Exploring the Unique Ecology and Ethos of Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Idukki district of Kerala, India, is a protected area renowned for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystem.

Spanning an area of approximately 90 square kilometers, this sanctuary is characterized by its diverse geographical features and extensive flora and fauna.

The sanctuary has a significant conservation history and holds cultural significance in the region. Furthermore, it attracts eco-tourists from around the world due to its pristine natural beauty.

This article explores the various aspects of Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, shedding light on its geography, flora, fauna, conservation history, cultural significance, and eco-tourism potential.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary Overview

Aspect	Details
Location & Geography	Situated in Idukki district of Kerala. Area of 90.44 sq km with terrain ranging from undulating to peaks, gorges, and hills. Altitude from 400m to 2372m. Major rivers include Chinnar and Pambar.
Climate & Rainfall	Rainshadow region of Western Ghats with a 6-7 month dry season in lower areas. Average rainfall is 500mm, mostly during the NE monsoon.
Biodiversity	Home to 965 floral species, 29 mammal species including the endangered Grizzled Giant Squirrel, 225 bird species, 52 reptile species, and endemic fish like Deccan Mahseer.
Conservation History	Declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1984. Hosts 11 indigenous settlements. Has faced habitat degradation and biotic pressure, but conservation efforts have been made.
Cultural Significance	Inhabited by the Muthuvan and Hill Pulaya tribes. Contains the largest megalithic sites in Kerala.
Eco-tourism Potential	Offers nature trails, treks, wildlife safaris, and birdwatching. Best season to visit is from November to March.

Introduction

The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, established in 1984, is a protected area located in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats in Kerala, India. Covering an area of 90.44 sq km, it is situated between 10°15′ to 10°21′ N latitude and 77°05′ to 77°16′ E longitude.

The sanctuary represents the unique thorny scrub vegetation of the area and encompasses a variety of habitats such as dry thorn forests and shola grasslands. It plays a crucial role in connecting the neighboring Eravikulam National Park and Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, forming an important conservation landscape.

In addition to its ecological significance, the sanctuary also holds cultural value with ancient megalithic sites and indigenous tribal communities like Muthuvans and Hill Pulayas residing within its boundaries.

Notably, it provides habitat for endangered species including the Grizzled Giant Squirrel and Indian Star Tortoise.

Chinnar wildlife Sanctuary Location Map

Geography

Situated in the Idukki district of Kerala, the geography of Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is characterized by undulating terrain, deep gorges, grassy hills, peaks, and hillocks.

It shares borders with Tamil Nadu to its north and east, while the Eravikulam National Park lies to its west and the Marayoor Reserve Forest forms the southern boundary. The altitude within the sanctuary ranges from 400m to 2372m at Nandala Mala peak. Two perennial rivers – Chinnar and Pambar – along with their tributaries drain the sanctuary.

The climate here is influenced by being in the rain shadow region of Western Ghats, resulting in a dry period of 6-7 months with high temperatures in lower elevations. The average annual rainfall is around 500mm received primarily during the North East monsoon from October to December.

This geographical variation along with differences in altitude creates diverse habitat types within Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary Details

Aspect	Details
Date of Notification	Aug-84
Area	90.4 km2
Habitat	Thorny scrub forest, dry deciduous forest
Biographic zone	Western Ghats
Animals	Asian Elephant, Gaur, Leopard, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Grizzled Giant squirrel, Grey Langur
Plants	Acacia arabica, Acacia concinna, Prosopis Juliflora, Santalum album, Anogeissus latifolia, Terminalia arjuna, Tamarindus indica, Pongamia glabra, Dalbergia latifolia, Tectona grandis

Flora

Floral diversity within the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is characterized by a wide range of forest types and vegetation across its elevation gradient. The sanctuary consists of various forest types, including tropical thorn forests, dry deciduous forests, moist deciduous forests, riparian forests, shola forests, and grasslands.

At lower elevations, thorn and dry deciduous forests dominate the landscape with species such as Acacia, Euphorbia, Anogeissus latifolia, and Hardwickia binata. Mid-elevation areas are occupied by patches of moist deciduous forests with Grewia tiliifolia and Pterocarpus marsupium being common species. Riparian forests bordering rivers contain Terminalia arjuna and Syzygium cumini. Shola forests found at higher altitudes are home to endemic species like Elaeocarpus recurvatus and Cryptocarya anamallayana. The grasslands at higher elevations consist of Arundinella, Cymbopogon, and Chrysopogon species.

Additionally, several rare herbs, climbers, orchids as well as significant endemic trees like White teak can be found in the sanctuary.

Fauna

Fauna within the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is characterized by a diverse range of mammal, bird, reptile, and fish species.

The sanctuary is home to several endangered species such as the Grizzled Giant Squirrel and Deccan Mahseer.

Among the mammals found here are predators like Tiger, Leopard, Wild dog, and Sloth bear, as well as herbivores like Elephant, Gaur, Sambar, Spotted deer, Barking deer, and Nilgiri tahr.

The avifauna is particularly rich with 225 bird species inhabiting various habitats within the sanctuary.

Reptiles are also abundant with 52 documented species including colubrid snakes, blind snakes, and vipers.

Additionally, there are 14 fish species reported in the sanctuary including the endangered Deccan Mahseer.

Conservation History

The conservation history of the area surrounding Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary has seen several initiatives aimed at protecting and preserving the natural habitat and wildlife. The sanctuary was declared a reserve forest in 1942 and later designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1984 due to its ecological significance.

To address threats such as habitat fragmentation, expanding settlements, overgrazing, and unregulated tourism, various conservation measures have been implemented. These include habitat restoration, soil-moisture conservation, eco-development for local communities, anti-poaching camps, fire protection schemes, regulation of tourism activities, and monitoring of wildlife crimes.

Efforts have also been made to maintain habitat connectivity and integrate ecological concerns into development projects around the sanctuary. These initiatives are crucial for ensuring the long-term survival of the diverse flora and fauna within Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Cultural Significance

Cultural significance within the area surrounding Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is evident through the presence of indigenous tribes and their preservation of ethno-botanical knowledge. The Muthuvans and Hill Pulayas, who have inhabited the sanctuary for centuries, rely on forest resources for their livelihoods. These tribes are believed to have migrated from Tamil Nadu and their distinctive customs, lifestyles, and traditions reflect the rich cultural legacy of the sanctuary.

Furthermore, Chinnar boasts a significant number of megalithic sites with dolmens and burial cysts concentrated near Marayoor, indicating prehistoric human activity in the area. Rock paintings discovered in Alampetty provide additional evidence of Stone Age civilizations that once thrived here.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary serves as an anthropological treasure trove where indigenous tribes coexist with Neolithic communities, highlighting the close ecological and cultural connections between humans and wildlife in this landscape.

Eco-tourism

Eco-tourism in the area surrounding Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is promoted through various activities such as nature trails, trekking, wildlife viewing, and overnight camping. These activities offer visitors the opportunity to experience the unique biodiversity and cultural heritage of the sanctuary.

The sanctuary is easily accessible via road from Kochi and Coimbatore airports and nearest railheads like Aluva and Pollachi. It remains open throughout the year, with November to March being the best time to visit.

Guided tours, jungle safaris, and adventure camping are available through the forest stations in Chinnar, Alampetty, and Karimutty. Visitors can hike to Olikkudy shola-grassland, engage in birdwatching for endangered species, spot wildlife from watchtowers, interact with indigenous tribes, and explore historic sites like megalithic burials.

With its rich biodiversity and diverse habitats interspersed with human settlements, Chinnar offers a unique eco-tourism experience for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.

Conclusion

Given its unique location in the rain shadow region and diverse habitats, Chinnar holds immense ecological significance. The sanctuary is home to a wide range of endemic and endangered species, making it an important genetic reservoir. However, it faces challenges such as habitat fragmentation, biotic pressures, climate change impacts, and unplanned tourism.

To address these challenges effectively, it is crucial to implement integrated management plans that prioritize habitat restoration efforts and promote the sustainable use of resources. Additionally, eco-development initiatives should be undertaken to ensure the involvement and well-being of local communities.