In Which State is Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary Located?

The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is a well-known forest area in India that is famous for its rich greenery, wild animals and peaceful environment. It is part of a larger forest region that protects many kinds of birds, animals and plants. This sanctuary is also an important place for nature lovers and researchers who want to study wildlife in a natural setting.

Location of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Kerala, India. It covers an area of about 344.44 square kilometers. The sanctuary is spread across four hill ranges: Sulthan Bathery, Muthanga, Kurichiat and Tholpetty.

Animals in the Sanctuary

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is home to many large wild animals. You can find gaurs (Indian bison), elephants, deer and Bengal tigers here. The sanctuary also has many types of birds, especially the Indian peafowl, which is very common in this area.

Significance in Kerala

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is the second largest wildlife in Kerala. It has thick green forests and is rich in both plants and animals, including some rare and endangered species.

Part of a Big Forest Area

The sanctuary was started in 1973 and is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is connected to other big protected areas like Nagarhole and Bandipur National Parks in Karnataka and Mudamalai National Park in Tamil Nadu. These areas together from one of the largest tiger habitats in India.

Project Elephant and Elephant Rides

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is included in Project Elephant, a special program by the Indian government to protect elephants. The Kerala Forest Department even organizes elephant rides for visitors in some parts of the sanctuary.

Tribal Communities in Wayanad

Wayanad district, where the sanctuary is located, has the highest number of tribal people (Adivasis) in Kerala. Some of the tribes living here are Paniyas, Kurubas, Adiyans, Kurichiyas, Ooralis and Kattunaikkans.

Tiger Population

In 2017-18, a report by the Forest Department showed that Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary had the highest number of Bengal tigers in Kerala. Out of 176 tigers in the whole state, 75 tigers were found in WWS.

Weather and Climate of the Sanctuary

The climate of Wayanad is pleasant and cool. It receives heavy rainfall – between 3,000 and 4,000 mm a year. During the monsoon, the area gets strong winds and has high humidity (up to 95%). Lakkidi, a part of Wayanad, gets the most rainfall in Kerala.