Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary

About Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary

• It is located on the western slopes of the Western Ghats.
• It is the northernmost wildlife sanctuary of Kerala which was established in 1984. 
• It is contiguous with Wayanad-Brahmagiri, Wayanad northern slopes and the Protected Areas of Karnataka State namely the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary and also the forests of Coorg.
• Highest peak of this sanctuary is Katti Betta.
• It is the only protected area of the West Coast Tropical Evergreen forest of Dipterocarpus-Mesua- Palaquium type.
• The river Cheenkani flows through this wildlife sanctuary.
• Vegetation: Forest coast tropical evergreen and west coast semi evergreen forests are predominant here.
• Flora: The common trees in the semi evergreen areas are Cinnamomum Zeylanicum, Hopea parviflora, Largestroemia lanceolata, Xyliaxylocarpa, Mallotus and Philippinensis.
• Fauna: Deer, boar, elephant, and bison are quite common. Leopard, jungle cat and various types of squirrels are sighted here.

Q1) What are Tropical evergreen forests?

These are a type of terrestrial biome characterized by high annual rainfall, warm temperatures, and lush, dense vegetation. These forests are found near the equator in tropical regions, primarily between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. They are incredibly biodiverse ecosystems and play a crucial role in the global carbon and water cycles.

Source: Suspected Maoists open fire at forest watchers in Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala