavy thrust of human pressure due to commercial, industrial and economic activities.

The Sukhna WLS was created out from the Reserved Forests of Chandigarh UT for the purpose of protecting, propagating and developing wildlife and its environment. Sukhna WLS on Chandigarh’s periphery which augment the ecological, environmental and aesthetic richness of the city beautiful.

Attractions at Sukhna Wildlife Mammals

Along with plant biodiversity Sukhna WLS harbors a wide range of faunal biodiversity. The main herbivores of this sanctuary are Sambar (Cervus unicolor), Chital (Axis axis), Wild boar (Suscrofacristratus), Porcupine (Hystrix indica), Hare (Caprolagushispidus), Rhesus macaque, Hanuman Langur, Fire-striped Palm Squirrel, Pangolin (ant eater), etc. Among carnivores Leopard (Panthera pardus) is the only large cat found in the sanctuary. However, Jackal, Small Indian Civet, Jungle Cat, Porcupine, Common-Mongoose, Common rat, Squirrel etc. are also present.

Attractions at Sukhna Wildlife
Reptiles

There are varieties of reptiles including snakes like Indian Cobra, Rat Snake, Common Krait, Russell‟s viper, Indian Python etc. Two types of tortoises, Common Monitor Lizard (Gho), are also found and 3-4 types of lizards have been observed. One of these has brilliant vermilion colour during mating season.

Attractions at Sukhna wildlife
Birds & Insects

The forest of Sukhna WLS is very rich in avifauna. Prominent ones are Peacock, Red vented fowl, Grey partridge, Cuckoos, Night jars, Golden Oriole, Kingfishers, Swifts, Hoopoes, Hornbills, Barbets, Woodpeckers, Rollers, Barn owls, Parrots, Doves, Jacanas, Plovers, Coots, Hawks, Geese, Swan, Ducks, Grebes, Black Drongo, Tree pie, Jungle crow, Bulbul, hill myna, Koel, Bee-eater, Common Myna etc. At least five species of birds recorded during the survey of the sanctuary and adjoining Sukhna Lake have been listed in IUCN Red List of globally threatened animals. These species are mainly inhabiting grassland and aquatic habitats besides some are scavengers (carrion feeders)