Wildlife in Kerala

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuaries
Established in 1973, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is contiguous to the protected area network of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka on the north-east and Mudimalai of Tamilnadu on the south-east. Rich in bio-diversity, the sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reservem, Which has been established with the specific objective of conservating the biological heritage of the region. Interestingly, it was from here that Pazhassi Raja fought valiantly against the British.Consisting entirely of notified reserve, the sanctuary is very rich in fauna and flora. The management of the sanctuary lays emphasis on scientific conservation with due consideration to the general lifestyle of the Tribals and others who live on the frings of the forest.

Topography: Gently undulating with occasional hillocks, the highest peak is Karottimala
(1158m).

Climate: The tract receives fairly reasonable amount of rain, most of which is
received during June to August. March, April and May are warm.

Forest Types: Most of the forests are of the south Indian moist deciduous type. There are, however, a few patches of west coast semi evergreen forests. About 110 sq.kms of the sanctuary is under plantations of teak, eucalyptus. And grevelia.

Flora: In the moist deciduous forest, maruthi, karimaruthi, rosewood, venteak, vengal, chadachi, mazhukanjiram, bamboo etc grow. In the semi-evergreen patches Veteria indica. Lagerstroemia, Lanceolata, Termianalia paniculata etc are common.

Fauna: The animal population of the sanctuary is varies. Elephant, tiger, Panther, jungle cat, civet cat, monkeys, wild dog, bison, deer, bear, etc. inhabit the sanctuary. Reptiles like monitor lizard and a variety of snakes are seen. Peacock, babblers, cuckoos, owl, wood pecker and jungle fowl are only a few among the different types of birds seen in the area. Among the animals, elephant occupies the prime position. Interstate seasonal migration of elephant is common.Tiger population of the sanctuary is fairly good. Frequent sightings are reported from Tholpetty, Rambur and Mavinhalla areas.

Administration: The sanctuary comes under the Wayanand Wildlife Division with head quarters
at Sultan Bathery.

Wildlife Tourism: Good roads connect the sanctuary with Kozhikode, Mysore and Ootty. They are also connected by rail and are within 110 kms from the sanctuary. The nearest airport is Kozhikode. Visitors can halt at Sultan Bathery or Mananthavadi and visit the sanctuary Government rest houses and private lodges offer accommodation.