Tamil Nadu WildlifeVedanthangal Bird Sanctuary 80 kms away from Chennai, the santuary is famous for migratory birds (November to February) viewing from (1500 to 1800 hours) an observation tower. It is 30 km away from its nearest railway station Chingleput. Annamalai
Sanctuary This sanctuary is rich in wildlife and teak forests. Tea and coffee plantation is an added attraction. This Sanctuary is situated at an altitude of 1,400 metres in the Western Ghats near Pollachi (about 90 kms. from Coimbatore). The area of the sanctuary is 958 sq. kms. It has various kinds of fauna like elephant, gaur, tiger, panther, sloth bear, deer, wild bear, wild dog, porcupine, flying squirrel, jackal, pangolin, civet cat and birds like rocket-tailed drongo, re-whiskered bulbul, black headed oriole, tree pie, spotted dove, green pigeon, etc. The Amaravathy reservoir in the Anamalais has a large number of crocodiles. There are also many places of scenic beauty such as Karainshola, Anaikunthi shola, grass hills, water falls, groves, teak forests, estates, dams and reservoirs. Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary 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. 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. 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. 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. Mukurthi Peak is about 40km from Ooty. The Mukurthi National Park is located on the South Eastern corner of the Nilgiris . The area contains a viable population of Nilgiri Thar(Hamitragus hilocrius). The silent valley is located on the western side of these ranges. Fascinating feature of the Mukurthi Sanctuary is its variety and similarities to Himalayan Flora and Fauna. 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. 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.
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.
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.
Mundanthuri Wildlife Sanctuary 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.
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.
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. 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. 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. Guindy National Park Situated in Chennai, this park boasts of over 24 varieties of trees, for example, Amona Squamosa, Atlanta Monoplylla, Feronia Limonia, Azadirachta India, etc. to mention a few. Also more than 14 varieties of shrubs, over 14 types of mammals like elephant, antilope, spotted dear, jungle cat, toddy cat, Indian civet, etc. The park also accounts for over 37 varieties of birds, like black chested, black winged kite, honey buzzard, pariah kite, and so on. There are also many kinds of amphibians and snakes to add to the variety that is already available. |
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