Sathyamangalam Wildlife
Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve
Introduction
Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve is
a protected area and Tiger Reserve along
the Western Ghats in the
Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Sathyamangalam forest range is a significant wildlife corridor in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve between
the Western Ghats and the rest
of the Eastern Ghats and a genetic
link between the four other protected areas which it adjoins, including
the Billigiriranga Swamy
Temple Wildlife Sanctuary, Sigur Plateau, Mudumalai National Park and Bandipur National Park.
First declared in 2008 and enlarged in 2011, it covers a forest
area of 1,411.6 km2 (545.0 sq mi) and is the largest
wildlife sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. In 2013, it became the fourth Tiger Reserve as a part
of Project Tiger in the state
of Tamil Nadu. The sanctuary covers parts of Sathyamangalam taluk and Gobichettipalayam taluk of Erode District in the north western Tamil Nadu.
Conservation of the
Sathyamangalam Forest Division is administered by the Tamil Nadu Forest
Department governed through Conservator, Erode, Divisional Forest Officer, Gobichettipalayam and District Forest
Officer, Sathyamangalam.
The Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary, home to 28 tigers – the
highest density of tigers in India - is currently contesting to be named
Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve. The large population of sambhar, spotted deer and
gaur is the main reason for the high density of the striped wild cat as the
former makes for perfect prey base. At SWS you are closer to catching a glimpse
of the striped hyena, as it is one of the last few places where they exist.
Another rare species you can spot is the four-horned antelope. SWS have an
excellent population of blackbuck. What is intriguing about this particular
animal in Sathyamangalam is that, it is the only landscape in the country where
the blackbuck and tiger co-exist; to observe the two together is an opportunity
that is one in a million. This sanctuary is also home to more than 850
pachyderms, making it India's largest elephant habitat.
Mugger crocodiles are indigenous to Sathyamangalam. These crocs
have not been strategically introduced but are found here in the wild. Other
animals you can find here are Bengal tiger, leopards, wild boar, sloth bear,
barking deer and more. The flora for these animals is mostly tropical dry
forest. SWS has five forest types, they are: tropical evergreen,
semi-evergreen, mixed-deciduous, thorn forests and dry deciduous. They occur
alternately with evergreen forests in limited patches of the higher altitudes,
between 750 and 1649 meters above mean sea level. Most areas are found to be
mixed shrub land and grassland, ideal feeding grounds for the preferred prey of
the tigers.
In recent years, the Moyar River valley has seen a small but
growing population of threatened gyps. This is just one of the 230 bird species
that you can view at Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary. Four rare species of
vulture – White backed Vulture, Nephron Vulture, King Vulture and Long billed
Vulture – thrive here. They are almost non-existent in the rest of the country
with their population seeing a steady decline of 99.9% in the past twenty
years.
Sathyamangalam
Forest Vultures, as they have come to be known are endangered as well as a
favorite among wildlife enthusiasts. SWS have become a viable and significant
area for vultures in India because the sanctuary is located directly in the
migratory paths of many animals. While in transit, the weak and hungry animals fall
to their death and become an abundant food resource for the Sathyamangalam
forest vultures. The low and open scrub forests make it that much easier for
the vultures to find these carcasses, bringing them to this part of the
sanctuary. Sathyamangalam is literally the only remaining stronghold for them
in the sub-continent, the only known safe haven for these birds being Tamil
Nadu.
Sathyamangalam
could well be your last connection to these birds of prey, a rare chance to
witness their majestic prowess in the wild. On an entirely different note, for
many years the Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary was the hideout of the
infamous bandit Veerapan - a crime legend known for poaching, sandalwood
smuggling, ivory smuggling and other inglorious misdeeds. His activities and
mere presence destroyed a vast tract of the forest land along with the calm of
the region (known to this day as the most haunted spot in all of Tamil Nadu).
Having been caught and killed in 2004, the area now resides in peace. Such
stories and other impressive possibilities make Sathyamangalam Wildlife
Sanctuary an absolutely thrilling wildlife viewing experience.
Declaration
In exercise of the
powers conferred by the Wild Life Protection Act of 1972, the Governor of Tamil Nadu, having considered
the area is of adequate ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphologic, natural and
zoological significance, for the purpose of protecting, propagating and
developing wild life and its environment, declared that the defined area shall
be a Sanctuary, on and from the 3 November 2008.
The sanctuary
includes the following areas of Sathyamangalam Forest Division:
Ø
Guthiyalathur Reserved Forest (Portion) 299.47 square kilometres
(115.626 sq mi),
Ø
Guthiyalathur Extension Reserved Forest 1.6231 square kilometres
(0.627 sq mi),
Ø
Thalamalai Reserved Forest (Portion) 210.85 square kilometres
(81.410 sq mi),
Ø
Thalamalai Extension Reserved Forest 12.4063 square kilometres
(4.790 sq mi),
The total area was
524.3494 square kilometres (202.452 sq mi). The boundaries of
the sanctuary were:
Ø
North: Talavady(Thalavadi) Range of Thalamalai Reserved Forest and
Hasanur and T.N.Palayam (Gobichettipalayam Taluk) Ranges of
Guthiyalathur Reserved Forests. Contiguous with Biligiriranga Swamy Temple
Wildlife Sanctuary
Ø
South: Moyar River and Bhavani River. Contiguous with Mudumalai National
Park and Wildlife Sanctuary and Sigur Plateau south of the Moyar River.
In September 2011,
the Forest Department increased the Sanctuary area 169% by adding
887.26 km2 (342.57 sq mi) in seven reserve forests of
Sathyamangalam Forest Division to the existing wildlife sanctuary spread over
524.34 km2 (202.45 sq mi).
The largest chunks
of additional area are 487.92 km2 (188.39 sq mi) from
Guthiyalathur and 319.87 km2 (123.50 sq mi) from Talamalai
reserve forests, thus increasing the total sanctuary area to
1,411.6 km2 (545.0 sq mi).
Of the total area,
the core zone comprises 917.27 km2 (354.16 sq mi) (65%).
Tourism and minimal construction will only be allowed in the buffer zone, while
only forest officials will be permitted entry in the core zone.
Sathyamangalam tiger reserve
Early on 15 July
2010, the Indian Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh, requested the Chief Minister of Tamil
Nadu M. Karunanidhi to: "consider the possibility
of proposing the Sathyamangalam Wild Life Sanctuary as a Project Tiger Tiger Reserve, vis-a-vis the
provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act
of 1972 as the area is contiguous with the forests of
Chamrajnagar-Bandipur-Mudumalai".
On 1 April 2010 The
Government of Tamil Nadu said it would soon initiate action to declare SWS as a
tiger reserve because many tigers are consistently being sighted in the forest
here. This tiger reserve declaration is expected to strengthen wildlife conservation efforts, as
the sanctuary managers will get more financial support from the central
government. The Government of India may provide support to appoint additional
anti-poaching watchers and fund the establishment of anti-poaching camps
On 6 April 2012,
Chief Wildlife Warden Rakesh Vasisht said the proposal to have a tiger reserve
in Sathyamangalam has been sent (to the MOEF for approval and funding).
Incidentally, in
2008, the Karnataka Forest Department had sent a proposal to also declare the
contiguous Biligiriranga Swamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary, as a Tiger
Reserve. The proposal to notify the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife
Sanctuary as a critical tiger habitat was subsequently approved in 2010.
On 10 March 2011,
the Tamil Nadu Forest
Department Principal Chief
Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife said that the proposal for
according tiger reserve status for the Sathyamangalam Reserve Forests is under
consideration. He said that studies using camera traps and scats indicated
there could be 19 to 25 tigers in Sathyamangalam forests. He added that Tamil
Nadu might have 100 to 110 tigers based on the camera traps and scat examination
done in Tamil Nadu's three tiger reserves: Mudumalai National Park, Indira Gandhi National
Park and Kalakkad Mundanthurai
Tiger Reserve[9] A 2011 camera trap tiger density study by World Wildlife Fund ( WWF) at the
SWS indicated that the sanctuary is home to at least 25 tigers.
A DNA based project initiated by the state forest department
collected 150 samples of pugmarks from Sathyamangalam forests and 69 of them
were found positive for tigers by tests conducted at the Centre for Molecular
Biology in Hyderabad. The lab findings indicate that the region is home to up
to 30 tigers. In a 2010 wildlife survey, 46 tigers were sighted in the
Sathyamangalam forest area
Supported by these
reports, the Tamil Nadu Forest
Department prepared a detailed report to the state government
supporting the tiger reserve proposal. This proposal came up for consideration
before the Tamil Nadu Council of
Ministers in early 2012.
On 18 March 2013, a
government order under the "The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional
Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006" has been
circulated to the conservator of forests in Erode that the Sathyamangalam Reserve shall be the fourth tiger
reserve in the state the other three being Mudumalai, Kalakkad Mundanthurai and
Annamalai.
Highlights
Sathyamangalam
Tiger Reserve is located in the strategic confluence region of Western and
Eastern Ghats. An area of 1, 40,924 ha is declared as Tiger Reserve on
15.03.2013 from erstwhile Wild Life Sanctuary with an area of 1, 41,161 ha. It
comprises of 2 divisions; Sathyamangalam and Hasanur with District headquarters
at Erode.
This area holds a
significant population of tiger, and it is also contiguous to other Tiger
conservation landscapes like BRT, Bandipur, Mudumalai and Nagarahole.
The region is also
a part of Nilgiri-Eastern Ghats Elephant Reserve and is an abode to about 800
to 1000 Elephants as per Synchronized Elephant Census conducted during 2012.
The Sathyamangalam
Tiger Reserve is the confluence of two distinct geographical regions of
bio diversity landscape; Western Ghat and Eastern Ghat. The diversity of habitat
has got an assemblage of several species of rare plants, animals, birds,
invertebrates, fishes, amphibians, and reptiles.
Sathyamangalam
Wildlife Sanctuary is a definite must-see if you trip on nature and wildlife.
The surroundings are tranquil and beautiful, a sea change from the crowds, dust
and pollution of city life. If you are lucky you can spot the majestic tiger
and the regal elephant. In fact, the forest is home to over 850 elephants
making it India’s largest habitation for the pachyderms. In 2010, 46 tigers
were seen here. This apart there are wild boar, deer, antelope, sloth bear,
striped hyenas, gaur, mongoose and monitor lizards, not to forget the graceful
leopards. Bird lovers will also find Sathyamangalam enchanting because at least
230 species of birds have been spotted here. These include Treepies, Bulbuls,
Babblers, Mynahs, Crows and a diminutive population of Threatened Gyps and
Vultures.
Sathyamangalam
Wildlife Sanctuary is basically tropical dry green forest, but you can also
find tropical evergreen (Shola), semi-evergreen, mixed-deciduous, dry deciduous
and thorn forests. The evergreen forests are in the high altitude regions of
the sanctuary and are few and far between. The semi-evergreen too is restricted
to the high altitude regions. The mixed and dry deciduous forests flourish in
the middle altitude slopes and the thorn forests hug the foot hills. Large
portions are swathed with mixed shrub land and grasslands.
If you are
spiritually inclined, you should visit the two temples in the region - Bannari
Amman Temple which is at the entrance of the Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary,
and the Kongalli Temple in the Thalavady Range which is deep within the forest.
Trekking
enthusiasts will enjoy the trek from Hasanur and Gettavady( near Thalavady) to
Thengumarada. This two-day trek takes you through thick forest, covering a
distance of nearly 20 km. You can enjoy camping in the dense forest with only
the eerie forest sounds for company!
Sathyamangalam
Forest Division is the second largest division in the state having 1.45 lakh ha
of forest area, out of which 524 Sq Km area of lower plains and mountain slopes
have been declared as Wildlife Sanctuary in the past and now declared as Tiger
Reserve.
Part of 7 th
Elephant reserve (Nilgiris Eastern Ghats Elephant Reserve) and facilitates
annual migration between Eastern Ghats and Western Ghats. It has got 6 Elephant
corridors.
The Tiger
reserve is known for rich biodiversity. 13% of Indian mammal diversity is found
in Sathyamangalam. About 40 species of larger mammals, over 225 species of
birds, 30 species of reptiles, 85 species of butterflies, 15 species of
amphibians, and 10 species of fishes are recorded in the region. For the
same rich biodiversity, the area is part of India’s 1st heritage “Nilgiri
Biosphere Reserve” which was declared as early as, during Sep 1986 for its rich
biodiversity and conservation value.
Good population of
black buck is confined to this area. Hyena, a scavenging carnivore is well
distributed in this Sanctuary. White backed Vulture Colonies are found here.
The region has 5
forest types which include Riparian Forests along Moyar River, the lifeline and
it is the region for high biodiversity and endemism. More than 700 species of
flora is documented in STR and more than 60 are endemic.
It is a potential
Tiger Habitat which is in contiguous with other Tiger Reserves and is home to
more than 50 Tigers.
Historical Significance
Tamil Literature
dating back to Sangam age vividly describe about the forests and wildlife of
Sathyamangalam forest area and its early history.
This area, which
falls under Kongu country, was ruled by many rulers. Tippu Sultan who was
ruling Mysore in 17th century laid two Chief Routes to Kongu country through
the forests of Sathyamangalam. Remnants of such tracts in the forests bear
witness even today. Tippu elevated the status of Sandal as “Royal Tree”
and gave importance for forest protection.
In 1856, the Forest
Department organized for the first time under the auspices of Dr. Cleghorn
and Sathyamangalam, Talamalai and Bhavani were among the earliest areas to be
brought under the control of the new department and were placed under in charge
of Captain W.H.Morgan with the Head quarters at Ootacamund. Then Coimbatore
North Division was constituted in April 1909 in which Sathyamangalam area falls
part of it.
During 1980, the
Sathyamangalam Division was formed. This division area was worked for fuel
coupes since pre-independence period. In early 60s it was so vigorous and
State’s fuel wood needs were met with the areas of this division to a larger
extent.
To meet the timber
needs selection felling coupes were worked in Minchikuli, Talamalai areas.
Bamboo coupes were also worked up to 1981. Fuel coupes were stopped in
1975 and selection felling was stopped in 1980. These felling coupes have
caused degradation and the habitats were disturbed. This huge disturbance is
also quoted as one of the reasons for disappearance of Tigers in the region.
Ecology and Biodiversity
Flora
The Sathyamangalam
forest is mostly tropical dry forest, part of the South Deccan Plateau dry deciduous forests ecoregion.
there are five distinct forest types: tropical evergreen (Shola), semi-evergreen,
mixed-deciduous, dry deciduous and thorn forests. Evergreen forests are restricted to
small patches in a few high altitude hill tops of Sathyamamgalam between 750
metres (2,460 ft) and 1,649 metres (5,410 ft). These patches are
threatened on account of land use changing to hill agriculture and plantation
crops, including fruit. Semi-evergreen forests are found at high altitude.
Mixed and dry deciduous forests are located on middle altitude slopes and the
thorn forests are usually found in the foot hills and some times, due
degradation of dry deciduous forests, at the middle elevations. About 65%
of the forest division is under forest cover. Significant areas of mixed Shrubland and grasslands support a large population of herbivore ungulates, the preferred
prey of tigers.
The Tiger Reserve
area is rich in floral composition owing to its location. The region comprises
of 5 forest types which includes primarily Deciduous forest combined with Thorn
forest, tropical hill forest and Riparian forest.
Sandal occurred
predominantly in these forests and it was designated as the Royal Tree by King
Tippu Sultan. Terminalia spp, Anogeissus latifolia, Dalbergia latifolia,
Syzigium spp, Acacia spp, Mesua ferrea, Albizzia amara, Mesua ferea, Hardwickia
binata, Ziziphus spp, Vites spp, Pterocarpus marsupium, Phyllanthus emblica,
Mangifera indica, Pongamia glabra, combined with Teak and Bamboo are some of
the notable species.
Sathyamangalam
Forest area is also known for Bamboos in the past. Larger areas were found
under bamboo forests and systematic felling of bamboos and silivicultural
operations were carried out. Bamboo was supplied to Seshasayee Paper and Board
as raw material to the industry. Between 1972- 1975 gregarious flowering of
bamboo appeared everywhere and all bamboo patches were totally dried out from many
places. Thus, bamboo was totally wiped out from this division, except in few
pockets in Moyar Valley and Hassanur Range.
Forest Cover
The vegetation
types found in Sathyamangalam are classified into the following types.
a) Southern
tropical dry thorn forest (6 A /C1)
b) Southern
tropical dry mixed deciduous forest (5A/C3)
c) Southern sub
tropical hill forests (8 A/C1)
d) Southern
tropical semi evergreen forest (2A/C2)
e) Riparian Forest.
Deciduous Forest
and thorn forest occupy most of the forest area in the region.
Southern Tropical
dry thorn forest
Tropical dry thorn
forest is occurs along the plateau and valley in the sanctuary. This region
receives an average annual rainfall of 600mm. Trees are stunted in growth with
following tree species predominantly distributed in this forest type. Acacia
catechu, A. chundra, A.suma, A. leucophloea, Anogeissus latifolia, Ziziphus
xylopyrus, Randia spp., Ziziphus jujuba, Sapindus emarginatus, Phyllanthus
emblica, Erythroxylon monogynum, Canthium parviflorum, etc
Southern Tropical
Dry Mixed Deciduous Forest
This type of forest
occurs in hill slopes of Bhavanisagar, and Sathyamangalam Ranges where the
rainfall is between 800-850 mm. Anogeissus latifolia and Terminalia
crenulata are commonly distributed in this forest region.
Themeda triandra,
T. Cymbaria, Heteropogon and Digitaria spp. are the commonly seen grasses in the
under storey. Canopy is open in many places with poor regeneration of tree
saplings. This area is prone to fire during dry season. The other tree species
found in this habitat includes; Grewia tilifolia, T. tomentosa, and
Kydiya calycina, Sapindus emarginatus is found in many places.
Southern sub
Tropical hill Forest
This type of forest
is confined to hill slopes of Bhavanisagar and Sathyamangalam Ranges. Common
tree species found here are; Acacia torta, Acacia Planiferons, Albizia
amara, Bauhinia racemosa, Hardwickia binata, Dichrostachys cinerea, Cassia
fistula, Mesua ferrea, Pterocarpus marsupium, Scheleichera oleosa, Ziziphus
mauritiana and other stunted tree species. Weed cover also dominated
in some places with reference to drainage and topography. Prosopis
juliflora and Lantana camera are heavily invaded into
the cover.
Southern Tropical
Semi-Evergreen Forest
This forest type
occurs in a transition zone at an elevation of 1200 m between the dry deciduous
forests and sub tropical hill forests or as an edaphic sub-climax in few
favourable moist pockets. This type is met within Malliamman durgam. As this
type is an intermediary between tropical evergreen and moist deciduous forests,
the dominance of both are usually found mixed. Soil is generally an
argillaceous loam with plenty of humus. The vegetation is dense and tends to be
semi ever green.
Some of the
important tree species found are Anogeissus latifolia, Bischofia
javanica, Celtis tetrandra, Chukrasia tabularis, Dalbergia latifolia, Machilus
macrantha, Mangifera indica, Santalum album Syzigium cuminii, Terminalia
chebula, Toona ciliate, Trema orientalis, Cinnamomum wightii, Ixora arborea, Kydia
calycina, Litsea wightiana,Mallotus philippensis, Michelia champaga, Neolitsea
zeylanica, Phoebe lanceolata, Plectronia didyma, Radermachera xylocarpa,
Viburnum acuminatum, Vitex altissima, Wendlandia thysoidea.
Riparian Forest
along the Moyar River
Riparian forest is
found all along the Moyar river. This type of forest can be seen in
Bhavanisagar Range. The canopy is closed in this forest and the trees are tall.
The common tree species includes Terminalia arjuna, Spondias mangifera,
Pongamia pinnata, Lagerstromia microcarpa, Ficus spp., The ground floor
vegetation includes several species of herbs and shrubs. Bamboo thickets are
also found amidst the riparian forests. Both species of bamboos namely, Bambusa
arundinacea and Dendrocalamus strictus are found here. Elephants and
Gaur eat both species of bamboo.
In all habitat
types of forest if one looks from a vantage point a green strip of riparian
forest could be seen along the Moyar River in Bhavanisagar Range. The plant
species found in riparian forest includes; Mangifera indica, Pongamia
glabra, Terminalia arjuna, Syzygium cumini, Dalbergia latifolia, Bambusa
arundinaecia, Dentrocalamus srictus.
Fauna
The Sathyamangalam
forests are especially important because they link the Eastern Ghats and Western Ghats allowing gene flow between
diverse populations of the two habitats.
In December 2011,
the Conservator of Forests, Erode Circle
stated that the SWS is home to at least 28 tigers which has been confirmed by
a camera trapping study
conducted by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). In
2011, it was reported that the Sathyamangalam forest is home to over 850 Indian Elephants, making it the largest elephant
habitat in the country. The 2010 survey counted 12 Bengal Tigers.
The 2009 wildlife
survey enumerated 10 Bengal Tigers, 866 Indian Elephants, 672 Gaurs, and 27 leopards. The survey party observed four additional species of horned
antelope including 2,348 Spotted deer, 1,068 Blackbuck, 304 Sambar deer, 77 Barking deer and Four-horned antelope, 843 wild boar, 43 Sloth bear and 15 striped hyenas. Herds of the famous Feral Buffaloes
can also be spotted in places near the Moyar River.
Many Treepies, Bulbuls, Babblers, Mynahs and Crows were seen. In 2010, the first ever bird survey in Sathyamangalam
Forest Division was conducted in the Bhavanisagar, Sathyamangalam, Thalavadi,
T.N. Palayam and Hasanur Ranges. A total of 230 species of birds were recorded
in the survey.[6] As of 2010, a small population of Threatened Gyps and three
other species of Vultures have
continued to thrive in the Moyar River valley near Mangalapatti in
Sathyamangalam Forest Division. These forests have been recognised to be
significant areas for the vultures in South India.[ 20 nests have been
sighted and about 40 vultures could be in the area. Vultures were last seen
here in the 1970s.
Sathyamangalam
Tiger Reserve has got a high diversity of fauna, similar to the adjoining
protected areas. Notable species other than the Tigers are; Elephants, Gaur,
Black Buck, Four Horned Antelope, Mugger, White Backed Vulture, Sloth Bear,
wide variety of Deers, Primates, Civets, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes
and other lower creatures.
Important Mammals – Status, Distribution and Habitat
According to
estimates, there are four hundred and ten (8.86% of the World’s mammals)
species of mammals known to exist in India, which are spread over 186 genera,
45 families and 13 orders. This includes nearly 89 species listed as threatened
in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals (IUCN 2006). One hundred and twenty
species of mammals are known from the Western Ghats, of which fourteen species
are endemic. The mammalian fauna of the Western Ghats is dominated by
insectivores (11 species), bats (41 species) and rodents (27 species including
the porcupine). The diversity of mammals is high in the dry thorn forests, dry
deciduous forests and riparian forest. Thirteen percentage mammal species found
in India are present in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve.
Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris)
Tiger is placed in
the Appendix I of the CITES and so the trade of this animal is strictly
prohibited internationally in the Red Data Book. Tiger is also placed in
Schedule-I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.
During 2005,
evidences of Tiger reappearance were found in STR region and it was
scientifically proved by CCMB & WTI study in 2010. From then on, owing to
proper protection, adequate living conditions and sufficient prey base, there
has been continuous upsurge in Tiger population from 28, which is proved by lab
results. At present, based on the camera trap records, this region is being
abode for about 54 individual tigers.
Bonnet Macaque (Macaca radiate) Vella korungu -Tamil
A medium-sized long
tailed macaque with Total body length 35-65cm, Weight 4-9 kg. A bonnet of long
dark hairs radiates in all directions from a whorl on its crown and this
peculiar cap does not quite cover the forehead, where the hairs are short and
nearly parted in the centre. The coat of the Bonnet Macaque is variable both
among individuals and with the season. In the cold weather it is usually
lustrous olive-brown; the under part whitish. With the onset of the hot weather
the coat loses its luster, turns harsh and scraggy, and fades to a Buffy grey.
In Sathamangalam
Tiger Reserve, bonnet macaque is commonly found in the riparian and deciduous
forests. They are seen feeding on various wild fruits, leaves and shoots, and
of late, they congregate on the main roads due to feeding by the travelers.
The
Common Langur (Semipithecus
entellus)
Langurs are
commonly seen near Dhimbam road, Hasanur plateau and Talamalai forests.
Slender Loris (Loris Iyddekerianus)
Slender Loris is
the southern grey-brown cousin of the slow loris, with total body length of 20
– 25 cm and body weight of 125-340 gms, and tail distinctly absent. The Slender
Loris has the same secretive and nocturnal habits as the Slow Loris, but it is
not confined to dense forest, and is found equally in open tree jungle. It is
listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, endemic to hill and
plains of Southern India, seen in deciduous and thorn forests of
Sathyamangalam. The IUCN status for the species is Vulnerable.
Leopard (Panthara pardus)
The most adaptable
big cat of Indian sub-continent, leopard is a sleek short animal with a fulvous
or bright fulvous coat marked with small close set black. The sightings of
blackpanther are reported in the forest tracts of Nandipuram, Thengumarada,
Chikalli and Neydalapuram. The IUCN categorized leopard as Lower Risk, near
threatened LR. It is also placed in the Appendix I of the CITES and so the
trade of this animal is strictly prohibited internationally. It is also placed
in the Schedule-I of Indian Wildlife Protection Act 1972. Sathyamangalam
Wildlife Sanctuary supports a good population of leopards, (around 20) as
evident from the distribution of leopard signs.
Jungle Cat (Felis chaus)
The most common
wild cat in India, with its long legs and comparatively short tail the Jungle
Cat has a very distinctive appearance. Of the lesser cats, this species was the
most common and was seen in most habitat types in the Sathyamangalam Tiger
Reserve, especially mixed thorn forests areas of Bhavanisagar Range.
Small Indian
Civet (Viverricula
indica)
A common ring
tailed civet with total body length of 45 – 60 cm. and body weight of 2.5 – 3.5
kg. The estimates of their numbers are not available. A detailed study is
needed to investigate the ecology of the species. The IUCN status is Lower Risk
and is in schedule-II of Wildlife Protection Act.
Common Palm
Civet (Paradoxurus
hermaphrodites)
It is a black or
blackish-brown civet with long coarse hair, having total body length of 42 – 69
cm and body weight of 2.7 -4.5 kg. It is probably the most common civet in
India, distributed in deciduous and scrub forest and well wooded countryside.
Habitats loss and poaching are conservation threats. The IUCN status is Lower
Risk and is in schedule-II of Wildlife Protection Act. It is seen in the
Riparian forests of Sathyamangalam.
Brown Palm
Civet (Paradoxurus
jerdoni)
A civet with a
limited forest distribution found in the hill ranges of south India. It’s a shy
animal, rarely entering houses and is distinctive in its deep brown colouring.
The IUCN status for the species is vulnerable and is in schedule-II of Wildlife
Protection Act.
The Common
Mongoose (Herpestes
edwardsi)
It’s commonly found
in the open scrub, cultivated land, rocky patches and forest edges being the
preferred habitat.
Ruddy Mongoose (Herpestes smithii)
A large forest
mongoose of Peninsular India, the Ruddy Mongoose resembles the Grey Mongooses,
but has a reddish-brown infusion, particularly on the head, neck and shoulder.
Its legs are also reddish, especially the hind ones. The tail is short with
black tip that is carried pointed upwards, a unique behavioral trait.
Stripe – Becked
Mongoose (Herpestes
Vitticolis)
A stocky Southern
Indian mongoose with a reddish tint to its body, this is the largest mongoose
in Asia with total body length 40-55cm and weight of 2.5-3.5 kg. It is
distributed in moist forests and swampy areas of Western Ghats. It is found
mostly in dry mixed deciduous forests of Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve.
Otters
There are five
species are occurring in India. Two of them are known to in Sathyamangalam
Wildlife Sanctuary. They are Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra) and Smooth coated
otter (Lutrogale perspicillata).
The Sloth Bear (Melursus ursins)
Sloth bear is
distributed in the forested tracts of India in deciduous jungles, scrub and
grassland. Sathyamangalam is famous for its sighting of sloth bear in Bhavani
Sagar, and Sathyamangalam Ranges. Fruits of Cassia fistula, Ziziphus
mauritiana, and Cordia domestica and insects such as ants and termites were the
most dominant food items. A detailed study on the ecology of the species is
warranted for its scientific management.
Striped Hyena (Hyaena hyaena)
The hyena is rare
in forested districts, abundant in open country, especially where low hills and
ravines offer convenient holes and caves for shelter. It plays a major role in
the eco system. Sathyamangalam division, Nilgiri north and Mudumalai forests
are the last remaining stronghold for this endangered species.
The Jackal (Canis aures)
The exact status
and distribution of the Jackal in the Tiger Reserve needs a thorough study.
This species once common is becoming rare due to intensive poaching by habitual
hunters like ‘Narikuravars’.
INDIAN WILD DOG (Cuon alpinus)
The IUCN
categorized wild dog as Vulnerable (VU) species. It is placed in the Appendix
of the CITES and so the trade of this animal is strictly prohibited
internationally. The hunting and poaching of Wild dog is strictly prohibited
and it is placed in the Schedule I of Indian Wildlife Protection 1972. Wilddogs
are commonly seen in almost all areas of the Tiger Reserve.
THE INDIAN ELEPHANT (Elephas maximus)
The estimated
Elephant population in Sathyamangalam is approximately 350 to 450. The area
connects with other protected areas namely Mudumalai Tiger Reserve and Nilgiri
Eastern Slope Reserve Forests. Man-elephant conflict is high in certain areas
of the Tiger Reserve like Bhavanisagar, Talawady, etc.
GAUR (Bos gaurus)
A good population
is found in Bhavanisagar range. Poaching, loss of habitats, grazing and
diseases are conservation threats. Gaur is normally seen in the dense jungles
of Sathyamangalam forests.
BLACKBUCK (Antelope cervicapra)
There are about 800
to 900 Blackbucks recorded in the region. There is a good population of
black-buck in Bhavanisagar Range and Thalavadi Range of Sathyamangalam Tiger
Reserve.
FOUR HORNED
ANTELOPE (Tetracerus
quadricornis)
The four-horned
antelope (Tetracerus quadricornis) is a small antelope, standing 65 cm at
shoulder. It is one among the tropical Indian antelopes that lives in
undulating or hilly terrain. A scientific study of this species in the then,
Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary revealed that around 100 animals are found in
the savannah forests of Thalavadi and Talamalai forests.
SAMBAR (Cervus unicolor)
Sambar is the
largest Indian deer and carries the grandest horns; height at shoulder is
nearly 150 cm average about 140 cm. A good population is found in the Tiger
Reserve areas.
SPOTTED DEER (Axis axis)
A well-built
Spotted deer stands 90 cm at the shoulders and weights about 85 kg the record
head measures 101 cm 85 cm antler would be good anywhere, 80 cm in South India.
Good population is fairly common in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, especially
Bhavanisagar and Sathyamangalam Ranges.
BARKING DEER (Muntiacus muntjak)
It is commonly
encountered in Talamalai forest and other dense jungles. It is a very shy and
cryptic deer, occurring singly or as pair.
MOUSE-DEER (Tragulus meminna)
Mouse deer is seen
rarely in Gettavadi, Talamalai and Hasanur areas. A detailed study is required
to know about its distribution and habitat preferences.
THE INDIAN WILD
BOAR (Sus scrofa)
Wildboar is
ubiquitous in all areas and it is a big menace to the farmers of
Sathyamangalam.
INDIAN PANGOLIN (Manis crossicaudata)
The most
distinctive character of pangolin is its armour of protecting scales. Though,
terrestrial in habit, pangolins climbs well easily. They are often seen in
trees probably in quest of trees ants. They climb somewhat like bears and grip
a bough tightly with the forelimbs and claws, and if need be with a curl of the
tail. This species is distributed in the dry parts of the Tiger Reserve.
INDIAN HARE: (Lepus nigricollis)
Black-napped hares
are commonly sighted in open areas. They can be best seen during night hours
along the roads and are usually dazed by the beam of headlights.
THE INDIAN
PORCUPINE (Hystrix
indica)
It is commonly seen
in many parts of the region.
Birds
Sathyamangalam
Tiger Reserve has got a wide variety of birds. This also includes rare birds
like Painted Sand Grouse; White backed Vulture, Brown fish owl and a variety of
woodpeckers. Hornbills play an important role in dispersal of seeds. Malabar
whistling thrush, Peacock and Jungle fowl are the common bird species found in
Sathyamangalam. In the recent bird census, 225 birds are identified in the
Sathyamangalam forests. A check-list of bird species found in this reserve
is updated for reference.
Butterflies
The Tiger Reserve
area is also known for wide variety of common and rare butterfly species. More
than 85 species of butterflies are recorded and the check list is available in
the website for reference.
Reptiles and Amphibians
Though a large
variety of Reptiles and Amphibians are noted in the Tiger Reserve area,
documentation is not available for the same.
It is now being
done under a Biodiversity Project and will be available soon.
Geology, Rock and Soil
The rock types of
the Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary mainly belong to the great gneissic
series of pre-Cambrian age. The common metamorphic derivatives found in the
sanctuary are metamorphosed sedimentary rocks such as quartzite, hornblende,
amphibolites, pyroxenites and Pyroxene. The quartzite consists of quarts with
small amount of sericite and faschite nicaad feldspar. If magnesite forms an
accessory, the rocks acquire reddish tinge (east of Sathyamangalam). The
amphibolites and hornblende are dark coloured and occurs in the north east of
sathyamangalam. Metamorphic igneous rock types such as biotic gneiss
charnookites and granite gneiss have widespread occurrence. The charnoctices
were bluish with grenary look and the most widespread in the hilly forests. The
biotic gneiss comprises the narrow forest lands adjacent to slopes of hills
overlooking the plains. The minerals found in the sanctuary are; feldspar,
quartzite, magnetite, garnet, kynite.
Soil
The Soil is a
dynamic layer of surface material which is constantly changing and developing
under process of adjustment to condition of climate, parent material,
topography, and vegetation. Soils are made up of substances existing in solid,
liquid, and gaseous states. With colloidal particles of organic and inorganic
origin playing an important function in their makeup and activity. The physical
properties of soils often acquire greater importance than the chemical ones. In
majority of the cases the chemical fertility may be adequate but the growth of
trees differs widely in accordance with the physical nature of the soil.
The common soil
types of the sanctuary are red soils, laterite soils, black cotton soils, and alluvial
soils.
Soil Texture
Soil texture refers
to the relative proportion of particles of various sizes. The usual
classification is given below:
Course sand: 2- 0.2
mm diameter; Fine Sand: 0.2 – 0.02 mm; Silt: 0.02-0.002 mm; Clay: < 0.002 mm
Terrain
The terrain is
gently undulated in the Moyar Valley with elevation ranges from 960m to 1266m
in the Bhavanisagar, Sathyamangalam Range, Talavadi, Talamalai and Hasanur
Ranges. The western part of the sanctuary is almost flat.
Climate and Hydrology
Generally, the
plateau region enjoys a mild and equitable climate favourable to vegetation and
in particular to sandal trees. The slopes and plains are subjected to hot and
dry climate. The average minimum and maximum temperatures are; 21.54o C and
27.02o C in the plateau and the average minimum and maximum temperatures are
26.24 0 c and 32. 84oC in the plains. Thus, the climate of the Sathyamangalam
Wildlife Sanctuary is moderate. There is a rainfall gradient from east to west
of the sanctuary. The eastern part of the sanctuary falls on the leeward side
of the Western Ghats; hence this part receives low rainfall.
Wind
The Plateau forests
are subjected to strong and gusty winds blowing from south westerly direction,
during the south west monsoon, period of June to September. As the wind is
mostly dry, it only hastens the process of evaporation. In May thunder storms
with the occasional cloud bursts are common in the plateau.
Rainfall
The average annual
rainfall of the sanctuary over a ten year period is 824 mm. But considerable
variation could be noticed from place to place. Though the sanctuary lies in
the rain shadow region, the bulk of the rain fall is derived (70%) from the
north east monsoon during September, October and November. The period from
January to April is usually dry, though occasional showers may occur. From May
onwards, intermittent rains occur till August. Rain increases slightly between
August and September and becomes heavy during October-December and tapers off
in January.
Drought
Lack of water and
green fodder to wild animals are the major limiting factors with regard to
severity of dryness in Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary. As mentioned earlier
this sanctuary lies in the rain shadow region, and only limited water is
available in all seasonal waterholes for animals. During the months of March
and April water is available only in perennial streams such as Moyar and all
the seasonal waterholes and streams dried up. This drought period also
coincides with accumulation dry leaf litter and fire.
Hydrology
There are two
perennial Rivers in the Sanctuary, namely a) River Bhavani and b) River Moyar.
River Bhavani
It originates from
western catchments of Nilgiris, running through Kerala and again enters Tamil
Nadu. This river runs through Coimbatore Division and enters into
Sathyamangalam Forests in Bhavanisagar Range. Till it reaches Bhavanisagar dam,
it runs along the sanctuary area. This is the main source of drinking water to
the wildlife, especially elephants.
River Moyar
It is another
perennial river, which also originates from Nilgiris and runs through sanctuary
area and finally flow into Bhavanisagar reservoir.
Visitor Info
Sathyamangalam
Tiger Reserve has got two divisions; Sathyamangalam and Hasanur with head
quarters at Sathyamangalam and Hasanur.
It is headed by a
Field Director with his head quarters at Erode.
The Tiger Reserve
has 7 Territorial Ranges at Sathyamangalam, Bhavani Sagar, T.N.Palayam,
Talamalai, Hasanur, Germalam & Talawady.
Officer Details;
Field Director
Mr. I. Anwardeen, IFS
Conservator of
Forests & Field Director
Sathyamangalam
Tiger Reserve
Roja Nagar,
Veerappan Chathiram
Erode, Tamil Nadu
Deputy Directors
Mr. K. Rajkumar, IFS
DFO & Deputy
Director
Sathyamangalam
Division
Sathyamangalam 638
402
Ph; 04295-220312
Ms. C.H. Padma, IFS
DFO & Deputy
Director
Hassanur Division
Hassanur.
Ph; 04295-223512
Hassanur itself
draws people from foothills because of its hill station weather. Places of
visit other than the wilderness areas are Bhavanisagar Dam, Bannari Amman
Temple, Perumpallam Dam, Gunderi pallam Dam and many other famous temples inside
forests which causes disturbance during the festival season inspite of
regulations. July to November is the best season to visit. Forest Rest Houses
with 2 suites each are available at Sathyamangalam, Kadambur, Talamalai,
Hassanur, Chikkalli and Jeerahalli which will be allowed with regulations to
public after the Eco Tourism is declared open.
Tribal Population
These forests are
home to indigenous tribal people belonging
largely to the Irula
tribe (also known as the Urali) and, Soliga communities. In
late 2011, Forest Department officials were studying the cattle and human
population in the area. There are seven forest settlements and 12 revenue
settlements inside the area. In 2012, Data collection is nearly
complete and officials will soon conduct aproject stakeholders meeting with
the participation of residents from these settlements
The forests were
also the home of the legendary Indian bandit leader, kidnapper and
murderer Koose Muniswamy Veerapan, who made a
living poaching ivory and sandalwood from the forests and selling them on the black market.
Veerapan was killed by police in October 2004.
Travel Information
National Highway NH 209 connecting Dindigul in
Tamil Nadu and Bengaluru in Karnataka passes through Sathyamangalam and STR
forests. It passes through a hilly terrain and has to negotiate 27 hairpin
bends. The State Highway 15 connects Erode via Gobichettipalayam, Sathyamangalam & Mettupalayam. The State Highway
82 connects Sathyamangalam with Bhavani.
Tourists can drive
through these forests, starting from Sathyamangalam and traveling towards
Bannari, Bhavani Sagar, Germalam, Hasanur and/or Thalavadi. Alternatively one
may travel from Sathyamangalam to K N Palayam and Kadambur or T.N. Palayam.
Accommodation is
available at Government Guest House, Hasanur and cottages at Dhimbham. There
are famous temples around sanctuary including Arulmigu Bannari Mari Amman
Temple at Bannari, at the foot hills itself, and Kongalli Temple in the
Thalavadi Range which is deep inside the forests.
By Air: Coimbatore (100 km) is the closest international landing strip.
By Rail: The Erode (80 km) line station is the closest however on the
other hand; one could likewise touch base at Coimbatore route station and
travel from that point.
By Road: There is an exceptional system of national and state expressways
around the Sathyamangalam Sanctuary. The Erode – Gobichettipalayam state
interstate passes through the haven, you can reach Sathyamangalam
Wildlife Sanctuary.