Source: HINDU
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The Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary which is Kerala’s youngest protected area has emerged as a biodiversity hotspot.
A recent faunal survey conducted by the Forest Department documented 63 new species of odonates, butterflies and birds.
The sanctuary located in the Nilambur Forest Division was declared a protected area in 2020.
|
Feature |
Details |
|
Location |
Malappuram district |
|
Total Area |
228 sq.km |
|
Established |
2020 |
|
Geographical Significance |
Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Programme |
|
Borders |
Mukurthi National Park (Tamil Nadu) on the eastern side, Silent Valley National Park(Kerala) on the southern side |
|
Tributary |
Named after the Karimpuzha River which is a tributary of the Chaliyar River |
|
Ecological Importance |
High biodiversity due to varied topography from steep hills and deep valleys to grasslands and shola forests |
|
Inhabited Tribes |
Home to Cholanaikans, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group |
Bird Diversity in Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary
Newly recorded birds (16 species) include:
Butterfly Diversity
Newly recorded butterflies (6 species):
Endemic species recorded:
Odonate (Dragonflies & Damselflies) Diversity
Newly recorded odonates:
Only forest in Kerala where all 7 forest types found in the state are present.
|
Sanctuary Name |
Location |
Area (sq. km) |
Notable Features |
|
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary |
Thekkady, Idukki District |
925 |
Known for elephants and tigers; includes Periyar Lake. |
|
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary |
Wayanad District |
344 |
Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve; rich in biodiversity. |
|
Parambikulam Tiger Reserve |
Palakkad District |
643.66 |
Noted for teak plantations and tiger population. |
|
Silent Valley National Park |
Palakkad District |
237.52 |
Pristine tropical rainforest; habitat for the lion-tailed macaque. |
|
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary |
Idukki District |
90.44 |
Dry thorny forest; home to the endangered grizzled giant squirrel. |
|
Eravikulam National Park |
Munnar, Idukki District |
97 |
Habitat of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr; known for Neelakurinji blooms. |
|
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary |
Thiruvananthapuram District |
128 |
Features diverse flora and fauna; includes Neyyar Dam. |
|
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary |
Thiruvananthapuram District |
75 |
Contains Peppara Dam; rich in birdlife. |
|
Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary |
Kollam District |
172 |
Part of the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve; known for biodiversity. |
|
Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary |
Thrissur District |
125 |
Second oldest sanctuary in Kerala; includes Peechi and Vazhani dams. |
|
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary |
Idukki District |
105.364 |
Surrounds Idukki Arch Dam; rich in elephant population. |
|
Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary |
Kannur District |
55 |
Evergreen forests; home to various endemic species. |
|
Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary |
Thrissur District |
85 |
Located in the Western Ghats; rich in biodiversity. |
|
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary |
Ernakulam District |
25 |
Also known as Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary; birdwatcher's paradise. |
|
Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary |
Kochi, Ernakulam District |
0.0274 |
Mangrove ecosystem; important for migratory birds. |
|
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary |
Kottayam District |
14 |
Located on the banks of Vembanad Lake; known for birdwatching. |
|
Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary |
Malappuram District |
227.97 |
Kerala's youngest sanctuary; diverse habitats and species. |
|
Kottiyoor Wildlife Sanctuary |
Kannur District |
30.38 |
Part of the Western Ghats; rich in endemic species. |
|
Kurinjimala Sanctuary |
Idukki District |
32 |
Protects the habitat of Neelakurinji flowers. |
|
Choolannur Pea Fowl Sanctuary |
Palakkad District |
5 |
Dedicated to the conservation of peafowls. |
|
Begur Wildlife Sanctuary |
Wayanad District |
55 |
Dense forests; home to elephants, leopards, and other wildlife. |
Sources:
|
PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Critically examine the role of biosphere reserves in biodiversity conservation, with special reference to the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. (250 words) |
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