Wildlife Sanctuaries

Wildlife sanctuaries are designated havens for India’s diverse species and ecosystems. Legally protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, they protect habitats, manage populations, and combat threats. Each sanctuary is zoned for specific purposes: core areas untouched, buffer zones with controlled activities, and tourism zones for responsible exploration. These sanctuaries not only safeguard endangered species but also maintain biodiversity, preserve ecosystems, channelling their invaluable services and educate communities.

From the snow-capped heights of the Himalayas to the scorching plains of the Thar Desert, India is home to over 573 sanctuaries, all of which are brimming with diverse flora and fauna. With its 18 sanctuaries, Kerala, a state renowned for its beautiful landscapes and nestled in the thick embrace of the Western Ghats, is an important player in conservation. Responsible tourism in these sanctuaries, like Kerala’s Periyar with its elephants and tigers, generates revenue and raises awareness.

India’s Sanctuary Network:

India has an extensive network of 573 wildlife sanctuaries spanning 123,762.56 sq km as of November 2023, distributed among its varied terrain. This represents 3.76% of the country’s geographical area, highlighting the significant commitment to conservation.

Kerala’s Sanctuaries:

Kerala, famed for its lush Forests mostly in the lap of Western Ghats, contributes its share with 18 sanctuaries, covering 2156.21 sq km. These sanctuaries serve as vital havens for iconic species like tigers, elephants, and numerous birdlife.

Kerala’s network of 18 wildlife sanctuaries transcends their role as havens for diverse flora and fauna. They serve as vital cogs in the state’s ecological machinery, contributing significantly to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem preservation, and endangered species protection.

Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala

Sl No.	Name	Brochure	Area in Sq.Km	Year of Formation
1	Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Tiger Reserve)		777.000	1950
2	Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary		128.000	1958
3	Peechi – Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary		125.000	1958
4	Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary (Tiger Reserve)		285.000	1973
5	Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary		344.440	1973
6	Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary		70.000	1976
7	Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary		53.000	1983
8	Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary		25.000	1983
9	Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary		171.000	1984
10	Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary		90.440	1984
11	Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary		85.000	1984
12	Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary		55.000	1984
13	Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary		0.027	2004
14	Kurinjimala Sanctuary		32.000	2006
15	Choolannur Pea Fowl Sanctuary		3.420	2007
16	Malabar Sanctuary		74.215	2009
17	Kottiyoor Wildlife Sanctuary		30.380	2011
18	Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary		227.970	2019

* Included in the Periyar Tiger Reserve

Maintaining Biodiversity:

Kerala’s sanctuaries act as gene pools for a vast array of species. For instance, the Choolannur Peafowl Sanctuary safeguards the threatened Grey Junglefowl (Gallus sonneratii), while Kurinjimala Sanctuary protects the endangered NilgiriTahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius) and this unique habitat nurtures the rare Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) flower, known for its spectacular once-in-12-year bloom, alongside various endemic flora and fauna. These sanctuaries ensure the survival of these species by providing secure breeding grounds and maintaining genetic diversity, crucial for adaptability and resilience in a changing environment.

Preserving Ecosystems:

From the lush rainforests of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary to the coastal mangroves of Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, each sanctuary represents a unique ecosystem. These protected areas act as ecological buffers, regulating water flow, preventing soil erosion, and maintaining natural air and water quality. For example, the Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary plays a vital role in regulating the flow of the Periyar River, sustaining downstream communities and agriculture.

Protecting Endangered Species: Kerala’s sanctuaries offer critical refuge for numerous threatened species. The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary provides vital habitat for the endangered Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), while the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary safeguards vulnerable bird species like the Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis). All these sanctuaries implement conservation measures like habitat restoration, anti-poaching patrols, and community engagement programs, contributing to the recovery of these species and ensuring their continued existence.

Beyond these examples, each of Kerala’s sanctuaries, from the high-altitude grasslands of Periyar to the sacred groves of Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary, plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and ensuring the survival of unique species. By protecting these sanctuaries, we ensure not only the well-being of wildlife but also the health and sustainability of our own environment.

Zoned Management:

Each sanctuary adheres to a meticulous management plan, dividing its area into distinct zones:
● Core Zone : This undisturbed heartland prohibits human interference, safeguarding sensitive species.
● Buffer Zone: Controlled human activities like tribal settlements and sustainable resource utilization occur here.
● Tourism Zone: Responsible tourism activities like guided tours and nature trails are conducted here which is within the buffer zone itself and raise awareness and generate revenue.