WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES AND NATIONAL PARKS WITH REFERENCE TO EASTERN GHATS

WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES AND NATIONAL PARKS WITH REFERENCE TO EASTERN GHATS Dr. M. Suneela, ENVIS Coordinator and Dr. K. Jyothi, EPTRI The Eastern Ghats (EGs) comprise a chain of ancient low hills adjoining the east coast of India. It is located between 11 0 22' North latitudes and 77 0 22' and 85 0 20' East longitudes in the tropical region and starting from West Bengal pass through states like Odisha and Andhra Pradesh to Tamil Nadu in the south passing some parts of Karnataka The hills of Eastern Ghats with opulent biological diversity provide centers of endemism for floral and faunal life. Eastern ghats is blessed with Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks. The Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Park of the Eastern Ghats has its rich biodiversity with unique feature. Wildlife Sanctuaries, Tiger Reserves and National Parks are discussed below under sub-headings like location, area, established, forest type, flora, fauna and its uniqueness. Definition Protected Areas A clearly defined geographical space, recognized dedicated and managed, through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values (International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)) TAMIL NADU VEDANTHANGAL BIRD SANCTUARY Location : In Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu; between 12 0 32 44 N 79 0 51 21 E. Area : 0.30 Sq. Kms Established : 1936 Forest type : Dry evergreen scrub and thorn forests Flora : Few species are Barringtonia acutangula, Acacia nilotica, Alangium salviflorum, etc Fauna : Few species are Egrets, Spot-billed Pelican, Open-billed Stork, Painted Stork, Great Cormorant, Indian Cormorant, Darter, Eurasian spoonbill. Uniqueness : Attracts Herons, Egrets, Storks, Ibises and Spoonbills. Open-billed Stork

ANDHRA PRADESH KAMBALAKONDA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Location : In Visakhapatnam district; between 17 0 49 31 N to 83 0 18 31 E. Area : 70.70 Sq. Kms. Established : 1970 Forest type : Dry evergreen forest mixed with scrub and meadows. Flora : Few species are Albizia odoratissima, Syzygium cumini, Tectona grandis, Catunaregam spinosa, Grewia tiliaefolia. Fauna : Few species are Russell's Viper, Indian Cobra, Chameleon, Asian Paradiseflycatcher, Treepie, Quails, Partridges. Uniqueness : A large and sprawling greenery around the Vizag City harbouring diverse flora & fauna. Albizia odoratissima NELAPATTU BIRD SANCTUARY Location : In Nellore district; between 13 49'32.99"N 79 57'54.99"E. Area : 4.40 Sq. Kms. Established : 1976 Forest type : Southern Dry Evergreen Scrub type of forest Flora : Few species are Barringtonia acutangula Babul, Psosopis sp., Ipomea sp. Fauna : Few rare and endangered species like Spot-billed Pelican, Open-Billed Stork, Painted Stork, Little Cormorant, Spoonbill, White ibis and Night-Heron. Uniqueness : Barringtonia acutangula trees providing nesting ground for Pelicans. Spot-billed Pelican

CORINGA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Location : In East Godavari district; between 16-30' to 17-00' N latitudes and 82-14' to 82-23'E longitudes. Area : 235.70 Sq. Kms Established : 1978 Forest type : Mangrove forest Flora : Few species are rich in mangrove vegetation like Rhizophora sp., Avicennia sp., Sonneratia sp., Aegiceros sp. Fauna : Few species are Otter, Fishing Cat, Jackal, Marine Turtle. Home for some of the rare, endangered species like Smooth Indian Otter, Fishing Cat, Estuarine Crocodile. Uniqueness : The largest surviving patch of Mangrove forests in the State with more than 65 mangrove tree species. Smooth Indian Otter PAPIKONDA SANCTUARY : In East Godavari, West Godavari & Location Khammam districts; between 17 24'28"N 81 31'5"E. Area : 591 Sq. Kms Established : 1978 Forest type : Dry deciduous Teak forest Flora : Few species are Terminalia sp., Pterocarpus sp., Cassia sp. Fauna : Few species are Tiger, Panther, Gaur, Cheetal, Chowsingha, Sambar, Black Buck, Mouse Deer, Barking Deer, Sloth Bear. Uniqueness : The sight of mighty Godavari meandering through densely forested hills with deep gorges & valleys. Sloth Bear

NAGARJUNA-SRISAILAM SANCTUARY Location : In Guntur, Prakasham, Kurnool and Mahaboobnagar districts; between 16 0 18 N 78 0 59 E Area : 3568.09 sq.kms Established : Wildlife Sanctuary in 1978, Tiger Reserve in 1983. Forest type : Dry deciduous mixed forests Flora : Few species are Terminalia tomentosa, Terminalia bellerica, Chloroxylon swietenia, Boswellia serrata Fauna : Few species are Tiger, Panther, Sloth Bear, Ratel, Tree Shrew, Black Buck, Sambar, Chowsingha, Nilgai, Wild Boar. The Indian wild dog is an endangered species found in this sanctuary. Uniqueness : Largest Tiger reserve in India spreading over 5 districts with river Krishna flowing through the reserve. Indian Wild Dog SRI LANKAMALLESWARA SANCTUARY Location : In Cuddapah district; between 14 35'7.99"N 78 56'42.34"E. Area : 464.42 Sq. Kms. Established : 1988 Forest type : Dry deciduous mixed thorn forests Flora : An endemic species like Pterocarpus santalinus is found here. Fauna : Few species are Panther, Sloth Bear, Cheetal, Sambar, Chowsingha, Chinkara, Nilgai, Wild Boar, Fox and the Jerdon s Courser (nocturnal bird). Uniqueness : The only habitat in the world harbouring the Jerdon s Courser, a highly endangered bird. Jerdon s Courser

ROLLAPADU BIRD SANCTUARY Location : In Kurnool district; between 15 43'39.79"N 78 20'4.01"E Area : 6.14 Sq. Kms. Established : 1988 Forest type : Open dry grassland interspersed with thorny bushes Flora : Few species are Manilkara hexandra, Strychnos sp., Ficus Tsiela. Fauna : Few species are Great Indian Bustard, Black Buck, Wolf, Jackal, Bonnet Monkey, Russell s Viper, Cobra. Uniqueness : The only habitat in the State for the rare and highly endangered Great Indian Bustard is observed here. Great Indian Bustard SRI VENKATESHWARA NATIONAL PARK Location : In Chittoor and Cuddapah districts; between 13 48'10.05"N 79 26'11.08"E. Area : 353.62 Sq. Kms Established : 1989 Forest type : Dry deciduous mixed forest with patches of moist deciduous forest Flora : Rare and endemic plant species like Shorea talura, Shorea tumbuggaia, Terminalia pallida, Cycas beddomei, Syzygium alternifolium, Psilotum nudum occur in this area. Fauna : Rare and endangered species like Golden Gecko, Slender Loris, Indian Giant Squirrel, Tree Shrew and Flying. Uniqueness : Seshachalam hill ranges supports some of the endemic and highly endangered flora & fauna. Golden Gecko

KRISHNA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Location : In Krishna and Guntur districts; between 15 46 27 N, 80 56 39 E. Area : 194.81 Sq. Kms. Established : 1989 Forest type : Mangrove forest Flora : Few species rich in mangrove vegetation are Rhizophora sp., Avicennia sp., Sonneratia sp., Aegiceras sp Fauna : Some of the rare species like Common Kukri Snake, Striped Keelback Snake, Checkered Keelback Snake, Common Trinket Snake, Rat Snake, Common Indian Bronzeback Snake, Common Green Whip Snake, Common Cat Snake Uniqueness : Mangrove forests in the Krishna estuary with unique flora & fauna. Common Green Whip Snake GUNDLA BRAHMESWARAM WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Location : In Kurnool and Prakasam districts; between 15 37'41.83"N 78 43'57.36"E Area : 1194 Sq. Kms. Established : 1990 Forest type : Mixed deciduous Flora : Few species are Tectona grandis, Pterocarpus sp., Terminalia sp., Albizzia lebbeck, Anogeissius latifolia, Dalbergia sp. Fauna : Some of the endangered species of animals living in this Sanctuary are Chausingha, Chinkara, Nilgai, Blackbuck, Sambar and Pangolin. Uniqueness : Pristine forests of Nallamalai tract, rich in plants of Ethno-botanical values. Indian Gazelle (Chinkara)

KAUNDINYA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Location : In Chittoor district; between 13 0 01 30 N 78 0 38 42 E Area : 357.60 Sq. Kms Established : 1990 Forest type : Southern tropical dry deciduous and thorn forest Flora : Few species are Albizia sp., Acacia sp., Lagerstroemia sp., Ficus sp., Bamboo sp. Fauna : Few species are Indian Elephant, Sloth Bear, Panther, Cheetal, Boar, Jungle Cat, Jackal, Jungle Fowl, Star Tortoise, Slender Loris. The vulnerable Yellow-throated Bulbul is present in this sanctuary. Uniqueness : The only Elephant Reserve in the State and Kaigal and Kaundinya are two streams, which flow through this sanctuary. Yellow-throated Bulbul KOLLERU BIRD SANCTUARY Location : In West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh; between 16 39 N to 81 13 E. Area : 673 Sq. Kms. Established : 1999 Forest type : Fresh water lake. Flora : Few species are Ipomea sp., Typha sp., Albizzia sp., Prosopis sp., Reeds, Tall grasses, Water Hyacinth, Pharagmites, Ottelia. Fauna : Few species are Glossy ibis, Pintails, Teals, Open-Billed Stork, Painted Stork, Red-crested Pochards,. Uniqueness : It attracts migratory birds from countries like Australia, Siberia, Egypt and the Philippines. Red-crested Pochard

TELANGANA KINNERASANI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Location : In Khammam district; between 17 0 46 30 N 80 0 33 32 E. Area : 635.40 Sq. Kms. Established : 1977 Forest type : Dry deciduous forest Flora : Few species are Bambusa sp., Terminalia sp., Anogeissus sp., Cassia sp.. Fauna : Few species are Tiger, Panther, Gaur, Cheetal, Chinkara, Chowsingha, Sambar, Wild Boar, Wild Dog, Partridges. Uniqueness : Deer Park, Kinnerasani Dam and Reservoir. Kinnerasani Lake with densely forested islands Partridges ODISHA HADGARH WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Location : In Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj districts; between latitude 21 0 16 to 20 0 45 N and longitudes 86 0-20 E. Area : 191.06 sq. km. Established : 1978 Forest type : Mixed deciduous forests Flora : Few species are Shorea robusta, Cassia sp. Fauna : Few species are Leopard, Wild Dog, Spotted Deer, Wild Boar, Elephant, Nilgai, Migratory Duck, Mugger, Jungle Cat, Pangolin. Uniqueness : Baula hill range and Salandi river are the main features. Pangolin

KOTAGARH WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Location : In Phulbani district; between latitudes 19 0 0' to 19 0 56' N and longitudes 83 0 12" to 84 0 0' E Area : 399.05 sq. km. Established : 1981 Forest type : North Indian Moist Peninsular Sal Forest, Northern tropical semi evergreen forest Flora : Few species are Adina cordifolia, Careya arborea, Mallotus Philippensis, Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, Buchanania lanzan, Bauhinia sp., Cleistanthus collinus. Fauna : Few species are Nilgai, Leopard, Bison, Sambar, Spotted Deer, varieties of birds and reptiles. Uniqueness : The dense lush green forest with sylvan and serene picturesque beauty is the major attraction. Nilgai KHALASUNI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Location : In Sambalpur district; between 21 0 20'30.63"N 84 28'43.51"E. Area : 116 sq. km. Established : 1982 Forest type : Moist deciduous and tropical dry forests Flora : Few species are Bambusa sp. Cassia sp. Fauna : Few species are Leopard, Bison, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Peafowl, Red Jungle Fowl. Uniqueness : The secluded enclaves of this Sanctuary is the home of several variegated species of wildlife. Bison

LAKHARI VALLEY WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Location : In Gajapati district; between latitude 19 0 15' to 19 0 25' N and longitude 84 0 15' to 84 0 25' E. Area : 185.87 sq. km. Established : 1985 Forest type : Tropical mixed deciduous forest. Flora : Few species are Tectona grandis, Shorea robusta, Pterocarpus marsupium, Bambusa sp. Fauna : Few species are Blackbucks, Tiger, Leopard, Bear, Hyena, Wild boar, Spotted Deer, Elephant. Uniqueness : This sanctuary has its rich in floristic composition and medicinal plants Blackbuck SIMLIPAL NATIONAL PARK Location : In Mayurbhanj district; between latitude 21 0 28' to 22 0 8' N and longitudes 86 0 4' to 86 0 37' E. Area : 845.70 sq.km. Established : 1986 Forest type : Mixed Sal, dry deciduous, moist deciduous and some evergreen patches. Flora : Few species are Orchids, Eucalyptus sp. Fauna : Few species are Leopard, Four-horned Antelope, Hyena, Wolf, Sambar, Chital, Mouse-deer, Gaur, Elephant, Giant squirrel, Peafowl, Hill Myna, Grey Hornbill and reptiles like Marsh Crocodile, Monitor Lizard. Uniqueness : Natural waterfalls that are called as Barehipani and Joranda, Tiger tracking, Bird Watching, jeep jungle Safaris to view nature s beauty Grey Hornbill

BADRAMA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Location : In Sambalpur district between latitude 21 0 20' to 21 0 40' N and longitude 84 0 10' to 84 0 30' E. Area : 304.03 sq. km. Established : 1987 Forest type : Dry deciduous mixed forest Flora : Few species are Shorea robusta, Pterocarpus marsupium, Bambusa sp., Tectona grandis. Fauna : Tiger, Leopard, Hyena, Wild Bear, Spotted Deer, Elephant. Uniqueness : The watch towers installed within the sanctuary provide a good view of the animals flocking the nearby watering points at night Spotted Deer SUNABEDA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Location In Nuapada district; between latitude : 20 0 06 0 to 20 0 44 0 N and longitude 82 0 20 0 to 82 0 34 48 E. Area : 591.75 sq. km. Established : 1988. Forest type Flora Fauna Uniqueness : Dry mixed deciduous forest Few species are Tectona grandis, Shorea : robusta, and other forest species Few species are Tiger, Leopard, Hyena, : Barking deer, Chital, Bison, Sambar, Hill Myna, Peafowl, Partridge. This sanctuary has eleven beautiful waterfalls and seasonal streams and is : considered as an ideal habitat for Swamp deer (locally extinct). Swamp Deer

KARLAPAT WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Location : In Kalahandi district; between latitudes 19 0 30' to 19 0 50' (North) and longitude, 82 0 45' to 83 0 15' (East). Area : 147.66 sq.km. Established : 1992 Forest type : Dry deciduous forests Flora : Few species are Habenaria barbata, Shorea robusta, Orchids. Fauna : Few species are Sambar, Gaur, Nilgai, Mouse Deer, Barking Deer Uniqueness : The undulated topography of the sanctuary, with hills, valley, perennial streams and deep water pools give it an unique charm. Another popular attraction in the sanctuary is the Khanduala Fall located on a hill top and is believed to be the home of Goddess Khandua. Mouse Deer SATKOSIA TIGER RESERVE Location : In Angul, Cuttack, Nayagarh and Boudh districts; between latitude 20 0 25' to 20 0 45' N and longitude 85 0 35' to 86 0 5' E. Area : 964 Sq. Kms. Established : 2007. Forest type : Moist, dry & mixed deciduous forest, and moist peninsular sal forests Flora : Few species are Shorea robusta, Syzygium cumini, Pterocarpus marsupium, Dalbergia latifolia, Terminalia arjuna. Fauna : Few species are Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, Gaur, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Mouse Deer, Nilgai, Choushingha, Sloth Bear, Wild Dog. Uniqueness : River Mahanadi, the Gharial Research and Conservation Unit at Tikarapada, hill lopes, various tracking routes and boating. Tiger

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