Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary

Wildlife

The region is one of the most diverse wildlife forest locations in India. Several new species of plants, amphibians and insects discovered here are found nowhere else, making it an endemic region. A rare mushroom variety known as bioluminescent mushroom was spotted in Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary.The area is a wildlife corridor with high biodiversity, and in addition to tigers, is home to the threatened species: Indian bison, elephant, Indian rock python, lion-tailed macaque, mouse deer, Nilgiri tahr and sambar deer.

Habitation

There are a few tribal villages in the sanctuary and adjoining reserve forests.

Threats

The Arasu Rubber Corporation had destroyed 12,000 acres of forest land to promote rubber estates. This triggered wide protests among the locals and environmentalists. The State government got a stay order and has continued turning forests into rubber plantations by leasing the land to third party contractors and landlords. Another incident was the uprooting of 20,000 forest trees in the guise of clearing the damage caused due to Cyclone Ockhi. This caused anthropogenic disturbance.

Notes

References

1. (11 October 2018). "Tamiraparani: Rich in lore and a biodiversity hotspot". The Hindu.
2. [http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/new-plants-from-western-ghats/article23710384.ece "New plants from Western Ghats"]
3. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2023/Nov/10/rare-bioluminescent-mushroom-spotted-in-kanyakumari-wildlife-.sanctuary-2631608.html
4. https://www.threatenedtaxa.org/index.php/JoTT/article/view/8795/9781
5. Koteswaran C.S. quoting Dr. V. N. Singh Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife)(26/2/2008) ''Kanyakumari Gets Sanctuary'', Deccan Chronicle, Chennai, front page
6. [https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/refugees-in-their-own-home-60680 "Refugees in their own home"]
7. [https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2018/oct/03/only-select-uprooted-trees-will-be-removed-from-kanniyakumari-wildlife-sanctuary-forest-department-1880477.html "Only select uprooted trees will be removed from Kanniyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary: Forest Department - Indian Express"]