Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary

Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary Latest News

Sewage from commercial activities related to religious tourism in Kollur has emerged as a threat to the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary in Udupi district, with the depleted Souparnika river carrying sewage and sludge to the core area in summer.

About Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary

• It is located in the Udupi district of Karnataka.
• Set in the Western Ghats, the sanctuary covers an area of approximately 370 sq.km.
• The sanctuary is named after the presiding deity of the Kollur Mookambika Temple, which is located within its boundaries. 
• It forms a vital connecting link between Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary located on the southern side and Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary located on the northern side.
• At the heart of the sanctuary lies the revered Kodachadri Peak, often referred to as a “botanical paradise.”
• The sanctuary boasts two significant rivers – River Chakra and River Souparnika.
• It is home to many beautiful waterfalls such as Koosalli waterfalls and Belkal Theertha waterfalls. 
• Vegetation: The vegetation type is a mix of evergreen, semi-evergreen, and moist deciduous forests covering the steep slopes typical of the Western Ghats Mountains. 
• Flora: 
  • Some of the eminent tree species are found in this region, including trees like Dipterocarpus Indicus, Calophyllum Tomentosum, and Hopea Parviflora. 
  • A rare species of the climber, Coscinium Fenestratum, is found here.
  • Small patches of teak plantations are also there. 
• Fauna: It is known for the presence of rare animals like the slender loris and lion-tailed macaque, alongside larger wildlife such as tiger, leopard, sloth bear, sambar deer, chital, wild pig, barking deer, gaur, porcupine, and otter.

Source: DH

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