TN WILD LIFE

Tamil Nadu State is known for its unique and rich biodiversity. It’s Western Ghats sector is identified as one of the most pristine biodiversity 18 hotspots in the country. Due to rapid urbanization and industrialization, the biodiversity of the State is under severe stress. Tamil Nadu has been a pioneer State in setting up Protected Area (PA) Network with establishment of Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary as the country's first Bird Sanctuary, Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve as country's first biosphere reserve and Gulf of Mannar Biosphere as South Asia's first Marine Biosphere Reserve. Notifying 30.92% (7,073 sq. km.) of the State’s forest area under PA network is a milestone in biodiversity conservation. As on date the State has constituted 5 national parks, 15 wildlife sanctuaries, 15 bird sanctuaries, 3 biosphere reserves, 2 conservation reserves, 4 tiger reserves, 4 elephant reserves and one genepool garden. The Western Ghats is one of the 30 global biodiversity hotspots and one of the 3 mega centers of endemism in India. The Eastern Ghats also contribute to the richness of the biodiversity of the State. The State is also endowed with a unique coastline hosting rich mangroves and associated forest types. Protection and conservation of rare and endangered species, restoration and improvement in the quality of the forests are aimed at enriching the biodiversity of the State as envisaged in the National Wildlife Action Plans. Ecological requirements and landscape specific interventions - a special focus on Biodiversity Conservation at landscape level is being attempted and encouraged. Special efforts are being taken up to remove invasive alien (non-native) species and to encourage regeneration of native species preferred by wildlife. Removal of invasive alien species (Lantana, Prosopis, Wattle etc.) has a great impact on restoration of ecosystems such as, increasing the area with native floral vegetation, regeneration and growth of indigenous plants, increase in fodder area available for wildlife, rich biodiversity of both protected and other forest areas, improvement in wildlife habitats by restoring original vegetation and reduction in human wildlife conflict due to availability of fodder species.

Recognizing the value and need for conservation of the wildlife wealth of the State, Tamil Nadu Government enacted separate law for protection of our valuable animals (The Tamil Nadu Wild Elephants Preservation Act 1873 and The Wild Birds and Animals (Protection) Act,1912), much before enactment of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary was declared way back in 1936, which was the “first” Birds Sanctuary in India. A ‘Sanctuary for Tiger’ in Mundanthurai was declared in 1962 almost eleven years earlier than the launch of ‘Project Tiger’ in the country in 1973.

Tamil Nadu has been a pioneer State in Protected Area management and development of forest resources and wildlife. The total area under the protected area management is 7,072.95 sq. km. which comes to 30.92% of the State’s Forest area. The Protected Areas in the State includes 5 National parks, 15 Wildlife sanctuaries, 15 bird sanctuaries and 2 conservation reserves besides 4 Tiger Reserves viz. Anamalai, Kalakkad - Mundanthurai, Mudumalai and Sathyamangalam. These Protected Areas have been established under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Further Tamil Nadu also has the distinction of having 3 Biosphere Reserves viz. Nilgiris, Gulf of Mannar and Agasthiarmalai, which are internationally acclaimed for their rich and unique biodiversity. The Western Ghats are one of the 25 global hotspots and one of the 3 mega centers of endemism in India. The genetic assemblage of Tiger Reserves, Mukurthi, Srivilliputhur, Kanniyakumari and Megamalai owe their richness in flora and fauna to their locations in Western Ghats. The Biodiversity Conservation and Rural Livelihood Improvement Project pursued at Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve is a new endeavor in perusing conservation at landscape level, covering five districts namely, Kanniyakumari, Tirunelveli, Virudhunagar, Madurai and Theni. The State endeavour to improve wildlife wealth through the following practices:

• 1. To improve the wildlife habitats by extending and strengthening the area wherever required and ensuring connectivity of habitats.
• 2. Management of wildlife resources at Landscape level with better Inter-State Coordination.
• 3. Harness the sentiments of tribal and forest dwellers in wildlife management while ensuring livelihood security.
• 4. Efforts to protect the migratory birds and to conserve their habitats.
• 5. Conservation of Wetlands for Avian fauna.
• 6. Inventory of Biodiversity for Bio-prospecting.
• 7. Understanding the lesser known diversity for conservation gains.