CORINGA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY (CWS)

PRELIMS BITS – WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Location: Situated in the Godavari estuary, where the Coringa River meets the Bay of Bengal, in Andhra Pradesh’s Kakinada district.

Unique Features

1. Mangroves:
   • India’s second-largest mangrove forest.
   • Vital habitat for species like the endangered Fishing Cat.
2. Biodiversity:
   • Home to the Indian smooth-coated otter and Olive Ridley turtles.
   • Rich avian population, including the Brahminy kite and black-capped kingfisher.
3. Hope Island:
   • A natural barrier protecting the sanctuary from sea erosion.

Significance
The sanctuary supports endangered species, including the Fishing Cat, and is pivotal for wetland and mangrove conservation in India. The upcoming Fishing Cat Collaring Project will provide valuable insights into the species’ behavior and contribute to wetland protection efforts.