KERALA SANCTUARY

Neyyar sanctuary

Nestled in the south-east corner of the Western Ghats, the Neyyar sanctuary is the drainage basin of the Neyyar river and its tributaries-Mullayar and Kallar. Although it was declared a sanctuary way back in 1958, not much was done for wildlife conservation.

However, a separate wildlife wing was set up in 1985 and as a result, conservation efforts have gathered momentum. The Neyyar sanctuary with an area of over 12,000 ha has substantial natural vegetation cover. The diversity of its flora makes the sanctuary an ideal gene pool preserve.

The towering peak of Agastiarmalai at an elevation of 1868m. is the most important landmark. The Sanctuary stretches for the Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve of Tamil Nadu in the east of Neyyattinkara taluk in the south. The Neyyar river and its tributaries flow along the entire stretch of the preserve.

The irrigation dam at Neyyar receives water from the Neyyar river which originates from Agastiar Peak. The administrative complex of Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is situates about 1 km west of Neyyar dam but outside the sanctuary limits, and houses an information centre, a crocodile farm, office, staff quarters, a rest house and a youth hostel.

Tourists can visit the Lion Safari Park, Crocodile Farm and take a ride in the lake.Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city, is only 30 kms away and is connected by good roads. The Kerala Tourism Development Corporation arranges conducted tours to the Neyyar sanctuary.

The Agastiarmalai region supports a wide variety of plant species including medicinal plants. There are at least 109 rare plants in the area. Trekking to Agastiar Peak, particularly during summer, is a popular pastime of youngsters. However, unregulated trekking is restricted.

Climate

Terrain Type
Rugged with rushing brooks, flat meadows, gentle to steep slopes ranging from 90m to 1868m.

Rain fall

Forest Types

West coast tropical evergreen.
Southern hilltop tropical evergreen.
Southern moist mixed deciduous forest.
Southern tropical hill forests.
Southern sub-tropical savannahs.

Fauna
Mammals:
Elephants, gaur, sambar, barking deer, wild boar, Indian porcupine,. three-striped squirrel, tiger, Malabar squirrel, lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri tahr, mouse deer, bonnet macaque, Nilgiri langur etc.

Reptiles:
Cobra, viper, python, rat snake, flying snake, lizard etc

Avifauna:
Common myna, king fisher, white-breasted water hen, little green heron, wood pecker, house crow, koel, Indian cuckoo, gray jungle fowl, hoopoe, jungle myna, Indian hill myna, darter, little cormorant, little egret, brahminy kite etc.