Context:
Recently, the Tamil Nadu government has officially designated around 80,000 hectares of reserve forests in Bargur Hills (Erode district) as the Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
About Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary:
Geographical Significance:
- It is situated at the convergence of the Eastern Ghats and Western Ghats at the Nilgiris.
- The expansive area is a thriving habitat for a rich variety of flora and fauna, contributing to its status as an ideal home for various life forms.
Water Resource:
- The sanctuary is a significant catchment area for the Palar River, which eventually flows into the Cauvery River. This water source is crucial for sustaining agricultural activities in the region.
Ecological Corridor:
- This newly declared sanctuary is an integral part of the ecological corridor which links the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve to the Male Mahadeshwara Hills Tiger Reserve, and the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary.
- This corridor plays a vital role in sustaining a viable tiger population.
Biodiversity Hotspot:
- The Bargur Hills are interconnected with the Kollegal forests of Karnataka and the Nilgiris, creating one of the most diverse habitats in the region.
- It is recognized by the National Tiger Conservation Authority as one of the tiger corridors, the sanctuary hosts a range of wildlife, including large animals such as Indian Gaur and elephants.
Cultural Significance:
- The Bargur Hills hold cultural and historical value for local tribal communities. These communities have long depended on the ecosystems within the sanctuary for their livelihoods and traditional practices.