KOLLAM: The government is keen on declaring Achankovil forest, straddling Periyar- Agasthyamalai corridor, as a wildlife sanctuary. Preliminary studies conducted by the Kerala Environmental Researchers Association (KERA) in Achankovil, Kanayar and Kallar divisions have revealed that these areas are rich in biodiversity and can be made a sanctuary.
“Achankovil forest is on par with the Silent Valley in terms of density and biodiversity. The Kanayar division has no human interference and has plenty of cheetah and leopard habitats. If it is declared as a sanctuary, the wildlife can be protected and poaching can be prevented. “Forest Minister K. Raju has expressed interest in the project and a meeting with the departments concerned will be convened soon,” Dr. Sainudeen Pattazhy, president, KERA, told DC.
These areas have more than 100 species of trees and are home to about 20 species of mammals, 150 species of birds, 12 species of reptiles, four species of amphibians, and 20 species of fishes. The most attractive species in the area include tiger, leopard, elephant, and bear. The Achankovil reserve forest is 269 square kilometres in area comprising dry deciduous, moist deciduous, and evergreen forests.
The area is bound by Tamil Nadu in the east, Ranni forest division in the north-east, Konni forest division in the west, Punalur forest division in the south-west and Thenmala forest division in the south. The forest is nurtured by the Achankovil river and its major tributaries Kanayar, Kallar, Chittar and Kakkadyaar.
The local residents of the area sharing their boundaries with the forest live in fear of the attacks by tigers, leopards and wild elephants. Many deaths have occurred and agriculture is often destroyed in the area with the wild animals entering human settlements in search of food. By setting up a sanctuary, the people can expect protection from such wild attacks too.
