Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Why in News?

Despite a decline in local breeding linked to human disturbance and invasive vegetation, Wayanad’s vulture population remains stable, with roughly 80 birds recorded in the sanctuary.

• Location – Wayanad district, southern part of the Western Ghats in Kerala.
• It is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
• Established in – 1973.
• Under – The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
• Rivers – Kabini River, a tributary of the Cauvery River, flows through the sanctuary.
• Vegetation & Flora – Tropical semi-evergreen forests, moist mixed deciduous forests, dry mixed deciduous forests, bamboo forests and marshy grasslands (vayals).
  • Invasion - The sanctuary is currently battling a massive invasion of Senna spectabilis (a golden-flowered tree).
• Fauna – Asian elephants, Bengal tigers, leopards, gaur, vultures, sambar deer, and the Malabar giant squirrel, etc.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is the only vulture habitat in Kerala, hosting the White-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis) and the Red-headed vulture (Sarcogyps calvus) primarily.

• Tribe – Several indigenous tribal families live in settlements inside the Sanctuary, such as Kattunaikar and Paniyar.
• Corridor Connectivity – It is bordered by Nagarhole National Park and Bandipur Tiger Reserve (Karnataka) and Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (Tamil Nadu).
• Significance – Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is noted for its biodiversity and conservation efforts under Project Elephant and Project Tiger.

Reference

TH | Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary vultures