Tamilnadu Wildlife
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Tamil Nadu is a wonderful state endowed with rich Bio-diversity. Around 18 percent of the total geographical area of the state is covered by forests housing a variety of flora and fauna. The biosphere reserves, wildlife sanctuaries and national parks of the state attract many tourists from all over the world. These wildlife destinations provide shelter to many unique wildlife species, some of which are even on the verge of extinction.
Tamil Nadu boasts of around 2000 animal species, which is one of the greatest attractions of the state. Some of the fascinating animals found here are tiger, elephant, leopard, wild dog, sloth bear, gaur, Lion-tailed macaques, Nilgiri langurs, endangered Nilgiri Tahra, Grizzled Giant squirrel, sambar etc.
The state is also a paradise for bird lovers. A variety of avian species are found here, some of which are cormorants, darters, herons, egrets, Open-billed storks, spoonbills, white ibises, little grebes, Indian moorhen and Black-winged stilts. The forests of the state are also a temporary home to some migratory birds like ducks and grey pelicans. The marine species consist of dugongs, turtles, dolphins, balanoglossus and a range of fish and insects.
Tamil Nadu also takes pride in its 3000 plant species such as Eucalyptus, Palmyra, Rubber, Cinchona, Clumping Bamboos (Bambusa Arundinacea), Common teak, Anogeissus latifolia, Indian Laurel , Grewia, and blooming trees like Indian labumusum, Aredesia, and Solanancea. Some rare and unique plant species are also found here.
Sprawling over an area of 321 sq km, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses flat land, grassland, swamp and valleys. Located at the Nilgiri hills, the sanctuary attracts wildlife enthusiasts from across the world. It houses wildlife species like tigers, leopards, panther, four horned antelope, crocodiles, giant flying squirrel, mongoose and many more. A variety of beautiful birds are also found here.
Located at an altitude of 1, 400 m, Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary boasts of interesting wildlife such as tiger, elephant, wild dog, flying squirrel, rocket-tailed drongo, red whiskered bulbul, civet cat etc. The sanctuary is equally famous for its scenic beauty. Its waterfalls are one of its main attractions.
A big hit with tourists, Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is a wonderful marine biosphere with 21 islands with continuous stretches of coral reefs. It is the first marine biosphere in South East Asia. It boasts of coral reefs, turtles, Balano-Glossus, dolphins and beautiful fishes. There are around 3,600 species of fauna and flora are found here.
Located in a beautiful village Kunthakulam, Kunthakulam Bird Sanctuary is known for its wide variety of birds. Every year in the months of January to April, more than ten thousand birds from countries like Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, USA and Australia make the sanctuary their temporary home.
