Just as Kerala is famous for its tranquil backwaters, Thekkady in Kerala is known for its vast biodiverse forests and Savanna grasslands. With major parks like Periyar National Park, Thekkady It can also be called ‘the house of the wild’.

I am contributing further Thekkady Wildlife Various Indian species with important characteristics related to both land and air can be found in this region. This is one of the reasons why wildlife photographers and enthusiasts often visit this place.

Are you ready to enjoy the pleasant and cool breeze of Thekkady and does it sound like an adventure to you? Scroll down to know what awaits you in this tranquil land.

About Thekkady Wildlife

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The Periyar Tiger Reserve, or Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary or Periyar National Park, is named after the nearby Periyar River which flows through the region in Thekkady, Kerala. This sanctuary can be further classified into four categories – namely, open grasslands, deciduous forests, semi-evergreen forests and shola or tropical evergreen forests. Each of these come together to support different species of wildlife. These include the barking deer, bonnet macaque, leopard, jackal, mongoose and the great Indian bison.

Top 6 Species of Wildlife in Thekkady

When you are planning to visit beautiful forests and see spectacular scenery adorned with adorable and fantastic creatures, check out this list of species you should see here!

1. Malabar Squirrel

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Since the charming landscape of Thekkady has no dearth of lush greenery and grasslands, you can also spot the Indian giant Malabar species of squirrel that roams this land. Found mostly in the Periyar Tiger Reserve, this species is unusually large compared to the common squirrel and is found mainly in the region of Peninsular India. The unique thing about it is its 2 feet long tail which perfectly reflects the overall vibrant colors of its body. However, this squirrel has recently been listed as Endangered according to the IUCN Red List.

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2. Tiger

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The giant cat called Tiger needs no introduction when it comes to knowing about the major attractions of Periyar Tiger Reserve. A total of about 40 tigers can be seen in this area of ​​Thekkady and are mostly found roaming alone, except when the tigress is with her cubs or is courting. These 3 meter long wild cats can be seen hunting other animals like sambhar, gaur, wild boar etc. but since this species is very rare, shy and hard to find, you can see a tiger only when You may be lucky enough!

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3. bird

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With a wide range of birds found in the Periyar Tiger Reserve, you can definitely spot species like the Gray Heron, Malabar Hornbill, Jungle Myna and Jungle Fowl in this sanctuary. To date, the number of bird species in the region is estimated to be around 266 in total. You can also spot some common aquatic birds like cormorants and darters here. Little grebe, tailless and squat duck are among the smallest swimming birds in the region. These migratory birds can be seen filling their stomachs with aquatic snakes and insects.

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4. Deer

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You can find two types of deer species in this sanctuary. The first is Sambhar deer and the second is spotted deer. Spotted is the common Indian type also known as chital or chital. They are not very tall and can be easily identified due to the brightly colored spots on their body. The males of these species have horns and can be identified by these. On the other hand, even though the Sambar deer is also common to the biodiversity of India, it is listed as endangered as per the IUCN list.

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5. Reptiles

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One of the dangerous species that you should be careful of while going for a trek or hike in Periyar National Park are the reptile species. Some poisonous creatures like cobra, viper, krait can easily reach you without you knowing. However, some non-poisonous substances are also present in the region. While roaming here, monitor lizards can also be seen and the trekkers most often encounter pythons on their way.

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6. Wild Pig

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Boars, also known as wild boars, are very common in the Thekkady region and are increasing rapidly in numbers. A wild boar eats the most common food and that is why it survives even in the most difficult times. The fact that even though this species was once endangered, and has still managed to get out of it, shows the strength of their survival. Carnivorous animals such as tigers and wolves are the main predators of wild boars.

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Did it intrigue you enough for a fun adventure? We wouldn’t be surprised if you’re thinking about a vacation soon! A stunning view and wildlife scene painted in all colors is a perfect kind of combination for a soothing holiday. So what are you waiting for? Plan a trip to Kerala for a unique holiday experience like never before!

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