Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary which came into existence in 1976, spreads over an area of 77sq. kms. within Thodupuzha and Udumbanchola taluks in Idukki district. This wild life sanctuary with a plenty of elephants is blessed with different kinds of flora and fauna. The world famous Idukki arch dam and the vast lake increase the importance of this place.
Before the formation of Shenduruny as a wildlife sanctuary, the area was under the Thenmala Forest Division. Both clear felling and selection felling were once practised in this area to a large extent. Large tracts of forests were clearfelled and such areas were converted to plantations. Besides, the widening of the Thiruvananthapuram - Shencottah road (T.S.Road) during the 40's also enhanced the deterioration of the Shenduruny forests. Despite all these disturbances the fauna status of Shenduruny valley was found to be some what well, especially in the eastern mountainous zone. So, according to the recommendations by the Quilon Circle Committee report, the Government declared Shenduruny as wildlife sanctuary on August 25, 1984. Now the sanctuary comes under the Thiruvananthapuram Wildlife Division.
Location and Extent
The Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the southern part of the Western Ghats (8°50' and 8°55'N; 77°5'and 77°15'E) in the Pathanapuram taluk of Kollam district. The sanctuary covers a total area of 100.32 sq.kms. However, the border with Tamil Nadu has not been fully surveyed.
Historical Importance
Historically, Shenduruny has a rich heritage. A recent study conducted by Dr.P.Rajendran, archaeological research associate of the Poona Deccan College, has resulted in the excavation of the remains of Stone Age culture from a large cave situated at the north -western part of the Shenduruny river. It was proved that these remains belong to the Mesolithic period.
This study brought out the fact that the Shenduruny River Valley Civilization was one among the oldest River Valley Civilizations in India. It dates back from 5210 to 4420 B.C. older than the Indus Valley Civilization which is believed to have flourished from 4400 to 3700 BC The cave paintings seen here are comparable to the Mesolithic paintings found in the caves of central India. The cave found here is large enough to hold at least twenty people at one time. According to Dr. Rajendran, the marshy place seen below just in front of the cave once must have been a lake. Now the Shenduruny river has the reputation that it had nourished a civilization in the prehistoric past.
Vegetation
Four different types of vegetation have been found in Shenduruny.
They are-
a) the west coast tropical evergreen forest,
b) west coast tropical semi-evergreen forest,
c) southern moist mixed deciduous forest and
d) the southern hilltop tropical evergreen forest.
Of these four, the tropical evergreen forest comprises one fourth of the total area.
Mammalian Fauna
Macaca Radiata, the bonnet macaque, the lion-tailed macaque, the Nilgiri langur, squirrels, the Indian giant squirrel, three striped palm squirrel, the gaur or Indian bison, the sambar deer, the muntjack or barking deer, the Indian chevrotain or mouse deer, wild boar and the Indian elephant are found in this sanctuary.
Contact Address
1. The Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife)
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695 014,
Phone : 322217.
2. The Wildlife Warden,
Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary,
Thenmala Dam P.O.,
Thiruvananthapuram.
Phone : 344600 - 0475.
Other Major Important Wildlife Destinations in Kerala
The place is fascinating for its damsite, thick forest areas, eucalyptus plantations, crystal clear streams and rocky terrains ideal for adventure expeditions.
Silent Valley National Park has an area of 90 sq km is located in the north eastern corner of the district. It rises abruptly to the Nilgiri Plateau in the north and overlooks the plains of Mannarkkad in the south.
Thattekkad is made up of dense tropical evergreen and deciduous forest and grassland patches, housing a population of over 500 species of exotic birds.
Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India, and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.
The sanctuary is very rich in flora and fauna. The management lays emphasis on scientific conservation with due consideration for the general lifestyle of the tribals and others who live in and around the forest region.
Neyyar sanctuary is 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.
