There are a number of Wildlife reserves in Kerala that provide shelter to thousands of species of birds and animals. The hilly slops of Western Ghats and lush green forests provide the perfect locale for wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala. These also serve as a major tourist attraction. Given below are the major wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala.
Begur Wildlife Sanctuary
The Begur Wildlife Sanctuary is nestled on a mountain plateau along the Western Ghats. It is located about 20 kilometers from the Wayanad district of Kerala. The sanctuary is covered with dense forests which houses a wide variety of flora and fauna. The trees here have medicinal values.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
The Idukki Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is located about 60 km from Munnar in Idukki district. The sanctuary provides shelter to the endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel. The sanctuary is located in the Located in the rain shadow area of the Western Ghats. The vast expanse of lush green forests spread over an area of 90 square kilometers.
Eravikulam National Park
Eravikulam National Park is located at of 15 kilometers from Munnar. The sanctuary was set up to protect the mountain goat called the Nilgiri Tahr. Spread over an area of 97 sq km, the sanctuary houses one of the biggest moths in the world called the Atlas moth.
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
Muthanga wildlife sanctuary also known as the Wayanad sanctuary is located in the protected area networks between the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Spread over an area of 344 square kilometres is home to animals like Gaur, sloth bears, sambhar, elephants, reptiles, tigers, spotted deer, monkeys, panthers, jungle cats, civet cats, wild dogs, bison, lizards, bears, wild pigs, leopards, lion-tailed macaque and other animals.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Periyar Wildlife sanctuary is located in the hills of Western Ghats in Kerala. Spread over an area of 777 sq kms the sanctuary is positioned on a vast artificial lake. The sanctuary is rich in flora and fauna.
Peechi Vazhani Wildlife
Peechi Vazhani Wildlife is located in Trichur. Spread over an area of 125 Sq. km. It is the second oldest sanctuary in Kerala. The sanctuary was established in 1958. The sanctuary houses a wide variety of animals, birds and reptiles. The sanctuary is also rich in vegetation.
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