Shenbagathope Grizelled Squirrel Sanctuary
The forests are found on the eastern slopes of the
Western Ghats. Only 6.3% of the total geographical
area is under forests. Many rare and endemic varieties
of flora and fauna are found along the mountain slopes.
A wildlife sanctuary, spread over 480 sq. kms. was
established in 1989 at Shenbagathopu in Srivilliputtur
taluk..
This sanctuary is contiguous with the Periyar
tiger reserve on the south-western side and the Megamalai
reserve forest on the north-western side. The altitude varies
from 100m to 2010 m above sea level. The sanctuary is home
to the endangered, arboreal grizzled giant squirrel Ratufa
macrora. This greyish brown squirrel weighs 1 to 1.8 kg.
and is the size of a small cat. It measures about 73.5 cms.
from nose to tail with the tail being 36 – 40 cm. long.
They construct drays at forked branches where the crowns
of neighbouring trees meet. This enables the squirrel to move
away from the site by jumping from tree to tree when threatened.
The home range of an individual is between 0.197 hectares and
0.611 hectares.
The sanctuary also hosts a variety of birds, mammals, reptiles
and butterflies. Resident and migratory elephants are common.
Other animals sighted are tiger, leopard, Nilgiri thar,
spotted deer, barking deer, sambar, wild boar, porcupine,
Nilgiri langur, lion-tailed macaque, common langur, slender loris,
bonnet macaque, sloth bear and flying squirrel. Over 100 species
of birds have been identified. The rare Great Indian horn bill
is also found.
Special steps have been taken to conserve the forest areas in
the sanctuary. The annual leases given for the collection of fruit
and other minor forest produce has been stopped. Fruit bearing
trees and other trees have been planted. This will increase the
food sources as well as ensure continuity in the canopy. Soil
conservation and water harvesting measures have been undertaken
to improve the habitat.
The forests of Alagarkoil valley in Srivilliputur taluk and
Saduragiri are known for rare medicinal plants. The medicinal
value of 275 plants has been recorded and reported.
The forests host a rich variety of orchids and ferns.
The sanctuary is located 86 kms. from Madurai.
The best time to visit the sanctuary are throughout
the year except for the months of March, April and May.