Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Kerala, India. It is often spelled as "Chimmony" as well. It is situated in the Western Ghats and known for its rich biodiversity, pristine landscapes, and conservation efforts.
The Chimmini Dam is a prominent feature of the sanctuary. It was constructed across the Kurumali river, a tributary of the Karuvannur river, and adds to the scenic beauty of the area. The dam is surrounded by lush greenery and serves as a habitat for aquatic life.
The sanctuary is a paradise for birdwatchers. It hosts numerous bird species, including Malabar hornbills, great pied hornbills, Indian cuckoos, sunbirds, and bulbuls. It is known for the clouds of butterflies that mud-puddle on the edge of the lake.
The sanctuary offers trekking and eco-tourism opportunities. There are various trekking trails that take visitors through the dense forests, allowing them to experience the natural beauty and observe wildlife.
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Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary Location
The Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Chalakudy taluk of Thrissur District of Kerala, India. It lies in the western slopes of the Nelliyampathy Hills.
Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary is the Cochin International Airport. It's an international airport located in Kochi, Kerala, and is approximately 60-70 kilometers away from the sanctuary.
Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The Thrissur Railway Station is the most convenient option. Thrissur is a major city in Kerala and is well-connected to various parts of the country by train. The distance between Thrissur Railway Station and Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary is around 40 kilometers, which takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by road.
Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary History
The history of Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary is closely tied to the conservation efforts and the recognition of its ecological significance. Here's an overview of its history:
Pre-Establishment Era: Before being declared a wildlife sanctuary, the area that now encompasses Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary was primarily dense forests within the Western Ghats region of Kerala. These forests were home to a variety of plant and animal species native to the region.
Establishment and Recognition: Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary was officially established in 1984. It was created to protect the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats and provide a safe haven for various species of flora and fauna. The sanctuary was designated to ensure the conservation of the unique ecosystems found in the area.
Conservation and Management: From its establishment, the sanctuary has been managed by the Kerala Forest Department. Conservation efforts have focused on preserving the natural habitats, protecting endangered species, and promoting sustainable tourism and education about the local environment.
Tourism and Awareness: The sanctuary has gained popularity among nature enthusiasts, researchers, and tourists interested in experiencing the natural beauty and wildlife of the Western Ghats. Eco-tourism activities, guided treks, and educational programs have been introduced to raise awareness about conservation and sustainable practices.
Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary Area
Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 85 square kilometers. This protected area is situated in the Thrissur district of Kerala, India, within the Western Ghats mountain range. The sanctuary encompasses diverse habitats, including tropical evergreen forests, semi-evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, grasslands, and water bodies like the Chimmini Dam.
The relatively large area of the sanctuary allows for the preservation of a wide variety of flora and fauna, including numerous plant species, mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. This biodiversity makes Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary an important ecological hotspot in the Western Ghats, contributing to the conservation of the region's unique ecosystems.
Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary River
The Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary is traversed by the Kurumali River. The river flows through the sanctuary, contributing to its ecosystem and providing water sources for the flora and fauna within the protected area.
The Kurumali River is an integral part of the sanctuary's landscape and plays a significant role in shaping the biodiversity and natural habitats of the region. It's also worth mentioning that the Chimmini Dam is constructed across this river within the sanctuary, further enhancing the area's scenic beauty and creating a reservoir that supports aquatic life.
Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
The sanctuary is characterized by diverse vegetation types, including tropical evergreen forests, semi-evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, and grasslands. It is home to a variety of plant species, including teak, rosewood, mahogany, vellapine, and more.
Here is the list of tree species along with their common names:
- Palaquium Ellipticum
- Mesua Ferrea (Ironwood)
- Cullenia Exarillata
- Dipterocarpus Indicus
- Hopea Parviflora
- Dysoxylum Malabaricum
- Cedrela Toona (Indian Mahogany)
- Bombax Ceiba (Silk Cotton Tree)
- Syzygium Cumini (Java Plum or Jamun)
- Lagerstroemia Lanceolata (Crepe Myrtle)
- Adina Cordifolia
- Albizia Procera (Safed Siris)
- Alstonia Scholaris (Devil's Tree or Saptaparni)
- Dalbergia Latifolia (Indian Rosewood)
- Xylia Xylocarpa (Indian Blackwood or Tali)
Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
Which animal is protected in Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary?
Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and more. Here are some examples of the wildlife species found in the sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Tiger
- Leopard
- Sloth Bear
- Asian Elephant
- Sambar
- Barking Deer
- Bonnet Macaque
- Nilgiri Langur
- Slender Loris
- Porcupine
Birds:
- Malabar Grey Hornbill
- Indian Pied Hornbill
- White-bellied Treepie
- Jungle Fowl
- Indian Cuckoo
- Sunbirds
- Bulbuls
- Drongos
- Woodpeckers
- Barbets
Reptiles:
- King Cobras
- Indian Rock Pythons
- Common Indian Monitor Lizards
- Skinks
Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. Which district is Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary in?
A. Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Thrissur district of Kerala, India.
Q. Which river flows through Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary?
A. The Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary is traversed by the Kurumali River.
Q. What is Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its rich biodiversity and the conservation of various plant and animal species. Here are some of the things for which the sanctuary is known:
(i) Biodiversity: The sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species. Its varied habitats, including tropical evergreen forests, semi-evergreen forests, and grasslands, contribute to its high biodiversity.
(ii) Wildlife: Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary is known for harboring a variety of wildlife species, including elephants, tigers, leopards, Indian bison (gaur), various deer species, and many others.
(iii) Birdwatching: The sanctuary is a haven for birdwatchers due to its avian diversity. Numerous bird species, including hornbills, cuckoos, sunbirds, and treepies, can be spotted here.
(iv) Trekking and Eco-Tourism: The sanctuary offers opportunities for trekking and eco-tourism, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty and experience the diverse ecosystems up close.
(v) Chimmini Dam: The presence of the Chimmini Dam and its reservoir adds to the scenic beauty of the sanctuary. The dam is also a popular spot for picnics and relaxation.
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