Context
A recent faunal survey conducted by the Zoological Survey of India discovered nine previously unreported species in the Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, highlighting the sanctuary’s rich biodiversity.
Q1. Where is Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary located and why is it important?
- The sanctuary is located in Tamil Nadu, near the border with Kerala.
- Due to its location, it acts as a buffer zone for the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
- The area supports high biodiversity, ranging from shrubs and evergreen forests to a wide variety of animal species.
Q2. What type of vegetation is found in the sanctuary?
Vegetation in the sanctuary varies with altitude:
- Scrub forests dominate the foothill regions.
- At higher elevations, the landscape changes to dense evergreen forests and shola grasslands.
Q3. What are the major flora species found here?
Important plant species found in the sanctuary include Banyan tree, Syzygium zeylanicum, Memecylon flavescens, Symplocos wynadense, Nothopegia vajravelui, Symplocos oligandra and Meiogyne ramarowii.
Q4. What wildlife species are found in Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary?
- The sanctuary supports a wide range of animal species, including Nilgiri tahr, Gaur, Spotted deer, Sambar deer, Indian crested porcupine, Nilgiri langur, Lion-tailed macaque, tigers, elephants, etc.
- Additionally, the Megamalai wood snake is endemic to this sanctuary.
