Periyar Tiger Reserve

Periyar Tiger Reserve is a national park located in the southern part of the Western Ghats in Kerala. The park was declared a national park in 1982 and is a protected area that serves as the major watershed for the Padma and Periyar rivers. The Periyar Tiger Reserve is a haven for several species of birds and animals, and is known for its rich biodiversity. In a recent bird survey conducted by the state forest department, the reserve was found to be home to 231 bird species, 14 of which were endangered and 20 were endemic to the Western Ghats. The survey also identified 11 bird species that were not previously recorded during previous surveys.

Geography

The Periyar Tiger Reserve is situated in the Cardamom Hills and Pandalam Hills of the Western Ghats, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park covers an area of 925 square kilometers and is home to several species of animals and birds. The park is known for its unique geographical features, including several high-altitude peaks and ridges, which provide a suitable habitat for many species of birds.

Bird survey

A 4-day bird survey was recently conducted by the state forest department in the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The survey was aimed at identifying the bird species present in the reserve and to assess the biodiversity of the area. The survey identified 231 bird species in the reserve, including 14 that were endangered and 20 that were endemic to the Western Ghats. The survey also found 11 bird species that were not recorded during previous surveys, indicating the diverse range of bird species present in the reserve.

Endangered species

The bird survey identified 14 bird species in the Periyar Tiger Reserve that are listed as endangered. These species include the Nilgiri wood pigeon, the white-bellied blue-flycatcher, the grey-headed bulbul, and the Nilgiri pipit. The presence of these endangered species in the reserve highlights the importance of preserving the habitat and biodiversity of the area.

Endemic species

The survey also identified 20 bird species that were endemic to the Western Ghats. These species included the Malabar grey hornbill, the white-bellied treepie, and the Nilgiri thrush. These species are found only in the Western Ghats and are not found anywhere else in the world. The presence of these endemic species in the reserve underscores the ecological significance of the Western Ghats as a biodiversity hotspot.

Newly identified species

The survey identified 11 bird species that were not recorded during previous surveys. These species included the Asian fairy-bluebird, the grey-bellied cuckoo, and the Malabar parakeet. The identification of these species indicates the need for regular monitoring and surveys to assess the biodiversity of the reserve.