Surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Western Ghats in Karnataka, particularly in the Udupi and Shimoga districts, is the Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary has an interesting blend of topographical features, inhabited by diverse flora and fauna. It’s strategically located adjacent to Kudremukh National Park and is named after the legendary Someshwara temple nestled within its confines. The sanctuary is carpeted with verdant evergreen forests, semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests. Among its many residents are endangered species like the Lion Tailed Macaque, Tiger and Dhole.
The Sitanadi River – A Noteworthy Point of Interest
Flowing through Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary is the Sitanadi river. The river is more than just a water source for the wildlife; it significantly contributes to maintaining the ecological balance of the sanctuary.
The Home of Endangered Species
The Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary is the natural habitat for several endangered species, including the Lion-tailed Macaque, Tiger, and Dhole. The Lion-tailed Macaque, in particular, stands out due to its endemic presence in the Western Ghats, spreading across the states of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Despite a seemingly wide range, this species occupies a rather small and fragmented area.
The Behavior and Habitat of the Lion-tailed Macaque
The Lion-tailed Macaque is a diurnally active, tree-dwelling primate. Its preferred residence is the upper canopy of primary tropical evergreen rainforests. However, it’s not uncommon to find them in hilly monsoon forests or even disturbed forest regions.
Protected Areas for Lion-tailed Macaque
Apart from the Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, other protected areas where one can find the Lion-tailed Macaque are the Kudremukh National Park in Karnataka, Periyar National Park and Silent Valley National Park, both located in Kerala.
Threats to the Lion-tailed Macaque
Despite their natural adaptation skills, these primates are under severe threat. Habitat loss and degradation due to deforestation, agricultural activities, and logging have led to a scarcity of fruit, their primary food. Furthermore, creation of exotic plantations such as tea, eucalyptus, and coffee has added to their habitat loss. Hunting and the pet trade have also contributed to their declining numbers.
Conservation and Protection Measures
The Lion-tailed Macaque is enlisted as ‘endangered’ on the IUCN Red List. It also falls under Appendix I of CITES, indicating that it’s among the most endangered species. In India, it’s protected under Schedule I, Part I, of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary is not only a place of natural beauty but also holds immense ecological and zoological significance. With its diverse fauna including endangered species and striking geographical features, it forms an integral part of India’s natural heritage.
