As the summer season approaches, a fascinating event unfolds in certain regions of South India. The wild animals dwelling in the wildlife sanctuaries of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu embark on their annual journey to a haven known as the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (WWS) located in Kerala. This sanctuary has become a preferred summer destination for these wild animals given the abundant availability of fodder and water throughout the year.
Location of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated in the southwestern Indian state of Kerala, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is an important component of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The reserve was first established in 1973. Among other such reserves in India, Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve holds the honor of being the first to be included in the UNESCO-designated World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2012.
This vast reserve also includes illustrious wildlife sanctuaries such as Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole National Park and Mukurthi National Park in Karnataka, and Silent Valley in Kerala. Particularly interesting is the fact that the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is adjacent to the critical tiger habitats of Nagerhole and Bandipur in Karnataka and Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu.
Geographical Features of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary sprawls across an area of approximately 344.44 square kilometers. It boasts unique terrain features with the Kabini River, a tributary of the mighty Cauvery River, flowing through it. This river plays an important role in maintaining the overall ecology of the sanctuary.
The sanctuary is rich in vegetation and primarily consists of three types of forests, namely South Indian Moist Deciduous Forests, West Coast Semi-Evergreen Forests, and certain plantations. These plantations are lush with teak, eucalyptus, and Grewelia.
Wildlife in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of mammals. Notable among them are the elephants and Gaurs, which have become iconic residents of the Sanctuary. Predators like tigers and panthers can also be spotted here, along with herbivorous creatures such as Sambar and Spotted deer, and Wild boars.
The sanctuary provides habitat for the Sloth bear and two distinct species of langur- the Nilgiri langur and the Common langur. Among these animals, a special mention must be made of the Malabar Giant Squirrel, which has been attracting an increasing number of visitors to the sanctuary due to its size and majestic appearance.
As summer sets in full swing, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary comes alive with the arrival of these seasonal migrants. This annual migration makes the sanctuary a hotspot for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers, making it a place worth experiencing.
