Amphibians
22 species of amphibians can be found in the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary. Nyctibatrachus major, Micrixalus fuscus, Gegenophis ramaswami, Rana semipalmatus, Philuatus leucorhinus are endemic species to the Western Ghats. There are 45 species of frogs here, with 38 found only here.
Butterflies
Out of a total of 334 butterfly species in the Western Ghats, 257 species are found here. Some of the endemic and rare species include names like Budha and Blue banded peacock, Southern birdwing, Map butterfly, Blue oakleaf, , Southern duffer, Malabar raven and so on.
Fishes
Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary houses around 42 species of fishes, including Batasio travancoria and Parambassis thomassi that are the species endemic to the South Indian state of Kerala. Tor kudree is another endangered species.
Mammals
A total of 35 mammal species have been identified in the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, which including certain endemic species to Western Ghats such as Brown palm civet, Lion-tailed macaque, Sambhar, Wild Boar, Gaur and Nilgiri langur.
Reptiles
36 species of reptiles have been recorded in this sanctuary. Some of the species that can be found only in the Western Ghats include Brachiophidium rhodogaster, Ristella beddomii and Calotes elliotti.
Birds
Shendurney is quite famous for housing 3globally threatened species of birds- , Nilgiri wood pigeon, the Lesser Kestrel and Wood Snipe. A total of 266 avifauna species can be found here. Some of the birds that can be spotted here include Lesser Fish Eagle, Blue headed Rock thrush, Large billed leaf warbler, Rufous tailed flycatcher and Tickell’s leaf warbler.
Flora
The diversity of flora is quite high with a high percentage of endemism. A number of endemic, rare and threatened plants can be found here. Some of such plant names include Erythroxylum lanceolatum, Dipterocarpus indicus, Calophyllum polyanthum, Hydnocarpus alpinia, Aglaia simplicifolia, Palaquium ellipticum, Cullenia exarillata, Acronychia pedunculata and so on. The name of shrubs include Tabernaemontana gamblei, Glycosmis macrocarpa, Dichapetalum gelonioides, Phaeanthus malabarica, Leptonychia caudate etc.
Significance
Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its floral-faunal and ecological importance:
- Flowering plants are found in abundance here- around 1257 309 species being endemic to the Western Ghats.
- Over 100 species of threatened plants can be found within the sanctuary.
- The sanctuary is home to lion-tailed macaque, a very endangered species.
- The occurrence of several kinds of wild animals such as leopard, elephant, Nilgiri Langur, tiger, bear etc.
- The sanctuary has been blessed of high degree in of avifauna diversity- over 267 species (including migratory, endemic and endangered species).
- There is an artificial lake in the sanctuary. 18.69 square km in area, it is a major attraction for several water birds.
- Kallada reservoir, adjoining the sanctuary is an important water resource for irrigation purposes to Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts.
- The sanctuary plays a prime role in the conservation of rich biological diversity being a part of the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve.
- Unique vegetation of Myristica swamps can also be found here.
- India’s first eco-tourism project, Thenmala Eco-tourism Project is connected to this sanctuary. Shendurney has an important part to play in its nature education programs and in the promotion of eco-tourism.
Special Attractions
Apart from wildlife spotting, you can indulge in other active as well:
- You can take part in Trekking in the forests. Several packages are available including Kallar trail, Dharbakulam trail and Kattilappara – Choodal bird watching trail.
- You can opt for aboat ride in the reservoir, which is managed by the Department and Thenmala Eco-tourism Promotion Society.
- If you wish, you can also stay in a tree house here, which is constructed around 50 feet above the ground level. These tree houses are well-fitted with all kinds of modern facilities and is like staying in the lap of nature.
- The facility of nature camping is also allowed for students in this sanctuary. One is served vegetarian food during his stay.
