Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary Latest News

Although breeding has declined, experts say there is no immediate cause for concern as the vulture population in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary remains stable, with around 80 vultures recorded.

About Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

• It is located in Wayanad, Kerala, in the southern trenches of the Western Ghats.
• It is also known as Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Established in 1973, the sanctuary covers an expansive 344 sq.km. and forms an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• It is bordered by the protected areas of Nagarhole and Bandipur in Karnataka on the northeastern side and Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu on the southeastern side.
• Rivers like the Kabini, Cherupuzha, and Bavali flow through the sanctuary.
• Tribes living in these forests include some scheduled adivasis, such as Paniyas, Kattunaikkans, Kurumas, Ooralis, Adiyans, and Kurichiyas.
• Flora:
  • It is a mosaic of the Western Ghats’ significant vegetation types, ranging from moist deciduous to dry deciduous and semi-evergreen patches.
  • About one-third of the sanctuary is covered by plantations of teak, rosewood, eucalyptus, and silver oak.
• Fauna:
  • It boasts one of the largest populations of Asian elephants and tigers, which are considered its flagship species. 
  • Other mammals include leopards, gaur (Indian bison), sambar deer, wild boars, sloth bears, and jungle cats. 
  • About 216 species of birds, like peacock, owl, babbler, black woodpecker, golden backed three- toed wood pecker, cuckoo and jungle fowl, are found in the area.

Source: TH

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