Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
The Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the southern Indian state of Kerala. The sanctuary is named after the Neyyar River that flows through it.
One of the main attractions within the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is the Neyyar Dam, which forms a reservoir that adds to the picturesque landscape of the area. The dam is a popular destination for tourists, offering boating and wildlife watching opportunities.
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary boasts of a beautiful Watch Tower, a Deer Park, a Lion Safari Park and a Crocodile Rehabilitation and Research Centre as well.
Visitors to the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary can enjoy activities like trekking, boating, and nature walks. The lush greenery, diverse wildlife, and serene atmosphere make it a place of natural beauty and conservation importance in the region.
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Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary Location
The Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Neyyattinkara taluka of Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, India. Thiruvananthapuram is the capital city of Kerala. The sanctuary is about 32 kilometers away from Thiruvananthapuram city and is easily accessible by road.
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is the Trivandrum International Airport (Thiruvananthapuram International Airport). It is located in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), the capital city of Kerala. The distance between the airport and Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is approximately 38 kilometers by road.
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is the Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station, which is a major railway hub in Kerala. It is well-connected to various cities and towns across India. The distance between Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station and Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is around 32 kilometers by road.
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary History
The Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary has a history that dates back several decades. Here's a brief overview of its history:
Establishment: The Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1958. It was declared a sanctuary with the primary aim of conserving the diverse flora and fauna of the region and protecting the valuable ecosystem of the Western Ghats.
Neyyar Dam: The Neyyar Dam, which forms a reservoir within the sanctuary, was completed in 1958 as well. The dam plays a crucial role in providing water for irrigation and drinking purposes to nearby areas. The reservoir created by the dam adds to the scenic beauty of the sanctuary.
Conservation Efforts: Over the years, the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary has been actively involved in various conservation efforts, including the protection of endangered species, habitat restoration, and community engagement in conservation activities.
Crocodile Rehabilitation Center: One of the significant developments in the history of the sanctuary is the establishment of the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary Crocodile Rehabilitation and Research Centre. This center is dedicated to the breeding and rehabilitation of crocodiles, particularly the mugger crocodile. It has played a role in the conservation of these reptiles.
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary Area
The Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 128 square kilometers. The sanctuary is known for its diverse flora and fauna, picturesque landscapes, and the Neyyar Dam, which forms a reservoir that adds to the beauty of the region.
The sanctuary's vast expanse makes it a significant part of the Western Ghats ecosystem and an important conservation area in Kerala.
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary River
The Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is named after the Neyyar River, which flows through the sanctuary and has significant ecological and hydrological importance for the region. The river originates in the Agasthyamalai hills of the Western Ghats and flows through the sanctuary before eventually draining into the Arabian Sea.
The Neyyar River adds to the diversity of habitats within the sanctuary, providing water sources for various wildlife and plant species. The river's course creates diverse ecosystems along its banks, including riparian zones that support a variety of flora and fauna. These areas are crucial for the survival of many species, as they provide water, food, and shelter.
The Neyyar Dam, constructed across the Neyyar River, forms a reservoir within the sanctuary. This reservoir not only serves as a water source for irrigation and drinking purposes but also enhances the scenic beauty of the sanctuary. The dam and reservoir are also important for the Crocodile Rehabilitation and Research Centre, which is dedicated to the conservation of crocodile species, particularly mugger crocodiles, found in the Neyyar River.
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
The Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses a variety of vegetation types due to its location in the Western Ghats, which boasts a diverse range of ecosystems. The sanctuary's flora includes the following types of forests and ecosystems:
(1) West Coast Tropical Evergreen Forest:
These are dense and lush forests that typically receive abundant rainfall throughout the year. They are characterized by a multi-layered canopy of tall trees, and they support a high diversity of plant and animal species.
(2) Southern Hilltop Tropical Evergreen Forest:
These forests are found on elevated regions and hilltops within the sanctuary. They share similarities with the West Coast tropical evergreen forests but may have some unique species adaptations due to their higher altitude.
(3) Southern Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest:
These forests experience seasonal leaf shedding during dry periods. They are characterized by a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees and are often found in areas with a moderate amount of rainfall.
(4) Southern Tropical Hill Forest:
These forests occur at varying altitudes on the hills of the Western Ghats. They are home to a combination of evergreen and deciduous trees and support a diverse range of wildlife.
(5) Southern Sub-Tropical Savannah:
This type of vegetation is often associated with grasslands and open areas that receive relatively less rainfall compared to other forest types. It includes a mix of grasses, shrubs, and scattered trees.
(6) Reed Brake:
A "reed brake" refers to an area dominated by reeds, which are tall, water-loving grasses. Such areas are often found in wetlands, along the banks of rivers, and in swampy habitats.
(7) Plant Species:
Here's a list of the plant species:
- Terminalia paniculata (Kindal)
- Terminalia bellerica (Bahera)
- Pterocarpus marsupium (Indian Kino Tree)
- Palaquium ellipticum
- Mesua ferrea (Nagkesar)
- Hopea parviflora
- Bombax ceiba (Red Silk Cotton Tree)
- Syzygium cumini (Jamun)
- Lagerstroemia lanceolata (Lanceleaf Crape Myrtle)
- Adina cordifolia (Haldu)
- Albizia procera (Siris)
- Alstonia scholaris (Saptaparni or Devil's Tree)
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
Which animal is protected in Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary?
The Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a wide variety of animal species, ranging from mammals to reptiles and birds. Here's a list of some of the fauna found in the sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Tiger
- Leopard
- Sloth Bear
- Asian Elephant
- Sambar
- Barking Deer
- Bonnet Macaque
- Nilgiri Langur
- Nilgiri Tahr
- Lion-tailed Macaque
- Bonnet Macaque
- Indian Giant Squirrel
- Gaur
- Mouse Deer
- Toddy Cat
- Otter sp.
- Dhole
- Golden Jackal
- Slender Loris
- Chinese Pangolin
- Wild Boar
Birds:
- Malabar Grey Hornbill
- Indian Peafowl
- Great Hornbill
- Nilgiri Wood Pigeon
- White-bellied Treepie
- Malabar Trogon
- Scarlet Minivet
- White-cheeked Barbet
- Rufous Babbler
- Greater Grey-headed Fish-eagle
Reptiles:
- Mugger Crocodile
- Indian Rock Python
- King Cobra
- Common Krait
- Malabar Pit Viper
- Monitor Lizards
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. In which state is Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary?/Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary which district?
A. The Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Kerala, India. It is situated in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. The district headquarters, Thiruvananthapuram (also known as Trivandrum), is the capital city of Kerala and is approximately 32 kilometers away from the sanctuary.
Q. Which river is in Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary?
A. The Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is named after the Neyyar River, which flows through the sanctuary. The Neyyar River is a significant water body that originates in the Agasthyamalai hills of the Western Ghats and flows through the sanctuary before eventually draining into the Arabian Sea. The river and its associated ecosystems play a crucial role in supporting the diverse flora and fauna of the sanctuary.
Q. How many lions are there in Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary?
A. There are 6 or 7 lions in Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Q. What is Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary famous for?
A. The Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for several reasons:
(i) Biodiversity: The sanctuary is located in the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot, and is known for its rich and diverse array of flora and fauna. It's home to a variety of plant species, mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
(ii) Conservation Efforts: Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary plays a vital role in conserving the unique ecosystems of the Western Ghats. It focuses on protecting native species and their habitats, contributing to the overall conservation of the region's biodiversity.
(iii) Neyyar Dam: The sanctuary features the Neyyar Dam, which creates a reservoir that adds to the scenic beauty of the area. The dam is not only a water source but also enhances the overall appeal of the sanctuary.
(iv) Crocodile Rehabilitation: The sanctuary houses the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary Crocodile Rehabilitation and Research Centre, which is dedicated to breeding and rehabilitating crocodiles, particularly the mugger crocodile. This effort has contributed to the conservation of these reptiles.
(v) Scenic Beauty: The sanctuary's diverse landscapes, including hills, forests, rivers, and the reservoir, make it a picturesque destination for nature lovers, photographers, and tourists.
(vi) Eco-Tourism: Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary offers eco-tourism opportunities, allowing visitors to experience the beauty of nature while promoting awareness about conservation.
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