Tourists visiting the eco-tourism village in Marambalpada in Virar recently spotted a golden jackal during boat safari. This despite direct sighting of golden jackals not being common in the mangrove forests in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). 

Virendra Tiwari, additional principal chief conservator of forests and head of Mangrove Cell, said, “The Mangrove and Marine Biodiversity Information Centre at Marambalpada was thrown open for the tourists a few months ago, and we started a boat safari recently. Some tourists who went for safari were lucky enough to spot a golden jackal. In the coming days, we are expecting a good response to the boat safari and the eco-tourism village. The initiatives started by us will also encourage local communities to enhance their efforts towards conservation of mangroves.” It may be noted that the eco-tourism village at Marambalpada is the first in the MMR. Along with the help of villagers, the Mangrove Cell has started a mangrove boat safari, nature trails, bird-watching, a mangrove boardwalk, and an island visit.