|
 In
Periyar Tiger Reserve there is a rich diversity of
vertebrates. The diverse forest types, vayals, marshes,
and a large aquatic habitat together support 62 species of
mammals, 320 species of birds, 45 species of reptiles, 27
species of amphibians, and 38 species of fishes.
The invertebrate fauna of Periyar is not well documented,
though the predominant invertebrate orders are Protozoa,
Annelida, Arthropoda and Mollusca. 160 butterfly species
have been listed.
 Among the 62 species of mammals, many are rare,
endemic and endangered. Periyar is prime elephant country
and large herbs are often sighted at the lake fringes.
There is an estimated population of 900-1000 animals which
is likely to overlap with the population in the adjoining
forest areas.
A
much disproportionate sex ratio of the elephant is found
in Periyar and adult tuskers are far too few. Gaur, among
the largest of bovines, occurs in all types of habitats.
Gaur have staged a remarkable comeback after their near
demise due to a rinderpest outbreak in the 70’s.
Sambar,
the largest deer in India are extensively distributed, and
constitute the principal prey base of tiger and wild dog.
Wild pig, has wide distribution throughout the park. Some
times these animals invade agricultural lands often
leading to man-wildlife conflicts. Small relict
populations of the highly endangered Nilgiri tahr are
found in the high altitude grasslands of Mangaladevi. Four
of the five primate species found in the Western Ghats are
well represented in Periyar. While the Nilgiri langur
enjoys a wide distribution in the moist forests, the
highly endangered Lion
 tailed macaque are confined to the
dense evergreen canopies. Malabar giant squirrel is common
in the area. Though the presence of the endangered
species, Small travancore flying squirrel is recorded from
Periyar, the Large flying squirrel is more frequently
seen.
 Salim
Ali’s fruit bat reported from Periyar adjoining the High
Wavys. is an endemic and endangered species, considered to
be among the rarest of bats
The
Tiger is found in all types of habitats though their
density is
much less in the evergreen forests. Though sighting one is
difficult because of the thick vegetation, evidences like
pugmarks, clawings, and scats are located throughout the
reserve. The population is estimated to be between
35–40.
The
Striped necked mongoose is not uncommon, found in the
semi-evergreen and evergreen forests.
Nilgiri
marten is an extremely rare and endemic mustellid, though
recently sighted a number of times.
|
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
