Pre-cum-Mains GS Foundation Program for UPSC 2026 | Starting from 14th Nov. 2024 Click Here for more information
Source- This post on Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary has been created based on the article “Four monkeys found dead in Kerala’s Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, authorities probe possible infection” published in “The Hindu” on 2nd September 2024.
Why in News?
Recently, four monkeys were discovered dead in the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala.
About Aralam wildlife sanctuary
| Aspects | Description |
| About | 1. Aralam is the northern most wildlife sanctuary of Kerala. It was declared a Sanctury during 1984. 2. It is located on the western slopes of Western Ghats. 3. The sanctuary is linked with several other protected areas, including the Wayanad-Brahmagiri region, the northern slopes of Wayanad, and the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka. It also borders the forests of Coorg. 4. The highest peak within the sanctuary is Katti Betta. |
| Drainage | The Cheenkannipuzha forms the main drainage system on the southern side. Narikkadavu thodu, Kurukkathodu and Meenumuttithodu from the northern upper reaches flow southwards to join Cheenkannipuzha. |
| Forest Type | The forest types include West Coast tropical evergreen forest, West coast semi-evergreen forests, South Indian moist deciduous forest, Southern hilltop evergreen forest and plantations. |
| Flora | The sanctuary features a rich variety of tree species, including Artocarpus heterophyllus, Bishofia javanica, Calophyllum elatum, Canarium strictum, Cullenia exarillita, Dipterocarpus species and various Terminalia species. |
| Flora | 1. The sanctuary supports a diverse array of wildlife. It is home to 23 mammal species, including the Elephant, Gaur, Tiger, Panther, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Sloth Bear, Nilgiri Langur, Bonnet Macaque, Common Langur, Wild Dog, Common Otter, and Malabar Giant Squirrel. 2. Birdlife is also abundant, with 188 species recorded. 3. The sanctuary hosts 22 reptile species, 16 species of amphibians, and 39 species of fish. |
Read more: Mpox (Monkeypox) outbreak
UPSC Syllabus: Environment
