About Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary
Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary in the Aravalli Hills near Jessore village in Banaskantha district, northern Gujarat. Notified in May 1978 and covering about 180.66 sq km, it was established primarily to protect the sloth bear. The sanctuary comprises dry deciduous forest, scrub and hilly terrain with seasonal streams, supporting diverse flora and fauna including leopards, hyenas and numerous bird species.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a dry deciduous forest and rugged, hilly landscape of the Aravalli range with scrub, rocky outcrops and seasonal watercourses. The sanctuary is known for sightings of sloth bears in natural habitat, along with other mammals and birds. Exploration is via forest roads and nature trails with a quiet, wild environment, basic forest department infrastructure, and viewpoints over the Jessore Hills.
Key highlights
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Primary protected habitat for the sloth bear (Melursus ursinus) in North Gujarat
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Dry deciduous forest and scrub ecosystem of the Aravalli Hills
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Diverse wildlife including leopard, striped hyena, wild boar and jackal
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Rich birdlife suitable for birdwatching
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Scenic hilly terrain with seasonal streams and forest trails