Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary

News: A three-day faunal survey in Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary recorded 14 new birds, 15 butterflies, and 8 odonates, along with 202 moths, 52 ants, 10 mantids, and six cicadas. 

About Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary

• It is located in the Idukki district, Kerala. 
• The terrain is rugged and undulating, with altitudes ranging between 450 meters to 750 meters above sea level. 
• It is characterized by steep hills, deep valleys, plateaus, and riverine forests. 
• Climate: Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary experiences a tropical monsoon climate, with heavy rainfall and pleasant temperatures throughout the year.
• River flowing through it: Two major rivers flow through and sustain the sanctuary’s rich biodiversity: Periyar River and Cheruthoni River. These rivers contribute to the Idukki Dam Reservoir. 
• Vegetation: The sanctuary is a treasure trove of tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen, and moist deciduous forests.
• Flora: The sanctuary boasts an impressive range of plant species, including: Timber Trees: Teak, rosewood, and sandalwood, medicinal Plants: Wild pepper, neem, and eucalyptus and flowering Plants: Orchids and jacaranda add to the sanctuary’s beauty.
• Fauna :
  • The sanctuary hosts a diverse array of wildlife, including mammals like elephants, Indian bison (gaur), sambar deer, wild boars, wild dogs (dhole), jungle cats, and tigers.
  • It is also home to various reptiles, such as snakes, monitor lizards, and turtles. Among the bird species found here are the Grey Jungle Fowl, Malabar Grey Hornbill, woodpeckers, bulbuls, kingfishers, and eagles.