Context: Recently a faunal survey was conducted in Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
Key Findings of Survey
- 14 new bird species were recently spotted in the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, including the Grey Heron, Indian Spotted Eagle, Bonelli’s Eagle, and others.
- This brings the total number of bird species in the sanctuary to 245, with 174 species recorded during the survey.
About Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: Near Thodupuzha, Idukki district, Kerala
- Establishment Year: 1984
- Area: Spreads over 77 square kilometers
- Rivers: Located between Cheruthoni river and Periyar river
- Rainfall: Average rainfall is 3800 mm.
- Drainage: The major rivers flowing through the area at Periyar and Cheruthoniar. The sanctuary consists of 33 sq, km of waterbody of Idukki reservoir.
- Forest Types: Forest types include West Coast Tropical Evergreen forests, Semi-Evergreen forests, Moist Deciduous Forests, Hill Shoals and grasslands.
Biodiversity
- Fauna:The tree species found include Ceylon ironwood, thampakam, wild jack, pali, malampunna, karuva, teak, Indian rosewood, Vella maruthu, Grewia tiliifolia, and Malabar kino.
- Fauna: The common animals found are Elephant, Sambar, Barking Deer, Mouse deer, Bonnet macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Malabar giant squirrel, Wild dog, Wild boar, porcupine, jackal, Indian Giant Squirrel, etc.
Conservation Concern: The number of elephants is decreasing due to poaching and other environmental threats.