The endangered Chola Nayaka tribal area is excluded and another sanctuary in the state has become a reality.
The government issued a notification for the Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary, covering 227.97 sq. km of the Nilgiris Biosphere consisting of the New Amarambalam Conservation Forest and the North Fort Malavaram Reserve in Malappuram District.
The Manjeeri colony, which is home to the Chola Nayakar, is one of the oldest tribes in Asia is excluded from the wildlife sanctuary. 2.50 hectares of land inside the New Amarambalam Conservation Forest has been excluded from the sanctuary.
The government notification mentioned that the Scheduled Tribes and the traditional forest dwellers will have the right to use powers stated under the central state rules herein.
With the realization of Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary, 18 wildlife sanctuaries have been established in Kerala.
Located in the Karulai, Muttadam and Amarambalam panchayats of the Nilambur Taluk, the forest is home to 226 species of birds, 23 species of amphibians, 33 species of reptiles, 41 species of mammals, butterflies and small animals. The rolling mountains, the deep valleys, and the rough terrain lead this place to become one of the major flora and fauna of South India.
The steep inclination of the area from the valley from 40 m to 2554 m makes it a habitat for bird species.
Several studies on the geology of the area and the presence of rare flora and fauna have revealed the biodiversity of the area and its long-term protection.
Apart from the Manjeeri colony, the teak plantations of the new Amarambalam forest have been excluded from the sanctuary.
More info: gokeralatrip.com
karimpuzha wildlife sanctuary
