Wayanad sanctuary least affected by drought

KOZHIKODE: The  Wayanad wildlife sanctuary is one of the least affected by the rising heat in the region thanks to the well-maintained waterfalls and check dams. When the drought in the state has hit animal and plant life, the wildlife migrate to the sanctuary, with an area of 344 sq km, and increase their population.

“There are 211 waterfalls in the sanctuary and water is available in 190 of them. The same is the case with 51 check dams.  So, the wildlife in the sanctuary are not affected. But there is more migration from Mudumalai and Bandipur in the eastern side and Nagarhole national park in the northern side.  Naturally, there will be competition for survival and stress, among 5 the animals,” said wildlife warden P. Dhanesh Kumar.

Experts say that when competition increases, mortality rate also will go up.
Death rate will be comparatively less among the carnivores, since more prey  are available. Herbivores are the affected lot. Animals  suffer from stress in adverse situations, as in the case of humans, they say.

According to veterinary doctor and researcher on amphibians Dr Anil Zacharia,  the recent pictures published in a newspaper showing a diminishing number of frogs due to heat  was dam-specific.

“The picture and report were misleading. Dams and canals are man-made and the situation around it cannot be compared to the natural habitats. The diminishing number of tadpoles can be spotted in any dam site. They find it difficult to manage in the absence of moisture,” Dr Anil said.