A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographic region with significant levels of biodiversity that is threatened by human habitation. Norman Myers wrote about the concept in two articles in The Environmentalist in 1988 and 1990, after which the concept was revised following thorough analysis by Myers and others into "Hotspots: Earth's Biologically Richest and Most Endangered Terrestrial Ecoregions" and a paper published in the journal Nature , both in 2000.
57-577: Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is located in northeastern Goa , India in Ponda taluka . The total area of the park is 8 km. It is a popular destination for both tourists and schoolchildren. A wide variety of animal life can be encountered, including: sambar deer , Indian bison , Malabar giant squirrel , Indian peafowl and many species of snakes. Bondla provides sanctuary to leopards who have been injured in human-wildlife conflict, as well as "dancing" bears and cobras who, along with their trainers, need
114-506: A privateer . They set up a permanent settlement in Velha Goa (Old Goa). This was the beginning of Portuguese colonial rule in Goa that would last for four and a half centuries, until its annexation by India in 1961 . The Goa Inquisition , a formal tribunal, was established in 1560, and was finally abolished in 1812. From the latter decades of the eighteenth century, the territory of Goa
171-575: A 2021 report, over 50% of the permanent resident population is of non-Goan origin, outnumbering the native ethnic Goan population. Languages in Goa (2011) Biodiversity hotspot To qualify as a biodiversity hotspot on Myers' 2000 edition of the hotspot map, a region must meet two strict criteria: it must contain at least 1,500 species of vascular plants (more than 0.5% of the world's total) as endemics , and it has to have lost at least 70% of its primary vegetation. Globally, 36 zones qualify under this definition. These sites support nearly 60% of
228-755: A clear majority, forming the new government with Manohar Parrikar as the Chief Minister. Other parties include the United Goans Democratic Party , the Nationalist Congress Party . In the 2017 assembly elections , the Indian National Congress gained the most seats, with the BJP coming in second. However, no party was able to gain a majority in the 40 member house. The BJP was invited to form
285-591: A decline in the importance of this sector and also a fall in the catch, due perhaps, to traditional fishing giving way to large-scale mechanised trawling. Medium-scale industries include the manufacturing of pesticides, fertilizers, tires, tubes, footwear, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, wheat products, steel rolling, fruits and fish canning, cashew nuts, textiles, brewery products. Currently, there are 16 planned SEZs in Goa. The Goa government has recently decided to not allow any more Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Goa after strong opposition to them by political parties and
342-524: A half times as high as the GDP per capita of the country as a whole. The Eleventh Finance Commission of India named Goa the best-placed state because of its infrastructure, and India's National Commission on Population rated it as having the best quality of life in India (based on the commission's "12 Indicators"). It is the second-highest ranking among Indian states in the human development index . Panaji
399-572: A new life after this treatment of endangered wildlife. Bondla zoo is known for its successful breeding of gaur . As it is the only zoo in Goa, many visit the zoo. The zoo provides an excellent environment to breed and do researches on animals 15°26′N 74°07′E / 15.44°N 74.11°E / 15.44; 74.11 This article about protected areas of India is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Goa Goa ( / ˈ ɡ oʊ ə / ; Konkani: [ɡõːj] ; Portuguese: [ˈɡoɐ] )
456-470: A single centrally administered union territory of India. On 16 January 1967 a referendum was held in Goa, to decide the future of the Union Territory of Goa, Daman and Diu . It was the only referendum to have been held in independent India. The referendum offered the people of Goa a choice between continuing as a union territory or merging with the state of Maharashtra and the majority chose
513-536: A uniform code based on the Napoleonic code was retained in Goa as well as the union territory of Damaon, Diu & Silvassa . Goa has a unicameral legislature , the Goa Legislative Assembly , of 40 members, headed by a speaker. The chief minister heads the executive, which is made up of the party or coalition elected with a majority in the legislature. The governor, the head of the state,
570-430: Is Goa's primary industry: it gets 12% of foreign tourist arrivals in India. Goa has two main tourist seasons: winter and summer. In winter, tourists from abroad (mainly Europe) come, and summer (which, in Goa, is the rainy season) sees tourists from across India. Goa's net state domestic product (NSDP) was around US$ 7.24 billion in 2015–16. The land away from the coast is rich in minerals and ores, and mining forms
627-720: Is a state on the southwestern coast of India within the Konkan region, geographically separated from the Deccan highlands by the Western Ghats . It is bound by the Indian states of Maharashtra to the north, and Karnataka to the east and south, with the Arabian Sea in the west. It is India's smallest state by area and fourth-smallest by population . Goa has the highest GDP per capita among all Indian states, two and
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#1732775371657684-459: Is a substantial area under private forests and a large tract under cashew, mango, coconut, etc. plantations, the total forest and tree cover constitutes 56.6% of the geographic area. Goa's state domestic product for 2017 is estimated at $ 11 billion at current prices. Goa is India's richest state with the highest GDP per capita—two and a half times that of the country—with one of its fastest growth rates: 8.23% (yearly average 1990–2000). Tourism
741-462: Is also one of the few states in India to achieve 100 per cent rural electrification. A native of Goa is called a Goan . Goa has a population of 1.459 million residents as of 2011, making it the fourth least populated state of India after Sikkim , Mizoram , and Arunachal Pradesh . Population density of Goa is 394 per km which is higher than national average 382 per km . Goa is the state with highest proportion of urban population with 62.17% of
798-517: Is appointed by the president of India . After having stable governance for nearly thirty years up to 1990, Goa is now notorious for its political instability having seen fourteen governments in the span of the fifteen years between 1990 and 2005. In March 2005, the assembly was dissolved by the Governor and President's Rule was declared, which suspended the legislature. A by-election in June 2005 saw
855-599: Is received during the monsoon season. The state is divided into two civil districts — North Goa and South Goa . Each district is administered by a District Collector , appointed by the Government of India . Panaji (Panjim) is the headquarters of North Goa district and is also the capital of Goa. North Goa is further divided into three subdivisions—Panaji, Mapusa , and Bicholim ; and five talukas (subdistricts)— Tiswadi (Panaji), Bardez ( Mapusa ), Pernem , Bicholim , and Sattari ( Valpoi ). Margao (Madgaon)
912-539: Is the headquarters of the South Goa district. It is also the cultural and commercial capital of Goa. South Goa is further divided into five subdivisions— Ponda , Mormugao - Vasco , Margao, Quepem , and Dharbandora ; and seven talukas — Ponda , Mormugao , Salcete ( Margao ), Quepem , and Canacona ( Chaudi ), Sanguem , and Dharbandora . Goa's major cities are— Panaji , Margao , Vasco - Mormugao , Mapusa , Ponda , Bicholim , and Valpoi . Panaji (Panjim) has
969-576: Is the state's capital, while Vasco da Gama is its largest city. The historic city of Margão in Goa still exhibits the cultural influence of the Portuguese , who first voyaged to the subcontinent in the early 16th century as merchants, and conquered it soon thereafter, whereupon Goa became an overseas territory of the Portuguese Empire , part of what was then known as Portuguese India , and remained as such for about 456 years until it
1026-501: The Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary , Molem Wildlife Sanctuary , Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary , Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary , Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary , and Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary . Goa has more than 33% of its geographic area under government forests (1,224.38 km or 472.74 sq mi) of which about 62% has been brought under Protected Areas (PA) of Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Park. Since there
1083-654: The Cidade da Nova Goa (City of New Goa), today known as Panaji (Panjim), from Velha Goa ( Old Goa ). By the mid-18th century, Portuguese expansions lost other possessions in India until their borders stabilised and formed the Goa, Daman and Diu , which included Silvassa prior to the Annexation, it was known as Estado da Índia in Portuguese , that is the "State of Portuguese India". Some wealthy Goan zamindars such as Baron Dempo and Viscount Deshprabhu were included in
1140-862: The Mandovi river . The seat of the Goa Legislative Assembly is in Porvorim , across the Mandovi from Panaji. The state's highest judiciary is the Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court , a branch of the Bombay High Court permanently seated at Panjim. Unlike other states, which follow the model of personal laws framed for individual religions introduced in the days of British Raj , the Portuguese Civil Code of Goa and Damaon ,
1197-593: The Pinto Revolt led by a Goan noble family who revolted against the Portuguese due to racial discrimination in administration and clergy. They were betrayed by a member of the revolt. The Portuguese government executed some of the family members, while others, such as Abbe Faria , went on to join the French Revolution . This remains legend in Goa today. In 1843, the Portuguese moved the capital to
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#17327753716571254-569: The Portuguese nobility . After India gained independence from British rule in 1947, India requested that Portuguese territories on the Indian subcontinent be ceded to India. Portugal refused to negotiate on the sovereignty of its Indian enclaves. On 19 December 1961, the Indian Army invaded with Operation Vijay resulting in the annexation of Goa , and of Daman and Diu islands into the Indian union. Goa, Daman and Diu , were organised as
1311-771: The 2nd century AD), Western Kshatrapas (around 150 AD), the Abhiras of Western Maharashtra, Bhojas of Goa , and the Konkan Mauryas as feudatories of the Kalachuris . The rule later passed to the Chalukyas of Badami , who controlled it between 578 and 753, and later the Rashtrakutas of Malkhed from 753 to 963. From 765 to 1015, the Southern Silharas of Konkan ruled Goa as the feudatories of
1368-736: The Chalukyas and the Rashtrakutas. Over the next few centuries, Goa was successively ruled by the Kadambas as the feudatories of the Chalukyas of Kalyani . They patronised Jainism in Goa . In 1312, Goa came under the governance of the Delhi Sultanate . The kingdom's grip on the region was weak, and by 1370 it was forced to surrender it to Harihara I of the Vijayanagara Empire . The Vijayanagara monarchs held on to
1425-535: The Cumbarjua canal, forming a major estuarine complex. These rivers are fed by the Southwest monsoon rain and their basin covers 69% of the state's geographical area. These rivers are some of the busiest in India. Goa has more than 40 estuarine, eight marine, and about 90 riverine islands. The total navigable length of Goa's rivers is 253 km (157 mi). Goa has more than 300 ancient water tanks built during
1482-501: The Goa Catholic Church. Goa is also notable for its low-priced beer, wine, and spirits prices due to its very low excise duty on alcohol. Another main source of cash inflow to the state is remittance, from many of its citizens who work abroad, to their families. It is said to have some of the largest bank savings in the country. In 1976 Goa became the first state in India to legalise some types of gambling. This enabled
1539-661: The Government by Governor Mridula Sinha . The Congress claimed the use of money power on the part of the BJP and took the case to the Supreme Court. However, the Manohar Parikkar led Government was able to prove its majority in the Supreme Court mandated "floor test". == Flora and fauna == Equatorial forest cover in Goa stands at 1,500 km (579 sq mi), most of which is owned by
1596-773: The Indian National Congress coming back to power after winning three of the five seats that went to polls. The Congress Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are the two largest parties in the state. In the assembly poll of 2007, the INC-led coalition won and formed the government. In the 2012 Vidhan Sabha Elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party along with the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party won
1653-724: The People), the lower house of the national Parliament of India . It is also has one member of parliament in the Rajya Sabha (Council of the States), the upper house of the Indian parliament. Goa's administrative capital is based in Panaji , often referred as Panjim in English, Pangim in Portuguese and Ponjê in Konkani , the official language of the state. It lies on the left bank of
1710-662: The Western Ghats range of mountains, which separate it from the Deccan Plateau . The highest point is the Sonsogor Peak, with an altitude of 1,026 m (3,366 ft). Goa has a coastline of 160 km (99 mi). Goa's seven major rivers are the Mandovi , Zuari , Terekhol , Chapora , Galgibag, Cumbarjua canal, Talpona, and the Sal . The Zuari and the Mandovi are the most important rivers, interspaced by
1767-668: The aboriginal locals, forming the base of early Goan culture. In the 3rd century BC, Goa was part of the Maurya Empire , ruled by the Buddhist emperor, Ashoka of Magadha . Buddhist monks laid the foundation of Buddhism in Goa. Between the 2nd century BC and the 6th century AD, Goa was ruled by the Bhojas of Goa . Chutus of Karwar also ruled some parts as feudatories of the Satavahanas of Kolhapur (2nd century BC to
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1824-719: The current levels at which deforestation is occurring, will likely lose most of their plant and vertebrate species. Only a small percentage of the total land area within biodiversity hotspots is now protected. Several international organizations are working to conserve biodiversity hotspots. Most biodiversity exists within the tropics; likewise, most hotspots are tropical. Of the 36 biodiversity hotspots, 15 are classified as old, climatically-buffered, infertile landscapes (OCBILs). These areas have been historically isolated from interactions with other climate zones, but recent human interaction and encroachment have put these historically safe hotspots at risk. OCBILs have mainly been threatened by
1881-613: The earliest known traces of human life in India. Goa, situated within the Shimoga-Goa Greenstone Belt in the Western Ghats (an area composed of metavolcanics , iron formations and ferruginous quartzite), yields evidence for Acheulean occupation. Rock art engravings (petroglyphs) are present on laterite platforms and granite boulders in Usgalimal near the west flowing Kushavati river and in Kajur. In Kajur,
1938-425: The former. On 30 May 1987, the union territory was split, and Goa was made India's twenty-fifth state, with Daman and Diu remaining a union territory. Goa encompasses an area of 3,702 km (1,429 sq mi). It lies between the latitudes 14°53′54″ N and 15°40′00″ N and longitudes 73°40′33″ E and 74°20′13″ E. Goa is a part of the coastal country known as the Konkan , which is an escarpment rising up to
1995-554: The government as a palm (like grass), enabling farmers and real estate developers to clear land with fewer restrictions. Rice is the main food crop, and pulses (legume), Ragi (Finger Millet), and other food crops are also grown. Main cash crops are arecanut, coconut, cashew nut, sugar cane, and fruits like banana, mango, and pineapple. Goa's state animal is the Gaur , the state bird is the Flame-throated Bulbul , and
2052-506: The government. Government-owned forest is estimated at 1,300 km (502 sq mi) while private is given as 200 km (77 sq mi). Most of the forests in the state are located in the interior eastern regions of the state. The Western Ghats , which form most of eastern Goa, have been internationally recognised as one of the biodiversity hotspots of the world. In the February 1999 issue of National Geographic Magazine , Goa
2109-448: The jungles of Goa. The avifauna (bird species) includes kingfisher, myna and parrot. Numerous types of fish are also caught off the coast of Goa and in its rivers. Crab, lobster, shrimp, jellyfish, oysters, and catfish are the basis of the marine fishery. Goa also has a high snake population. Goa has many famous "National Parks", including the renowned Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary on the island of Chorão . Other wildlife sanctuaries include
2166-491: The land but have lost around 85% of their area. This loss of habitat is why approximately 60% of the world's terrestrial life lives on only 2.4% of the land surface area. Caribbean Islands like Haiti and Jamaica are facing serious pressures on the populations of endemic plants and vertebrates as a result of rapid deforestation. Other areas include the Tropical Andes, Philippines, Mesoamerica, and Sundaland, which, under
2223-461: The oldest rocks in the Indian subcontinent are found in Goa between Molem and Anmod on Goa's border with Karnataka . The rocks are classified as Trondjemeitic Gneiss estimated to be 3,600 million years old, dated by rubidium isotope dating . A specimen of the rock is exhibited at Goa University . Goa features a tropical monsoon climate under the Köppen climate classification . Goa, being in
2280-447: The only Municipal Corporation in Goa. There are thirteen Municipal Councils —Margao, Mormugao (merged with Vasco), Pernem, Mapusa, Bicholim, Sanquelim , Valpoi, Ponda, Cuncolim , Quepem, Curchorem , Sanguem, and Canacona. Goa has a total number of 334 villages. The politics of Goa are a result of the uniqueness of this region due to 450 years of Portuguese rule, in comparison to three centuries of British rule experienced by most of
2337-414: The population living in urban areas. The sex ratio is 973 females to 1,000 males. The birth rate was 15.70 per 1,000 people in 2007. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes make up 1.74% and 10.23% of the population respectively. As of the 2011 census, over 76% of the population was born in Goa, while just over half of migrants to the state are from the neighbouring states of Karnataka and Maharashtra. As per
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2394-686: The rare biodiversity hotspots of the world. After the Bahmani - Bijapuri city of Goa was captured by Afonso de Albuquerque in 1510, and made the capital of the Estado da Índia , the city gave its name to the contiguous territories. The origin of the city name "Goa" is unclear. In ancient literature , Goa was known by many names, such as Gomanchala , Gopakapattana , Gopakapattam , Gopakapuri , Govapuri , Govem , and Gomantak . Other historical names for Goa are Sindapur , Sandabur , and Mahassapatam . Rock art engravings found in Goa are one of
2451-721: The relocation of indigenous groups and military actions, as the infertile ground has previously dissuaded human populations. The conservation of OCBILs within biodiversity hotspots has started to garner attention because current theories believe these sites provide not only high levels of biodiversity, but they have relatively stable lineages and the potential for high levels of speciation in the future. Because these sites are relatively stable, they can be classified as refugia . North and Central America The Caribbean South America Europe Africa Central Asia South Asia Southeast Asia and Asia-Pacific East Asia West Asia The high profile of
2508-591: The rest of India. The Indian National Congress was unable to achieve electoral success in the first two decades after the State's incorporation into India. Instead, the state was dominated by the regional political parties like Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party and the United Goans Party . Goa has two members of parliament (MP) elected from each district representing the state in the Lok Sabha (House of
2565-417: The rock engravings of animals, tectiforms and other designs in granite have been associated with what is considered to be a megalithic stone circle with a round granite stone in the centre. Petroglyphs , cones, stone-axe, and choppers dating to 10,000 years ago have been found in various locations in Goa, including Kazur, Mauxim, and the Mandovi - Zuari basin. Recently these petroglyphs have been included in
2622-615: The rule of the Kadamba dynasty and over 100 medicinal springs. Mormugao harbour on the mouth of the Zuari river is considered one of the best natural harbours in South Asia. Most of Goa's soil cover is made up of laterites rich in ferric-aluminum oxides and reddish in colour. Further inland and along the riverbanks, the soil is mostly alluvial and loamy . The soil is rich in minerals and humus, thus conducive to agriculture. Some of
2679-473: The second largest industry. Iron, bauxite, manganese, clays, limestone, and silica are mined. The Mormugao port handled 31.69 a million tonnes of cargo in 2007, which was 39% of India's total iron ore exports. Sesa Goa (now owned by Vedanta Resources) and Dempo are the lead miners. Rampant mining has been depleting the forest cover as well as posing a health hazard to the local population. Corporations are also mining illegally in some areas. During 2015–16,
2736-401: The state to levy taxes on gambling, thereby strengthening the economy. There are several casinos available in Goa. In 2018-2019 tax revenue from casinos reached Rs 414 crore. Goa is the second state in India to achieve a 100 per cent automatic telephone system with a solid network of telephone exchanges. As of September 2017, Goa had a total installed power generation capacity of 547.88 MW. Goa
2793-565: The state tree is the Indian Laurel . The important forest products are bamboo canes, Maratha barks, chillar barks, and the bhirand . Coconut palm trees are common throughout Goa barring the elevated regions. A variety of deciduous trees, such as teak, Sal tree, cashew, and mango trees are present. Fruits include jackfruit, mango, pineapple, and blackberry. Goa's forests are rich in medicinal plants.{{Citation needed |date=February 2023}} Foxes, wild boar and migratory birds are found in
2850-416: The tentative list of UNESCO world heritage sites . Evidence of Paleolithic life is visible at Dabolim, Adkon, Shigao, Fatorpa, Arli, Maulinguinim, Diwar, Sanguem, Pilerne, and Aquem-Margaon. Difficulty in carbon dating the laterite rock compounds poses a problem for determining the exact time period. Early Goan society underwent radical change when Indo-Aryan and Dravidian migrants amalgamated with
2907-532: The territory until 1469 when it was appropriated by the Bahmani Sultanate . After that dynasty crumbled, the area fell into the hands of the Sultanate of Bijapur , who established as their auxiliary capital the city known under the Portuguese as Velha Goa (or Old Goa). In 1510, the Portuguese defeated the ruling Bijapur sultan Yusuf Adil Shah with the help of a local ally, Thimmayya or Timoji ,
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#17327753716572964-447: The torrid zone and near the Arabian Sea , has a hot and humid climate for most of the year. The month of May is usually the hottest, seeing daytime temperatures of over 35 °C (95 °F) coupled with high humidity. The state's three seasons are southwest monsoon period (June–September), post-monsoon period (October–January), and pre-monsoon period (February–May). Over 90% of the average annual rainfall (3,048 mm or 120 in)
3021-403: The total traffic handled by Mormugao port was recorded to be 20.78 million tonnes. Agriculture, while of shrinking importance to the economy over the past four decades, offers part-time employment to a sizeable portion of the populace. Rice is the main agricultural crop, followed by areca , cashew , and coconut . Fishing employs about 40,000 people, though recent official figures indicate
3078-432: The world's plant, bird, mammal, reptile, and amphibian species , with a high share of those species as endemics. Some of these hotspots support up to 15,000 endemic plant species, and some have lost up to 95% of their natural habitat. Biodiversity hotspots host their diverse ecosystems on just 2.4% of the planet's surface. Ten hotspots were originally identified by Myer; the current 36 used to cover more than 15.7% of all
3135-498: Was annexed by India in 1961. Goa's official language, which is spoken by a majority of its inhabitants, is Konkani . Goa is visited by large numbers of international and domestic tourists each year because of its white-sand beaches, active nightlife, places of worship, and World Heritage-listed architecture . It also has rich flora and fauna because it lies very close to the North Western Ghats rainforests , one of
3192-518: Was compared with the Amazon and the Congo basins for its rich tropical biodiversity. Goa's wildlife sanctuaries boast of more than 1512 documented species of plants, over 275 species of birds, over 48 kinds of animals and over 60 genera of reptiles. Nanda Lake is the first and the only Ramsar wetland site in Goa. Goa is also known for its coconut cultivation. The coconut tree has been reclassified by
3249-603: Was composed of two segments: the central nucleus of the Velhas Conquistas (Old Conquests)—Bardes, Ilhas de Goa, and Salcette—which territories had been under Portuguese administration since the sixteenth century; and the Novas Conquistas (New Conquests)—Bicholim, Canacona, Pernem, Quepem, Sattari, and Sanguem—territories which had been successively added through the eighteenth century. In 1787, Goa experienced its first revolt from its Catholic elite, with
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