Nine New Species Discovered in Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary by ZSI

Faunal Survey Highlights Biodiversity of Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary

A recent faunal survey carried out by the Zoological Survey of India has led to the identification of nine species in the Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary . The discovery highlights the ecological richness of this protected area and underscores the importance of scientific biodiversity assessments in forest ecosystems. The findings also strengthen the sanctuary’s status as an important conservation landscape within the Western Ghats .

Location and Ecological Importance

The Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Theni district of Tamil Nadu , close to the border with Kerala . Its geographical position makes it a crucial ecological link between forest landscapes in the two states.

The sanctuary also functions as an important buffer zone for the Periyar Tiger Reserve , helping maintain wildlife corridors and enabling the movement of species across the Western Ghats region.

Diverse Vegetation and Habitats

Megamalai supports multiple vegetation types across different altitudinal zones. The lower elevations are largely covered by scrub forests, while mid-altitude areas feature dense evergreen forests. At higher elevations, the terrain transitions into shola forests interspersed with montane grasslands.

This ecological diversity creates a variety of habitats that support numerous plant and animal species, making the sanctuary a significant centre for biodiversity conservation in southern India.

Rich Floral Diversity

The sanctuary hosts several plant species typical of Western Ghats ecosystems. Notable flora found in the region include the Banyan tree , Syzygium zeylanicum , Nothopegia vajravelui , Memecylon flavescens , Symplocos oligandra , Symplocos wynadense , and Meiogyne ramarowii .

These plant communities contribute to the structural complexity of forest ecosystems and provide food and shelter for wildlife.

Faunal Diversity of the Sanctuary

The sanctuary supports several notable wildlife species. Mammals recorded in the area include the Asian elephant , Bengal tiger , Indian leopard , Nilgiri tahr , and Gaur .

Other species found here include the Spotted deer , Sambar deer , Wild boar , Nilgiri langur , and the endangered Lion-tailed macaque . The sanctuary is also known for endemic reptiles such as the Megamalai wood snake .

Exam-Focused Points

• Zoological Survey of India discovered nine species during a survey in Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary .

• The sanctuary lies in Tamil Nadu near the Kerala border.

• It serves as a buffer for Periyar Tiger Reserve .

• The region forms part of the Western Ghats , a UNESCO-recognised biodiversity hotspot.

• The sanctuary hosts endemic wildlife such as the Lion-tailed macaque and Megamalai wood snake .