Statement of Significance:-

           Located in the eastern part of Maharashtra, Navegaon National park has great importance from nature conservation point of view. This patch of forest   fortunately forms  a part of   continuous   tract of  Forests from  Nagzira  Wildlife Sanctuary, also the forest extending into Gadchiroli District through  Hattipangdi, Ghodadeo, Pratapgarh and also into the Chhattisgarh State. It is said    that    this    tract was an important corridor for elephants from North East to South West as some of the names of places are Hattikhodra in Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary and Hattipangdi in Nawegaon National Park. Incidentally the dimensions of Hattipangli are similar to that of the old pits used for trapping elephants in old days. It also forms the catchment of number of tanks as well as Nawegaon Bandh Tank and Itiyadoh Tank. The forest type is Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Type classified as 5A/C3 in revised classification by Champion & Seth and has prominence of Bamboo and Garadi in its middle storey. Teak, Saja, Bija, Tiwas are the important species  from   the top canopy while other species like Mahuwa, Aowla, Tendu, Khair along with many medicinal plants of significance to the local people and wildlife are also found here. The area has special habitats like caves, cliffs, thickets on the gentle to steep slopes of hills which shelter varied species of fauna. A large number of natural springs are also found in the area.

The National Park is well known and more associated with the migratory birds that visit the lake in winter. But inspite of having this knowledge till today except for nominal efforts made in the past no concrete steps have been initiated for manageing the extensive wetland comprising of the Navegaon Lake which covers an area of 11 Sq. Kms.  Therefore considering the importance of this resource it is felt that some effort for scientifically managing this wetland is initiated in this plan.