Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary

1. Introduction to Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary

Location and Establishment

State: Kerala
District: Kollam
Year of Establishment: 1984
Area: Approximately 172.403 sq. km
Geographical Significance: Part of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The sanctuary derives its name from the endemic tree species “Chenkurinji” (Gluta travancorica), found abundantly in the region.

Protected Area Status

Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary is a part of the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve, one of the most ecologically sensitive areas in India.

2. Geography and Climate

Topography

The sanctuary features a rugged terrain with rolling hills, deep valleys, and numerous streams. It is drained by the Shendurney River, which flows through its heart.

Climate

Type: Tropical monsoon climate.
Temperature Range: 16°C to 35°C.
Rainfall: Receives heavy rainfall during the southwest monsoon (June to September).

Water Bodies

The Parappar Reservoir (part of the Thenmala Dam project) is a prominent water body within the sanctuary, contributing to its ecosystem diversity.

3. Biodiversity of Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary is a biodiversity hotspot, home to a wide variety of flora and fauna.

Flora

Type of Vegetation: Tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, and grasslands.
Key Species:
- Chenkurinji (Gluta travancorica): A rare and endemic species.
- Cullenia exarillata, Mesua ferrea, Hopea parviflora: Common trees.
- Rich undergrowth of shrubs, herbs, and climbers.

Fauna

Mammals:

Flagship Species: Nilgiri Tahr, Lion-tailed Macaque.
Other species include Indian elephants, leopards, tigers, Indian giant squirrels, and sambar deer.

Birds:

Over 200 species, including:
- Great Hornbill.
- Malabar Grey Hornbill.
- Ceylon Frogmouth.

Reptiles and Amphibians:

King Cobras, Malabar pit vipers, and various endemic frog species.

Insects:

A plethora of butterflies, including the Southern Birdwing and Malabar Banded Swallowtail.

Endemism and Conservation

The sanctuary supports several endemic and endangered species, making it a critical area for biodiversity conservation.

4. Conservation and Management Efforts

Legal Protection

The sanctuary is governed under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which ensures stringent measures against poaching, deforestation, and illegal activities.

Eco-Tourism Initiatives

The sanctuary promotes eco-tourism to balance conservation with sustainable tourism. Activities include:

Trekking: Trails like the Pandimotta and Kurunthotti-Valaya streams.
Boating: In the Parappar Reservoir.
Nature Camps: Awareness programs for visitors and students.

Scientific Research and Monitoring

Studies on flora and fauna, especially endemic species.
Monitoring programs for climate change impacts on biodiversity.

Community Involvement

Local communities are engaged in conservation efforts, promoting sustainable livelihoods through tourism and other activities.

5. Challenges to Conservation

Habitat Loss and Degradation

Encroachments and illegal logging.
Infrastructure projects, including roads and dams, that fragment habitats.

Human-Wildlife Conflict

Increased interactions between wildlife and humans, leading to conflicts.

Climate Change

Altered rainfall patterns and rising temperatures affecting biodiversity.

Invasive Species

Introduction of invasive plant species threatening native flora.

Poaching and Illegal Activities

- Hunting of wildlife and illegal trade in forest products.

6. Relevance of Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary for UPSC Preparation

General Studies Paper I

Geography: Physical features and climate of the Western Ghats.
Biodiversity: Endemic species and their ecological roles.

General Studies Paper III

Environment and Ecology: Conservation efforts, role of protected areas.
Climate Change: Impacts on ecosystems and mitigation measures.
Economic Development: Eco-tourism as a sustainable model.

Essay Paper

Topics like “The Role of Protected Areas in Conserving Biodiversity” or “Sustainable Tourism and Conservation.”

Prelims and Mains

Questions on biodiversity hotspots, wildlife sanctuaries, and conservation laws.

7. Key Facts for Quick Revision

Location: Kollam, Kerala.
Part of: Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve.
Established: 1984.
Biodiversity: Home to endemic species like Chenkurinji and flagship species like the Nilgiri Tahr.
Eco-Tourism: Promoted through trekking, boating, and nature camps.
Legal Framework: Governed by the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

8. Sustainable Practices and Way Forward

Enhanced Monitoring: Using technology like drones and camera traps for surveillance.
Climate Resilience: Developing strategies to mitigate climate change impacts on biodiversity.
Community-Based Conservation: Involving local populations in decision-making and conservation activities.
Research and Education: Promoting scientific studies and public awareness campaigns.

Conclusion

The Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary is a vital component of India’s natural heritage, contributing significantly to biodiversity conservation and ecological balance. For UPSC aspirants, it serves as a case study in sustainable development, environmental governance, and the challenges of balancing conservation with human needs.

Understanding the sanctuary’s ecological, cultural, and economic significance equips aspirants with the knowledge to address questions related to biodiversity and environmental sustainability in their exams and future policymaking roles.

Maximize the benefits of mock tests for IAS and KAS preparation with guidance from Amoghavarsha IAS Academy . For more details, visit https://amoghavarshaiaskas.in/.

Youtube: click here

Amoghavarsha E Magazine

Current Affairs ( Prelims )

Current Affairs ( Mains )

UPSC

KPSC

Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary

1. Introduction to Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary

Location and Establishment

State: Kerala

District: Kollam

Year of Establishment: 1984

Area: Approximately 172.403 sq. km

Geographical Significance: Part of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The sanctuary derives its name from the endemic tree species “Chenkurinji” (Gluta travancorica), found abundantly in the region.

Protected Area Status

Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary is a part of the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve, one of the most ecologically sensitive areas in India.

2. Geography and Climate

Topography

The sanctuary features a rugged terrain with rolling hills, deep valleys, and numerous streams. It is drained by the Shendurney River, which flows through its heart.

Climate

Type: Tropical monsoon climate.

Temperature Range: 16°C to 35°C.

Rainfall: Receives heavy rainfall during the southwest monsoon (June to September).

Water Bodies

The Parappar Reservoir (part of the Thenmala Dam project) is a prominent water body within the sanctuary, contributing to its ecosystem diversity.

3. Biodiversity of Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary is a biodiversity hotspot, home to a wide variety of flora and fauna.

Flora

Type of Vegetation: Tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, and grasslands.

Key Species:

Chenkurinji (Gluta travancorica): A rare and endemic species.

Cullenia exarillata, Mesua ferrea, Hopea parviflora: Common trees.

Rich undergrowth of shrubs, herbs, and climbers.

Fauna

Mammals:

Flagship Species: Nilgiri Tahr, Lion-tailed Macaque.

Other species include Indian elephants, leopards, tigers, Indian giant squirrels, and sambar deer.

Birds:

Over 200 species, including:

Great Hornbill.

Malabar Grey Hornbill.

Ceylon Frogmouth.

Reptiles and Amphibians:

King Cobras, Malabar pit vipers, and various endemic frog species.

Insects:

A plethora of butterflies, including the Southern Birdwing and Malabar Banded Swallowtail.

Endemism and Conservation

The sanctuary supports several endemic and endangered species, making it a critical area for biodiversity conservation.

4. Conservation and Management Efforts

Legal Protection

The sanctuary is governed under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which ensures stringent measures against poaching, deforestation, and illegal activities.

Eco-Tourism Initiatives

The sanctuary promotes eco-tourism to balance conservation with sustainable tourism. Activities include:

Trekking: Trails like the Pandimotta and Kurunthotti-Valaya streams.

Boating: In the Parappar Reservoir.

Nature Camps: Awareness programs for visitors and students.

Scientific Research and Monitoring

Studies on flora and fauna, especially endemic species.

Monitoring programs for climate change impacts on biodiversity.

Community Involvement

Local communities are engaged in conservation efforts, promoting sustainable livelihoods through tourism and other activities.

5. Challenges to Conservation

Habitat Loss and Degradation

Encroachments and illegal logging.

Infrastructure projects, including roads and dams, that fragment habitats.

Human-Wildlife Conflict

Increased interactions between wildlife and humans, leading to conflicts.

Climate Change

Altered rainfall patterns and rising temperatures affecting biodiversity.

Invasive Species

Introduction of invasive plant species threatening native flora.

Poaching and Illegal Activities

Hunting of wildlife and illegal trade in forest products.

6. Relevance of Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary for UPSC Preparation

General Studies Paper I

Geography: Physical features and climate of the Western Ghats.

Biodiversity: Endemic species and their ecological roles.

General Studies Paper III

Environment and Ecology: Conservation efforts, role of protected areas.

Climate Change: Impacts on ecosystems and mitigation measures.