Forest Minister Benoy Viswom, On Sunday, will inaugurate the Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is spread across 74 square kilometers in three villages under Koyilandy Taluk in Kozhikode district. This is the 16th Wildlife Sanctuary coming up in Kerala with a mission to protect the rare species of flora and fauna.
Speaking to presspersons here on Friday, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest S.P. Singh said that the sanctuary, head quartered at Peruvannamoozhi, would be a centre of attraction for its rich biodiversity and natural resources. “The zone contains no fewer than any 680 types of plants and 39 grass varieties,” he added.
Mr. Singh said “the region is also known for protecting around 148 species of butterflies, 52 varieties of fishes, 38 types of amphibians and 32 types of reptiles. “The presence of around 180 species of birds is also a unique specialty of the sanctuary,” he added.
According to officials, the rare varieties of butterflies include Papilo Liomedon, Papilo Paris, Papilo Dravidarum and Prioneris Sita. The fish varieties include Barilius Bakeri, Tor Khudree, Mystus Vittatus and Puntus Denisonii. Among the rarest amphibians, the frog variety named Philatus Oschlandrae, is seen only in Malabar sanctuary, they said.
K.V. Subrahmanyan, Conservator of Forest, said that the department would release a special booklet titled ‘Richness and Reality’ on Saturday to highlight the specialties of the sanctuary for the public. “A special portal with the address- www.malabarsanctuary.org- will also be launched at the function by Industries Minister Elamaram Karim,” he added.
The officials made it clear that tourists would be encouraged to visit the permitted areas inside the sanctuary without hampering the peaceful ambiance there. The process for rehabilitating some of the families residing within the boundary of the sanctuary would shortly be completed, they cleared.
K. Kunhammad, MLA, would preside over the inaugural function. A. K. Saseendran, MLA, would release the special booklet. Chief Wildlife Warden K.K. Srivasthava, District Collector P.B. Salim, Divisional Forest Officer Joseph Thomas and representatives of various local self government bodies would also attend the function.
