Context:
Faunal survey at Shendurney wildlife sanctuary enriches regional species checklist
Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary:
- Location – Southern part of the Western Ghats, Kerala.
- Part of – Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve.
- Other sanctuaries in the Reserve include Peppara and Neyyar.
- Thenmala, the 1st planned eco-tourism destination in India, is located here.
- Topography – Most of the area is hilly and interspersed with ravines.
- Major rivers – Shendurney, Kazhuthuruthy, and Kulathupuzha, which join together to form the Kallada River.
- Flora – Primarily consists of tropical evergreen forests, semi-evergreen forests, and moist deciduous forests.
- The name “Shendurney” is derived from the name of a tree species known as ‘Chenkurunji’, which is endemic to this region.
- Fauna – Supports a significant population of Nilgiri langurs and lion-tailed macaques, both of which are endemic to the Western Ghats.
- Also include bird species like Great Indian hornbill, Malabar pied hornbill, grey-headed bulbul, Painted Stork etc.
Source: TH
Previous Year Question
Which of the following are in Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2019 Prelims]
(a) Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
(b) Mudumalai, Sathyamangalam and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Silent Valley National Park
(c) Kaundinya, Gundla Brahmeswaram and Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Mukurthi National Park
(d) Kawal and Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuaries; and NagarjunasagarSrisailam Tiger Reserve
Answer: (a)