Tamil Nadu’s 18th Wildlife Sanctuary Opens in Erode

The government of Tamil Nadu has decided to declare Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary as the 18th wildlife sanctuary in the state. This sanctuary covers an area of 80,567 hectares in the forest regions of Anthiyur and Gobichettipalayam taluks in Erode district, and includes reserve forest areas in Anthiyur, Bargur, Thattakarai, and Chennampatti. It is home to a variety of wild animals such as tigers, elephants, leopards, wild boars, gaurs, and deer. This wildlife sanctuary is located in close proximity to other sanctuaries such as Malai Mahadeshwara wildlife sanctuary, BRT Wildlife Sanctuary, Cauvery wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka, and it serves as a connecting point between Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve and Cauvery South Wildlife Sanctuary. This announcement was made during the state budget.

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The newly designated wildlife sanctuary will facilitate the appointment of additional anti-poaching watchers and camps. Efforts will also be made to remove invasive species, mitigate conflicts between humans and animals, and promote the conservation of Asian elephants. Forest department officials have assured the tribal communities residing in the sanctuary’s vicinity that they will not face any limitations while carrying out their work in the area. Rajkumar, a spokesperson for the officials, clarified that the tribal people living in six settlements have already received titles and will continue to enjoy their rights under the Forest Rights Act.

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