the
south-western side and the Megamalai reserve forest on the
north-western side. The altitude varies from 100m to 2010
m above sea level. The sanctuary is home to the endangered,
arboreal grizzled giant squirrel Ratufa macrora. This greyish
brown squirrel weighs 1 to 1.8 kg. and is the size of a small
cat. It measures about 73.5 cms. from nose to tail with the
tail being 36 – 40 cm. long. They construct drays at
forked branches where the crowns of neighbouring trees meet.
This enables the squirrel to move away from the site by jumping
from tree to tree when threatened. The home range of an individual
is between 0.197 hectares and 0.611 hectares.
The
sanctuary also hosts a variety of birds, mammals, reptiles
and butterflies. Resident and migratory elephants are common.
Other animals sighted are tiger, leopard, Nilgiri thar, spotted
deer, barking deer, sambar, wild boar, porcupine, Nilgiri
langur, lion-tailed macaque, common langur, slender loris,
bonnet macaque, sloth bear and flying squirrel. Over 100
species of birds have been identified. The rare Great Indian
horn bill is also found.
Special
steps have been taken to conserve the forest areas in the
sanctuary. The annual leases given for the collection of
fruit and other minor forest produce has been stopped. Fruit
bearing trees and other trees have been planted. This will
increase the food sources as well as ensure continuity in
the canopy. Soil conservation and water harvesting measures
have been undertaken to improve the habitat.
The
forests of Alagarkoil valley in Srivilliputur taluk and Saduragiri
are known for rare medicinal plants. The medicinal value
of 275 plants has been recorded and reported. The forests
host a rich variety of orchids and ferns.
The
sanctuary is located 86 kms. from Maduari. The best time
to visit the sanctuary are throughout the year except for
the months of March, April and May. |
