Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

March 22, 2023

The Tamil Nadu Government has announced the notification of Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, making it the 18th wildlife sanctuary in the state. Spread across 80,567 hectares in the forest areas of Anthiyur and Gobichettipalayam taluks in Erode district, the sanctuary will include reserve forest areas in Anthiyur, Bargur, Thattakarai and Chennampatti. The announcement was made during the state budget recently.

Wildlife and Species Found in Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated at close proximity with the Malai Mahadeshwara wildlife sanctuary, BRT Wildlife Sanctuary, Cauvery wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka. It acts as the connecting point between Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve and Cauvery South Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to 21 species of mammals, 136 species of birds and 118 species of butterflies. It hosts fauna like elephants, leopards, wild boars, gaurs and deer.

No Restrictions on Tribal People

The notification of the new wildlife sanctuary will not hinder the works of tribal communities in the region. The tribals living in these protected areas are not expected to lose their rights given under the Forest Rights Act since tribal people living in six settlements have already got titles.

Boost for Asian Elephant Conservation

The notification of the Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary will be a big boost for Asian elephant conservation. With this new addition, the state government hopes to further its ongoing conservation efforts and provide a better ecosystem for wildlife. The notification will also ensure the protection of flora and fauna and help mitigate human-wildlife conflict in the Bargur hills area. The funds allotted will aid in the appointment of more anti-poaching watchers, strengthening wildlife protection measures and removing invasive species from the area.

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