Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

Why in News?

Translocated elephant ‘Radhakrishnan’ found dead recently in Tirunelveli’s Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

• The Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) is located in Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari District of Tamil Nadu.
• Established in - 1976.
• Registered under - Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act 1975.
• It was declared as the “First Tiger Reserve of Tamil Nadu” and the 17^th Tiger Reserve of India.
• KMTR consists of two adjacent sanctuaries namely Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Mundanthurai Tiger Sanctuary in Tirunelveli District and
  • Part of Veerapuli and Kilamalai Reserve Forests in Kanyakumari District.
• Fauna - The reserve is part of the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve.
  • Animals- The reserve is home to Bengal tigers, leopards, sambar, Indian pangolin, elephants, gaur, and mouse deer.
  • Reptiles - Species include the King Cobra, python, and pit viper.
  • Birds - Great Indian Hornbill, Great Pied Hornbill, and Broad-tailed Grassbird.
• Vegetation type - This region has got vegetation types which gradually changes from dry thorn forest to dry deciduous.
• Significance - The reserve is also known as the "River Sanctuary" because 13 rivers originate from it, providing drinking water and water for agriculture to several districts.

Reference

The Hindu | Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve