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Wildlife in Tamilnadu
Indira Gandhi Wildlife
Sanctuary and National Park : Spread over 9.58 Sq.kms., this
sanctuary can be reached through Topslip in Anamalai Hills on the
Western Ghats. An
Ecological Paradise, this sanctuary encompasses a National Park with
an Orea of 108 Sq.km. Abutting Kerala on the West, this hill forest
boasts of thick growth of trees, folds of terrains with evergreen
sholas. About 800 species of South Indian flora are distributed
here.
Some of the many rare and endangered species of flora are:1.
Combretum Ovalifolium, 2. Dispyros nilagrica, 3. Gymnopteris
Contaimirans (Fern), 4. Habebarai reriflora (Orchid), 5. Polypodum
pleroupus, 6. Alsophila sp, 7. Bulbophyllum sp., 8. Lasianthus
uenuloses, 9. Angiopterris Erectra, 10. Gnetum Ula, 11. Impaliens
Elegans, 12. Lycopodium cernum, 13. Ranunculus reniformis and
Osmunda Regulis.
This sanctuary nurtures Arboreal animals like lion tailed macaque,
bonnet macaque, Common Langur, Nilgiris Langur, Malabar Giant
squirrel and Grizzled giant Squirrel. The ground animals listed are:
Tiger, Panther, Elephant, Gaur, Pangolin, Sambar, Spotted Deer,
Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Wild Boar, Dhole, Sloth Bear, Porcupine,
Nilgiris Tahr, Civet Cat and Toddy Cat. The Avifauna includes Racket
Tailed Drongo, Black Headed Oriole, Paradise Flycatcher, Whistling
Thrust, Emerald Dove, Green Pigeon, Tickell's Flower Pecker, Rufus
Wood Pecker, Rose Ringed Parakeet, Black Eagle, Great Indian Malabar
pied Horn Bill, Fiary Blue Bird and green Billed Malkhoha etc.
Kalakkadu wild life
sanctuary : Kalakkadu and Mundanthurai Sancturies are situated
in an extensive preserve as "tiger project Reserve". This Wild life
Sanctuary is situated in an area of 233 Sq.km. in Tirunelveli
 District,
including the foothills of western Ghats and the adjoining area. The
flora ranges from forests of tropical wet ever-green to tropical dry
deciduous and thorn forest at down hills. Lion tailed Macaque,
Nilgiri tahr, Sambar, Sloth bear, Gaur, Elephant, Tiger, Flying
Squirrel, Panther, wild dog, Pangoline are some of the wild life
seen in the sanctuary. Besides, a wide range of birds and reptiles
could be seen. Trekking can be done with prior permission from the
Forest (Wildlife) Department.
Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary : Located
in Virudhunagar District, 45 Kms. off Virudhunagar Town, this
sanctuary has a composition of dry deciduous forests, moist mixed
deciduous forests and grass lands. Grizzled Giant Squirrels are
aplenty. Other interesting species are flying squirrel, Tree Shrew,
Elephant, Lion- tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Tahar, Mouse Deer, Barking
Deer, and many a species of birds. This sanctuary can be visited all
through the year.
Vedanthangal and Karikili Bird's Sanctuaries : A grove of
Barringatonia and Acacia nilotica trees in a tank from part of the
sanctuary. In additional dry evergreen scrub and thorn forests can
also be seen. Both these sanctuaries are situated in Kancheepuram
district and sprawling in 30-ha and 61-ha area respectively.
Vedanthangal is the oldest birds sanctuary in the country. The
Villagers had documented their right to protect the winged visitors
to this sanctuary. The migrating birds come from far-off lands like
Siberia, Australia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka for nesting and breeding.
Breeding birds like Cormorants, Egrets, Grey Heron, Open-billed
stork, Darter, Spoonbill, White lbris, Night Herons, Grebes, Grey
Pelican etc visit the Sanctuary. The population of migratory birds
included Garganey Teals, Shovellers, Pintails, Stilts, Sandpipers
etc. Some of the resident birds listed are Coots and Moorhen, Terns.
In all 115 species of birds have been recorded in this sanctuary.
Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary - National Park : This sanctuary
is located where the Nilgiri Hills, the offshoot of the Western
ghats meet the eastern ghats. The Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary has
varied mixture of flat land, undulating parkland, open grassland,
swamp, valleys and nullas. The Moyyar river in this region forms a
series of spectacular cascades on its way. 65 Kms. away from
Udhagamandalam and situated along the Udhaga-mandalam- Mysore
highway, this sanctuary could be reached from Mysore as well.
This 321 Sq.km. wide sanctuary encompasses a National Park spread in
an area of 103 sq.kms. The vegetation is varied with moist
deciduous. It becomes dry deciduous towards Bandhipur, mainly mixed
forests with Bamboss (Bambusa arundinacea), Terminalia tomontosa,
Grewia, and blooming trees like Indian labumusum.Aredesia,
Solanahncea are some of the flora. The fauna include Elephants,
Gaur, Bonnet Macaque, Common langur, tigers and leopards, Chital,
dhole panther, Sloth Bear, Python, barking deer, Four- Horned
Antelope, Otter, Crocodiles (mugger), Giant flying squirrel, Sambar,
Hyena, Wild Dog, Wild Boar, Mouse Deer, Spotted Deer, Jackal, Hare,
Parcupine and Mongoose.
The Birds in this sanctuary are Peacock : India's
National bird, grey jungle fowl, the red spur fowl, the grey
patridge quails, goggle eyed plower, Malabar whistling thrust, large
racket-tailed dronge, the shama, the magpie-robin, spotted babbler,
small green barbet, green pigeons, little brown dove, malabar grey
hornbill, bulbuls, mynahs, etc. Birds of prey like eagles, hawks,
falcons and king vulture and some migratory water birds can be
watched.
From Udhagamandalam you can (Base camp at Parson's Valley) trek to
this sanctuary and the mukkurthi Park..
Viralimalai : This
small town, situated south of Trichy, is bestowed with a large
number of wild peacocks, which roam around the Murugan temple
situated here.
Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park : This is a marine bio
Sphere, running along the coasts of Ramanathapuram and Tuthukudi (Tuticorin)
Districts. The entire Gulf of Mannar abounds in distinguished marine
life covering, 21 Islands and 623 ha. This National Park is full of
coral reefs, Dugong, Turtles, Dolphins and Balano-glossus. Kurasadai
Islands, off mandapam, Boasts of a vast expanse of shallow waters.
The presence of coral reef, flora and fauna here are in their virgin
form. Dolphins could create euphoria to the tourists. Other details:
1. Annual Rainfall: 900 mm; 2. Air port: Madurai- 150 kms; 3. Rain:
Mandapam/ Toothukudi; 4. Accommodation: Hotel at Mandapam: 5. Other
facilities; Boats available; 6. Authority: The Wild Life Warden,
Gulf of Mannar, Marine National Park, 76/1. Madurai Road, Mandapam,
Ramanathapuram District - 623 501, Phone No: 04567 - 20079.
Mundanthuri : There is nothing differentiate this santuary
from that of Kalakkadu, except the absence of the Elephant and the
gaur. Situated in Tirunelveli district, this 567 Sq.Km. sanctuary
boasts of dry deciduous to tropical wet evergreen forests patches of
pure reeds. Animals wealth includes Tiger, Bonnet Macaque, Langurs,
Slender Loris, Sloth Bear, Sambar, Chital and wild dog. Excellent
for various species of avi-fauna and varieties of reptiles and
insects. Trekking with prior permission from the Forest (wildlife)
Department, can be undertaken.
Srivilliputhur Grizzled
Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary : The smallest National Park of the
country situated in the Chennai Metropolitan City arguably is the
only National Park set amidst a metro in India. Acting as a lung to
Chennai, this National Park boasts of dry evergreen scrubs and thorn
forests with a composition of animals viz. Black Buck, Chital,
 Jackal,
Pangolin and a variety of Avi fauna. This could be visited through
out the year. Other Details: 1. Annual Rainfall: 1200mm; 2. Access:
Chennai; 3. Other Facilities: This national park encompasses a Snake
Park and a Children's park as well; 4. Authority: The Wildlife
Warden, DMS Compound, Anna salai, Chennai-600 006. Phone No.:
044-432 1471.
Vallunadu Black Buck Sanctuary : A scrub forest area spread
over 16.41 sq.km. this sanctuary is situated in Thuthukudi (Tuticorin)
District. Blackbuck, Spotted deer, Macaques, jungle cat, Mangoose
and hares are aplenty. This sanctuary can be visited throughout the
year.
Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Chennai : This man-made
Zoological Park situated on the outskirts of Chennai Metropolitan
was created out of the Reserved Forests of Vandalur. The forests are
of dry deciduous and dry evergreen scrub type. It was in the year
1855 the first Zoo in India was established in Chennai; later in
1979 shifted to this 510 Ha. Sprawling complex. This Zoological park
is said to be one of the biggest in South East Asia. The wild life
population are exhibited in a large open moated island type
enclosures with simulated natural environment. More than 170 species
of Mammals, Aviaries and reptiles are exhibited. Lion safari
vehicle, Elephant Ride, Battery operated vehicles are some of the
facilities available inside this park.
This park has a rainfall of about 1400mm average. Nearest airport is
Chennai (18 kms); nearest Railway station is Vandalur (1 km.) and
has a city bus terminal. This Zoological Park could be visited
throughout the year. Authority: The Director, Arignar Anna
Zoological Park, Vandalur, Chennai.Ph.: 044-402089.
Madras Crocodile Bank Trust - Nemmeli : This Crocodile Bank
has been established with an aim to protected and conserve the
endangered reptiles such as crocodiles, Alligators etc. Situated 14
kms from Mamallapuram, this Trust now houses more than six species
of crocodiles.arrangements; 7. Authority: The wild life Warden, DMS
Compound, Anna Salai, Chennai- 600 026, Phone No: 044-4321471.
Arignar Anna Zoological
Park, Chennai : This man-made Zoological Park situated on the
outskirts of Chennai Metropolitan was created out of the Reserved
Forests of Vandalur. The forests are of dry deciduous and dry
evergreen scrub type. It was in the year 1855 the first Zoo in India
was established in Chennai; later in 1979 shifted to this 510 Ha.
Sprawling complex. This Zoological park is said to be one of the
biggest in South East Asia. The wild life population are exhibited
in a large open moated island type enclosures with simulated natural
environment. More than 170 species of Mammals, Aviaries and reptiles
are exhibited. Lion safari vehicle, Elephant Ride, Battery operated
vehicles are some of the facilities available inside this park.
This park has a rainfall of about 1400mm average. Nearest airport is
Chennai (18 kms); nearest Railway station is Vandalur (1 km.) and
has a city bus terminal. This Zoological Park could be visited
throughout the year. Authority: The Director, Arignar Anna
Zoological Park, Vandalur, Chennai.Ph.: 044-402089.
Mukkurthi National Park : Located on the high altitude of the
Nilgiris, comprising rolling downs interspersed with temperate
sholas, this park of Nilgiri Bio- sphere reserve is situated 40 kms.
from Udhagamandalam. It contains a viable population of Nilgiri Thar
(Hamitragus - hilocrius), Sambar, Barking deer, Nilgiri marten and
otter jungle cat, jackal, etc. Avifauna consists of hillbirds viz.
Laughing and whistling thrushes, woodcock, wild pigeon and black
eagle, Butterflies with Himalayan affinity like the Blue Admiral,
Indian Red Admiral, Indian Fritillary, Indian Cabbage white, Hedge
blues and rainbow trouts can also be seen.
Trekking routes exist from Parson valley, Pykara etc. Trout fishing
is recommended in the
rivers and lakes of Mukurthi. Permission from Asst. director,
Fisheries Department, Udhagai, must be obtained in advance for
fishing.
Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary : Sprawling on 17.26 sq.km
surrounded by sea and shore, comprising forests of tidal swamps, dry
evergreen forests and mangroves, this sanctuary is situated in
Nagapattinam district. It is bestowed with populations of varied
wild life such as Chital, Wild boar, Bannet macaque, Black Buck,
Flamingoes, Teals, Gulls, Terns, Plovers, and Stilts. Special
attractions are close encounters with Dolphins and Turtles which
often come quite close to the shore.
Anamalai Wild
Life Sanctuary :
This is one of the three
wildlife sanctuaries on the slopes of the western Ghats along the
border between Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Though recently renamed the
Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, most people still refer to it by
its original name. It covers almost 1000 sq km and is home to elephant,
gaur (Indian bison), tiger, panther, spotted deer, wild boar, bear,
porcupine and civet cat. The Nilgiri tahr, commonly known as ibex,
can also be spotted as can many birds.
In the heart of this beautiful forested region is the Parmbikulam
Dam which has formed an immense plain of water that dpreads way into
Kerala. The rights to this water used mainly for irrigation and
energy purpose in Tamilnadu are the source of one of the area's
bitter disputes.
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