Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC
Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the state of Kerala, India. The sanctuary derives its name from the Peechi Dam and Vazhani Dam, which is a popular tourist attraction.
The sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. It is known for its rich avian population, including various species of birds like the Malabar grey hornbill, Indian roller, and small sunbird. Mammals such as elephants, tigers, leopards, and spotted deer can also be found here.
Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary offers opportunities for trekking and nature trails, allowing visitors to explore the natural beauty of the region.
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Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary Location
The Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Thrissur district in Kerala, India. It is situated in the southern part of the state. it lies about 20 km east of Thrissur.
The Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary is contiguous with the Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary on the east and the forests of Palakkad on the north.
The sanctuary is easily accessible from the city of Thrissur and is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and tourists seeking to explore Kerala's natural beauty.
Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary is the Cochin International Airport, also known as Nedumbassery Airport. It is located in Kochi, Kerala, and is the nearest major airport to the sanctuary. The airport is approximately 85-90 kilometers away from Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary.
Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary is Thrissur Railway Station. Thrissur Railway Station is well-connected to various major cities and towns in Kerala and other parts of India. It is located at a distance of around 20-25 kilometers from the sanctuary.
Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary History
Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary has a history closely tied to the region's conservation efforts and its natural significance. Here's a general overview of the sanctuary's history and establishment:
Formation and Early Years: The sanctuary was established to protect the rich biodiversity of the region and conserve its natural resources. It was officially declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1958. The sanctuary's name is derived from the Peechi Dam and the Vazhani Dam, both of which are located within its boundaries.
Conservation and Biodiversity: Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary was created with the aim of conserving the diverse flora and fauna of the Western Ghats region. The sanctuary's location in the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot, highlights its importance in preserving the endemic and unique species found in the area.
Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary Area
Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 125 square kilometers. The Sanctuary was formed in 1958 by combining some portions of Peechi, Pattikkad and Machad ranges of Trichur Forest Division.
The Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary area includes parts of Paravattanimala Reserve, Machadmala Reserve and Bharanipachamala Reserve.
Peechi and Vazhani dams are present within the Sanctuary with waterspread of 1,295 ha and 184.3 ha, respectively.
Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary Dam
The Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary is known for two dams that are located within its boundaries:
(1) Peechi Dam:
The Peechi Dam is a significant structure located in the sanctuary. It forms a reservoir on the Manali River, creating a water body that not only serves as a water source for irrigation and drinking water supply but also adds to the scenic beauty of the sanctuary. The dam and its reservoir are popular among tourists for boating and picnicking.
(2) Vazhani Dam:
The Vazhani Dam is another important dam situated in the sanctuary. Similar to the Peechi Dam, it also forms a reservoir that contributes to water supply and irrigation needs. The Vazhani Dam reservoir is known for its serene surroundings and is often visited by nature enthusiasts and tourists.
Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary Flora
What is the flora of Peechi Vazhani wildlife sanctuary?
The Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse flora, which includes a variety of plant species adapted to the Western Ghats region. The sanctuary's different habitat types, such as evergreen forests, semi-evergreen forests, and moist deciduous forests, contribute to its rich plant diversity.
(1) Types of Forests:
- Tropical Evergreen Forest
- Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forest
- Moist Deciduous Forest
(2) Plant Species:
- Erythrina indica (Indian Coral Tree)
- Eugenia hemispherica
- Dalbergia latifolia (Indian Rosewood)
- Palaquium ellipticum
- Mesua ferrea (Indian Rose Chestnut or Ironwood)
- Cullenia excelsa
- Dipterocarpus indicus
- Hopea parviflora
- Dysoxylum malabaricum (Indian White Cedar)
Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)
Which animal is Peechi Vazhani wildlife sanctuary famous for?
The Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse array of fauna, including various species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Here is a general overview of the fauna found in the sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Tiger
- Leopard
- Sloth Bear
- Asian Elephant
- Nilgiri Tahr
- Chital
- Sambar
- Barking Deer
- Bonnet Macaque
- Nilgiri Langur
- Slender Loris
- Porcupine
- Jungle Cat
- Indian Wild Dog
- Golden Jackal
- Gaur
- Giant Squirrel
Birds:
- Sri Lanka Frogmouth
- Wynaad Laughingthrush
- Broad-tailed Grass-Warbler
- Brown Flycatcher
- Grey-headed Bulbul
- White-bellied Blue Flycatcher
- Largecrowned Leaf Warbler
- Rufous-tailed Flycatcher
- Blue-headed Rock-thrush
- Pied Thrush
- Brown-breasted Flycatcher
Reptiles:
- Travancore Tortoise
- Gliding Lizard
- Forest Calotes
- Dwarf Gecko
- Ristella beddomii
Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. Which district is Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary in?
A. The Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Thrissur district of the state of Kerala, India. The sanctuary is situated near the town of Thrissur and covers an area that spans both the Peechi and Vazhani areas, contributing to its name.
Q. Which river is Peechi Dam in?
A. The Peechi Dam is built across the Manali River in the Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, which is located in the Thrissur district of Kerala, India. The dam and its reservoir on the Manali River serve various water management purposes and contribute to the natural beauty and biodiversity of the sanctuary.
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