wildlife in tamilnadu

                                         
The topography of Tamil Nadu is delightfully varied and diverse. Of the 1,30,058 sq km land area, 17.6 is covered with forest area. These spreads over the plain and on mountain slopes. Dry lands are bestowed with dry-deciduous forests, thorn forests, scrubs and mangroves. The Western Ghats and a few cooler regions are endowed with moist deciduous, wet evergreen forests, sholas and grasslands.

Tamilnadu is rich in flora and fauna and some of its major wildlife sanctuaries like Madumalai and Annamalai (or Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary), are situated in the Western Ghats. These hills are ideal havens for elephants, tigers, bisons, monkeys and deer. Of the 3,000 and more plant species found in Tamilnadu, a majority is found in the mixed deciduous forests of this region. One of the most noteworthy flowers is the Kurinji of Kodaikanal, which blooms once in 12 years. Cinchona, from which the anti-malarial drug quinine is extracted, and the medicinal eucalyptus grow abundantly in the Nilgiri hills. Forests of other medicinal herbs are found in Palani hills and Courtallam. Palmyra trees grow profusely in Tirunelveli and its products are used as raw materials for several cottage industries. Rubber is the main

Vedanthangal Water Birds Sanctuary

Vedanthangal Water Birds Sanctuary

One of the most spectacular breeding grounds in India. Cormorants, herons, storks, pelicans, grebes and many others.The Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary has been protected by the local people for well over 250 years. The sanctuary gets its name from a nearby village and is only 75 Km from Chennai. The bird life (resident & visitors) includes Cormorants, Darters, Herons, Egrets, Open billed Stork, Spoonbill and White Ibis, Little Grebe, Indian Moorhen, Black Winged Stilts, a few migratory ducks and occasionally Grey Pelicans. November to February is the ideal season to visit the sanctuary.

Vedanthangal is a home not only to migratory birds but also to many ornithologists who camp here for weeks observing the birds at close quarters. With a powerful pair of binoculars, you can spot a Cormorant or a Snake Bird dive under the water to gobble up a nervous fish which is its staple diet. Soon after the hunt, the Cormorant must come up to the shore to dry its feathers as nature has not endowed it with oil-glands to water-proof the feathers.

The Spot-Billed Grey Pelican, on the contrary, moves in groups lashing the water with powerful wing strokes driving the fish to a shallow corner for the ultimate assault. The Spoon Bill, however, prefers to devour frogs and insects in the muddy water with its bills half open.

The winged visitors regulated by biological clocks land at Vedanthangal after the monsoon with amazing clock-work precision and get into the breeding act quietly. The population of the migratory birds swells to around 40,000 by the middle of January.

» How to get there : Chennai is the nearest airport and one can motor down a distance of a hundred kilometers, most of it on the well-maintained National Highway 45. The nearest railhead is Chinglepet (26 km).

» When to visit : The best season to visit is from November to January.

» Where to stay : Accommodation is available at the Forest Department Rest House or Hotel Tamil Nadu of the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation. Reservations for the latter could be made at the Chennai office, through money order or bank drafts.

Point Calimere Bird Sanctuary

Sprawling on 17.26 sq km surrounded by sea and shore, comprising forests of tidal swamps, this sanctuary is situated in Nagapattinam district. It is bestowed with populations of varied wild life such as Chittal, Wild Boar Sprawling on 17.26 sq km surrounded by sea and shore, comprising forests of tidal swamps, dry evergreen forests of mangroves, this sanctuary is situated in the Nagapattinam district. It is bestowed with population of varied wild life such as Chital, Wild boar, Bonnet macaque, Black Buck, Flamingoes, Teals, Gulls, Terns, Plavers and Stilts. Special attractions are close encounters with Dolphins and Turtles which often come quite close to the shore.

Variety Of Birds Visiting The Sanctuary
Between November and January, the tidal mud flats and marshes are covered with Teals, Curlews, Gulls, Terns, Plovers, Sandpipers, Shanks, Herons and up to 3000 Flamingoes at one time.

In the spring, a different set of birds - Koels, Mynas and Barbets are drawn here by the profusion of wild berries. From April to June there's very little activity; the main rainy season is between October and December.
Fauna
Point Calimere sanctuary is bestowed with population of varied wild life such as Chital, Wild boar, Bonnet macaque, Black Buck, Flamingos, Teals, Gulls, Terns, Plavers and Stilts. Special attractions are close encounters with Dolphins and Turtles, which often come quite close to the shore.

Link
» Air : Tiruchirapalli (225 km) , is the nearest Airport which connects tourists to Nagapattinam district where Point Calimere sanctuary is located.
» Rail : Thiruthuraipoondi (42 km), is the nearest railhead.
» Road : Point Calimere Sanctuary is well connected through roads.

Crocodile Bank

Crocodile Bank

Madras Crocodile Bank Trust - Nemmeli

This Crocodile Bank has been established with an aim to protected and conserve the endangered reptiles such as crocodiles, Alligators etc. Situated 14 kms from Mamallapuram, this Trust now houses more than six species of crocodiles.arrangements; 7.Located 42-km from Chennai (Madras) is a farm where several species of Indian and African crocodiles and alligators are bred in captivity. This crocodile bank is on the way to Mahabalipuram and is run by Romulve Whittaker. About 5,000 species are kept in their natural surroundings in open pools. They can be viewed from a safe distance.

The Crocodile Bank occupies an area of 3.2 hectares and has been established with an aim to protect and conserve the endangered reptile s such as Crocodiles, Alligators, etc. Tourists in large numbers visit the crocodile bank to see a variety of reptiles, all in one place.

How to Get There

» Air : Chennai (42-km) is the nearest airport with both domestic and international terminus. Chennai is connected with all the major places in India through the numerous domestic flights. International flights operate from various parts of the world to Chennai.

» Rail : The nearest railway stations are Chengalpattu (29-km) and Chennai (42-km).

» Road : There are buses available from Pondicherry, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu and Chennai to Mahabalipuram daily. The Crocodile Bank is on the way to Mahabalipuram. Tourists can also hire a taxi from Chennai (Madras) or Mahabalipuram.

Guindy National Park

Guindy national park 

About Guindy National Park :

Situated in Chennai. Compositions of animals Black Buck, Chital, Jackal, Pangolin and a variety of Avi fauna. Guindy National Park is one of the prime visiting spots for those who come to Chennai during vacation period. It attracts visitors over three lakhs during a season. A recommended picnic spot for the entire family to spend a day amidst nature and return home joyfully in the evening. This park boasts of over 24 varieties of trees, for example, Amona Squamosa, Atlanta Monoplylla, Feronia Limonia, Azadirachta India, etc. to mention a few. Also more than 14 varieties of shrubs, over 14 types of mammals like elephant, antilope, spotted dear, jungle cat, toddy cat, Indian civet, etc. The park also accounts for over 37 varieties of birds, like black chested, black winged kite, honey buzzard, pariah kite, and so on. There are also many kinds of amphibians and snakes to add to the variety that is already available.

Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

About Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary :

Located in Nilgiri Hills, the offshoot of the Western Ghats meet the Eastern Ghats. This 321 sq km wide sanctuary encompasses a National Park measuring an area of 103 sq kms. This sanctuary is located where the Niligiri Hills, the offshoot of the Western Ghats meet the Eastern Ghats. The Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary has varied mixture of flat land, undulating parkland, open grassland, swamp, valleys and nullas. The Mayyar River in this region forms a series of spectacular cascades on its way 65 kms away from Udhagamandalam - Mysore highway; this sanctuary could be reached from Mysore as well. This 321 sq kms wide sanctuary encompasses a National Park measuring are of 103 sq kms. The vegetation is varied. The hilly terrain of the Western Ghats, clothed in dense mixed and moist deciduous forests, make Mudumalai (the ancient hills) a most attractive wildlife reserve. The Mysore-Ooty highway runs through the Park, following the course of the Mayyar River, which separates Mudumalai from Bandipur. The fauna includes Elephant, Gaur, Bonnet, Macaque, Common langur, Tigers and Leopards, Chital, Dhole Panther, Sloth Bear, Python, Barking deer, Four-Hourned- Antelope, Otter, Crocodiles (mugger), giant flying squirrel, Sambhar, Hyena, Wild Dog, Wild Boar, Mouse Deer, Spotted Deer, Jackal, Hare, Porcupine and Mangoose. The Birds listed in this sanctuary are peacock-our national bird, grey jungle fowl, Malabar whistling thrush, large racket-tailed dronge, the shama, the magpie-robin, spotted babbler, small green barbet, green pigeons, little brown dove, Malabar grey hornbill, bulbuls, mynahs etc. Among birds of prey, eagles, hawks, buzzards, harriers, falcons and king vulture are predominant, birdies some migratory water birds.

Kalakkadu Wildlife Sanctuary

Kalakkadu Wildlife Sanctuary

About Kalakkadu Wildlife Sanctuary :

Situated in an area of 223 sq kms in the Tirunelveli District. Wildlife seen in the sanctuary includes Lion Tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Bonnet Macaque and common Langur, Nilgiri Tahr Kalakkadu Wild Life Sanctuary is situated in area of 223 sq kms in the Tirunelveli District, including the foothills of Western Ghats and the adjoining area. The flora ranges from forests of tropical wet ever-green to Tropical dry deciduous and thorn forest at down hills. Lion tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Bonnet Macaque and Common Langur, Nilgiri Tahr, Sambar, Sloth Bear, Gaur, Elephant, Tiger, Flying Squirrel, Panther, Wild Dog, Pangolin are some of the wild life seen in the sanctuary. Besides, a wide range of birds and reptiles could be seen. Trekking can be done with prior permission from the Forest (Wildlife) Department.

Mukkurthi National Park

Mukkurthi National Park

About Mukkurthi National Park :

Located on the high altitudes of the Nilgiris, 40 kms from Udhagamandalam. It contains a viable population of Nigiri Tahr (Hamitrgus-hilocrius), Sambar, Nilgiri Marten, Barking deer Located on the high altitudes of the Nilgiris, comprising rolling downs interspersed with temperate sholas, this park is also a part of Nilgiri Bio-sphere reserve and situated 40 km from Udhagamandalam. It contains a viable population on Nilgiri Thar (Hamitragus-hilocrius), Sambhar, Barking deer, Nilgiri marten and otter, Jungle cat, Jackal etc. Avifauna consists of hill birds viz laughing and whistling thrushes, woodcock, wild pigeon and black eagle. Butter-flies with Himalayan affinity like the Blue Admiral, Indian Red Admiral, Indian Fritillary, Indian Cabbage white, Hedge blues and rainbow trouts can be also be seen.Trekking routes exist from Parsan valley, portimund, pykara etc. Trout fishing is recommended in the rivers and lakes of Mukurthi. Permission from Asst. Director, Fisheries Department, Udhagai, must be obtained in advance for fishing.