Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary

Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC

Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. The sanctuary is known for its diverse flora and fauna.

Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary is particularly renowned for its efforts in conserving the blackbuck population. Blackbuck, a medium-sized antelope species, is the flagship species of the sanctuary. The sanctuary provides a safe habitat for these graceful creatures, which are known for their distinctive black and white markings.

The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has developed some infrastructure for eco-tourism within the sanctuary. Visitors can explore the sanctuary on guided tours and observe its natural beauty and wildlife.

Table of Contents Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary Location Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary History Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary Area Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary Flora Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna Mammals Birds Reptile Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary Location

Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Vallanadu Village of Srivaikundam Taluk, in the Thoothukudi (Tuticorin) district of Tamil Nadu, South India. 

It is situated on an isolated hillock in the extreme southeastern corner of Tamil Nadu, making it the southernmost place in India where a natural population of blackbuck antelope exists. The sanctuary is approximately 16 kilometers southwest of Thoothukudi town.

Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary is Madurai Airport, which is located approximately 165 kilometers away from the sanctuary.

Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary is Tirunelveli Railway Station, situated about 20 kilometers from the sanctuary.

Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary History

Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary was established with the primary purpose of protecting the blackbuck antelope and conserving the unique flora and fauna of the region. Here is a general overview of its history and establishment:

Notification as a Wildlife Sanctuary: Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary was officially notified as a protected area on 28th September 1987. This notification marked the formal establishment of the sanctuary under wildlife protection laws in India.

Conservation of Blackbuck: One of the key motivations behind its creation was the conservation of the blackbuck antelope. The sanctuary provides a safe and protected habitat for this species, which is known for its distinctive black and white markings and was likely facing threats from habitat loss and hunting.

Geographical Significance: The sanctuary's location in the extreme southeastern corner of Tamil Nadu is significant because it represents the southernmost natural habitat for blackbucks in India.

Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary Area

The Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 16.41 square kilometers (or 1641 hectares). It is a relatively small protected area that serves as a habitat for various wildlife species, with a primary focus on the conservation of the blackbuck antelope and the preservation of the region's unique flora and fauna.

Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

The Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary is located in a South Deccan Plateau dry deciduous forest ecosystem. The flora of this sanctuary consists of various plant species adapted to this semi-arid environment. 

Here's a list of the plant species:

• Andropogon pumilus (Little Bluestem)
• Eragrostis viscosa (Sticky Lovegrass or Sticky Finger Grass)
• Perotis indica (Indian Basket Grass or Basket Grass)
• Ziziphus mauritiana (Indian Jujube, Indian Plum, or Ber)
• Canthium parvifolium (Small-leaved Forest Boxwood)
• Dalbergia multiflora (Indian Rosewood or Sissoo)
• Dichrostachys cinerea (Sicklebush or Woolly-podded Thorn)
• Acacia (Commonly referred to as Acacia)
• Albizia amara (Albizia)
• Zizyphus sp (Jujube or Ber, varies by species)
• Azadirachta indica (Neem)
• Carissa carandus (Karanda or Karonda)
• Euphorbia acalypha (Cat-Tail Spurge)

Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna (Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary Animals)

The Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna. Here is a list of some of the notable wildlife species that can be found in Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary:

Mammals:

• Blackbuck
• Spotted Deer
• Bonnet Macaque
• Jungle Cat
• Small Indian Civet
• Black-naped Hare

Birds:

• Rose-ringed Parakeet
• Peafowl
• Herons
• Storks
• Grey Partridges
• Jungle Crow
• Common Quails
• Pied Crested Cuckoo
• Crested-Hawk Eagle
• Black-winged Kite
• Curlew
• Lapwing
• Nightjar
• Sparrows
• Horned Owl

Reptiles:

• Common Indian Monitor Lizard
• Rat Snake
• Spectacled Cobra

Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary UPSC Questions

Q. Where is Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary?

A. Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Vallanadu Village of Srivaikundam Taluk, in the Thoothukudi (Tuticorin) district of Tamil Nadu, South India. It is situated on an isolated hillock in the extreme southeastern corner of Tamil Nadu. 

Q. Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary established year?

A. Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary was officially established in the year 1987. It was notified as a protected area on 28th September 1987. This sanctuary was primarily established for the conservation of the blackbuck antelope and the protection of the unique flora and fauna of the region.