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Kanniyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary

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The Kanniyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu is a biodiversity hotspot that has recently garnered attention due to a research scholar documenting around 450 species of moths in the area.

Location:

  • District: Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu.

    Geography: Situated at the southernmost tip of India, where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean converge.

    Boundaries:

    • North: Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve.

    • South: Kodayar left bank channel and Thovalai channel.

    • West: Kerala State.

  1. Designation and Protection:

    • Declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 2008 to preserve its rich biodiversity.

    • It acts as a protected area for wildlife, including the tiger, which is a flagship species in conservation efforts.

    Tiger Habitat:

    • It serves as a habitat for tigers, ensuring protection for these apex predators and supporting a healthy ecosystem.

    Rivers and Hydrological Importance:

    • Seven rivers originate from this sanctuary, with notable rivers like Thamirabarani and Pahrali, making it a critical water catchment area for the region.

    • The rivers also support the sanctuary’s ecosystem and provide water to many other areas in southern Tamil Nadu.

    Endemic Species and Biodiversity:

    • The sanctuary is an endemic region, meaning it is home to several species of plants, amphibians, and insects that are found nowhere else in the world.

Significance of the Sanctuary:

  • Tribal Communities: Several tribal communities live in the adjacent reserve forests, integrating their culture with the rich biodiversity of the region.

  • Confluence of Water Bodies: Being at the confluence of three oceans, the sanctuary is strategically located and crucial for preserving the biodiversity of the peninsula.

Vegetation:

The sanctuary is home to a diverse range of vegetation, representing various types of forests:

  • Southern Thorn Forests

  • Dry Deciduous Forests

  • Moist Deciduous Forests

  • Semi-evergreen Forests

  • Evergreen Hill Sholas with grassy downs.

Fauna:

The sanctuary hosts a variety of wildlife, including:

  • Indian Bison (Gaur)

  • Elephant

  • Nilgiri Tahr

  • Sambar Deer

  • Lion-tailed Macaque

  • Indian Rock Python


 

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