Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Deesa, Gujarat India

Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary is situated in the Banaskantha district of Gujarat state and occupies an area of 180 square kilometers. The Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary of Gujarat lies in the forest tract of Jessore hill and endowed with rare and endangered flora and fauna species.

The forests of Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary of Gujarat serve to conserve the depletion of the ecosystem of the Aravali hills. This sanctuary separates the desert ecosystem from the dry deciduous type of ecosystem. The Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary of Gujarat harbors rare species of wildlife such as the sloth bear, leopard, sambar, blue bull, wildboar, porcupine, and a variety of birds.

Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary at Banaskantha shelters more than 15 threatened species of wildlife. The Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary in Gujarat has both scrub and desert thorn forest and seasonal water-bodies and grassy patches. 

Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary is situated in the Banaskantha district, 25 kms. from Palanpur. It was declared as Wildlife Sanctuary in May 1978. This 180.66 sq.km. forest tract of Jessore hill and adjoining area is endowed with several rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. The forests of the sanctuary play an important role in conservation of diminishing Aravali ecosystem. This area acts as a buffer and separates the desert ecosystem from the dry deciduous type of ecosystem. The tree clad terrain helps in arresting the process of desertification and advancement of Thar Desert. It is located in the folds of Aravali hills. Jessore hill is the second highest peak in Gujarat. The sanctuary is known more for the endangered Sloth Bear. The other important faunal species are leopards, Rhesus macaque, blue bull, Indian civet cat, porcupine, fox, striped, hyena, wild boar etc. The multistoried forest provides a suitable habitat for variety of birds ranging from land birds to water birds. The reptiles include snakes, tortoises and lizards of various types.

When I went in monsoon, nature was best in its beauty. A green carpet was put on by earth, and sweet voice of different birds can be heard thought the day. The lake in front of the tents and cottages was full of water. One can walk around the lake in the pleasant breeze. This is the best season to visit the sanctuary. 

Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary is situated in the Banaskantha district, 45 kms. from Palanpur. Declared as Wildlife Sanctuary in May 1978, this 180.66 sq.km. forest tract of Jessore hill and adjoining areas is endowed with several rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. The forests of the sanctuary play an important role in conservation of depleting Aravali ecosystem. This area act as a buffer and separates the desert ecosystem from the dry deciduous type of ecosystem. The tree clad terrain helps in arresting the process of desertification and advancement of Thar desert.