Wildlife Conservation Sanctuaries of Wayanad

Wildlife Conservation Sanctuaries of Wayanad

Wayanad Wildlife Conservation Sanctuary:

Established in 1973, the Wayanad Wildlife Conservation Sanctuary is contiguous to the protected area network of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka on the northeast and Mudumalai of Tamil Nadu on the southeast. Rich in bio diversity, the sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve , which has been established with the specific objective of conserving the biological heritage of the region. The sanctuary is 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. Elephant, spotted deer. Bison, tiger, cheetah, wild bear etc. can be spotted here. Elephant rides are arranged by the Forest department.

Permitting authority : Wildlife Warden, Wayanad Wildlife Conservation Sanctuary, Sulthan Bathery

Nagarhole Elephant Sanctuary:

Situated in Karnataka, this Wildlife Conservation Sanctuary is some 40 kms from Mananthavady in Wayanad. Jeeps and trucks regularly transport visitors to this location.

Begur/Tholepetty Wildlife Conservation Sanctuary: Several species of animals like elephant , bison, spotted deer, tiger, leopard, bear and wild boar are found in this sanctuary , which is just 100 kms from Vythiri. The best season to visit is Dec-to May, when animals from the neighbouring Bandhipur, Nagarhole and Mudamalai frequent this sanctuary due to scarcity of water elsewhere. Day trips are organized from various resorts in Wayanad.

Bandipur National Park and Tiger Reserve:

Situated in Karnataka , this famous Wildlife Conservation Sanctuary and tiger reserve is also easily accessible from Malabar and is en route to Ooty.

Mudumalai Elephant Park: Tamil Nadu's most well-known wild life sanctuary is within easy reach and is just 130 kms from Vythiri.

Nagarhole Wildlife Conservation Sanctuary (40 km from Mananthavady):

This sanctuary in Karnataka state extends over 643.39 sq.km. The park houses diverse species of plant and animal life. Visiting time:0600-0800 hrs and 1500-1730 hrs.

Begur Wildlife Conservation Sanctuary (20 km east or Mananthavady):

This sanctuary is home to many exotic species of fauna.

Bee-eater ( Nectyronis othertoni)

A rare blue beard bee-eater a rare bird has been sighted in Wayanad. The blue bird bee-eater is the largest bee-eater in the world. This rare bird builds nests on the ground and usually dwells in forest especially low land forest clearings and open hill forests. The bird has pale blue forehead and a "beard". The upper parts of the head are green and the belly adorned with soft streaks. The long tail is yellow below and square ended. The bird has de-curved slender black bill and short wings. Its call is audible from a good distance.

Before feeding the young, the bird gives a special kind of call to its young ones, perching on a nearby tree as if signaling them to come to the entrance of the nest to receive the food. The nests are found to be almost two and a half meter long inside, a peculiar to this species. The nest and the chicks are highly vulnerable to attack of snakes.

Out of the 24 species of bee-eaters seen in the world, six have been spotted in India. Bee-eaters play a major role in controlling insect pests, especially wasps, which are poisonous.