Sathyamangalam wildlife sanctuary

Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary is located at the junction of the Eastern and the Western Ghats in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, in the Erode District of Tamil Nadu. It was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in the year 2008 and after being enlarged in the year 2011, this wildlife sanctuary, at present, covers an area of 1411.6 sq. km and is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. The range of the altitude lies between 75m to 1649m.

The plateau land of this wildlife sanctuary has a mild and equitable climate, which favors vegetation, particularly the growth of sandal trees. Whereas, the plains covering the remaining portion of the sanctuary have a hot and dry climate. The temperature ranges between 21?C to 27?C in the plateau region and in the plains, the temperature range is in between 26?C to 32?C. The rainfall gradient is from east to west. The annual averagerainfall is around 824 mm. The wind blowing here is mostly dry. In the month of May, thunderstorms accompanied by cloudbursts are a common sight. The period from January to April is dry. From May onwards, slight drizzle starts occurring and between August and September, heavy rainfall follows.

The climate of the place is subtropical, so the best time to visit this sanctuary is from October to January.

Flora

The vegetation consists of southern tropical dry thorn forests, mixed deciduous forests, semi-evergreen forests, and Riparian forests.Around 700 species of flora have been found in the sanctuary, where bamboos are the predominant species of vegetation.

Fauna

This wildlife sanctuary is home to atleast 28 tigers, out of which 12 are Bengal Tigers and 850 elephants have been recorded.Notable species other than the tigers and elephants are Black Buck, Four-horned Antelopes, Mugger, Gaur, White-Backed Vulture, Deer, Civets, amphibians, birds, and fishes.

Mammals

The mammalian fauna consists of Wild Boar, Blackbuck, Barking Deer, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Langur, Jungle Cat, Bonnet Macaque, Leopard, and Gaur.

Butterflies

A variety of common, as well as rare species of butterflies, are found in this sanctuary. More than 85 species of butterflies have been recorded.

Birds

A total of 230 species of birds have been recorded, out of which, vultures are the main species. Other bird species found in the sanctuary are treepies, bulbuls, babblers, mynahs, and crows.

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Zones of the wildlife sanctuary

Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary is divided into four zones, the boundaries of which have been discussed below :

North

Thalavady range of Talamalai Reserve Forest and T. N. Palayamforest ranges of Guthiyalathur ReserveForest form the northern border.

South

MoyarRiverand BhavaniRiver form the southern boundary of this wildlife sanctuary.

East

Bargur Reserve Forest in the Anthiyurtaluk of Erode division forms the eastern boundary.

West

In the western region, it shares its border with Bandipur National Park.

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Other nearby national parks and wildlife sanctuaries present

After you have finished the tour of Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary, there are some other nearby national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, which are worth visiting.

BilligirirangaSwamy temple wildlife sanctuary

This wildlife sanctuary hosts a variety of flora and fauna. Other activities, which can be enjoyed, are amateur fishing, trekking, coracle boat rides, bird watching, outdoor camping, and river rafting.

Mudumalai national park

It is a declared tiger reserve, which lies in thenorth-western side of Nilgiri Hills. Here, you can find the critically endangered Indian White-rumpedVulture and Long-billed Vulture.

Bandipur National Park

This national park, once considered as the private hunting ground of the Maharajas of Mysore,now has been upgraded to Bandipur Tiger Reserve.

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Atone for your sins by visiting the famous nearby temples

The famous temples around Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary are the ArulmiguBannariMariamman Temple at Bannari, located at the foothills, and Kongalli Temple, in the ThalavadyRange. These temples can be found when you dive deeper into the forests.