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GENERAL
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WILD ANIMALS AND BIRDS
Wild Animals. Forests in this district are very poor in wild life due to the existence of forests in patches surrounded by cultivations. Wild life is mostly confined to the forests of Naranala, Medsi, Patur, Chikhalwal, Palodi, Shendona and East and West Morna Blocks.
Tiger. Of the wild animals, tigers (Wagha or Sher) (Panthera tigris) are very few in number and are found only in Narnala forests, as this forest is somewhat undisturbed and more or less natural and adjoins the Melghat forests which is rich in wild life.
Panther. Panther, Bibtya, Bibart or Tendua (Pantheru Pardus) is confined to the forests of Narnala, Chikhalwal, Medsi, Patur, Palodi, Shendona and West Morna Block of Akola range, specially in those areas which are nearer to the villages. Panthers are fairly large in size. Cattle-lifter panthers are common in the district.
Bear. Sloth-bear, Bhalu-Rich or Aswal (Melursus ursinus) is found only in Narnala forests. Due to its habit of unprovoked attack, it is much feared by local villagers. It is more confined to open grassy patches, rocky areas with fruit trees like ber, mohawa, etc.
Other carnivorous animals found in the district are Kolha, Jackal (Canis aureus), and Wild Cat Ran-manjar, (Felis chaus)
In the forests of this district very few varieties of herbivorous animals are found. Their number is also very small. Sambhar (Rusa arislotelis) are generally noticed in the forests of Chikhalwal, Patur, Palodi, Shendona and Ansing, whereas Chitals or spotted deer (Axis maculatus) are found in the forests of Patur, Chikhalwal, Morgawhan and West and East Morna blocks. Blue-bulls or Nilgais (Boselephas tragocamelus) are common in the forest of Palodi, Morgawhan and East Morna Block of Washim range. Common Indian langurs or Monkeys or Bunders (Senmopithecus entelkus) and Rabbits (Lepus ruficaudatus) commonly called as Khargosh or Sassa are very common all over the forests of Akola district.
Birds. Pea-fowl or Mor (Pavo cristatus) is a fairly noticeable bird in the forest areas of Narnala, Chikhalwal, Medsi, Patur and West Morna Block of Akola range, while grey-wild fowl or Jangli-murgi (Galtus Sonnerati) is seen in the Narnala forests. Different varities of water birds are also noticeable in fluvial water located in Adsul, Karanja, Amna and West Morna Block of Akola range. It will thus be seen that Narnala forest is comparatively rich in wild life in the whole district though fauna in general is very poor in the district.
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