Faunal survey of Agasthyamalais throws up surprises!

Malabar Pied Hornbill - Dr. Anop Rajamony

The major wildlife sanctuaries of Trivandrum Wildlife Division namely the Neyyar and Peppara sanctuaries were surveyed for fauna after a gap of 8 years. The exercise was done as a part of the faunal inventory preparation for the Management Plans of these critical wildlife areas. The four-day programme was conducted jointly by the Kerala Forests and Wildlife Department and the Trivandrum based NGO, Travancore Nature History Society (TNHS).100 delegates and 60 forest staff participated in the event. Besides experts from TNHS, KFRI Trichur, TNBS Coimbatore, ROAR Rajapalayam, Belvai Butterfly Garden and KOVAS Waynad took part this scientific assessment. Students of various research institutes and colleges also volunteered in.

Faunal survey brings cheers to Shendurney

A three-day annual faunal survey of Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary jointly conducted by Kerala Forest Department and Travancore Nature History Society (TNHS), concluded here with interesting finds. The 171 sqkm sanctuary was covered by 10 teams of experts using basecamps in all elevations and habitats. The exercise was a part of the annual faunal assessment which targets census of Butterflies, Birds and Odonates of the sanctuary. In addition, the teams also listed mammals, reptiles, amphibians and ants. The programme started with a meeting at Thenmalai where the participants were briefed about the survey. The meeting was chaired Wildlife Warden Mr Sajeev Kumar B, Asst Wildlife Warden and Mr Sasikumaran Nair AK delivered the introductory speech and the Wildlife Assistant Mr Shiju B