Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (WWS)

In News

• With the onset of summer, the seasonal migration of wild animals has begun from the adjacent wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (WWS).

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (WWS)

• Located in Kerala, it was declared a Sanctuary in 1973.
• The sanctuary is a component of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO designated) and is a vital component of the Elephant Reserve No. 7 of South India.
• Highest peak: Karottimala 
• Forest Types: South Indian Moist Deciduous forests, West coast semi-evergreen forests and plantations of teak, eucalyptus and Grewelia. 
• It is the only sanctuary of Kerala where sightings of four-horned antelopes have been reported.
• The presence of Egyptian vultures, Himalayan griffon, and Cinereous vultures are also reported in the sanctuary and the two species of vultures, red-headed and white-backed vultures, once common in Kerala, are now restricted to the Wayanad plateau.
• Kabini river (a tributary of the Cauvery river) flows through the sanctuary.
• Other wildlife parks within the Reserve: Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole National Park, Mukurthi National Park and Silent Valley.

Source: TH