Wildlife in Periyar
Periyar National Park is positioned amid the backdrop of the majestic Western Ghats in Kerala. The prime attraction of the park is the 5,500-hectare Periyar lake formed by the structure of an embankment on the Periyar river in the year 1895. The dam submerged low-lying forest whose dead weeds still protrude of the waters. Along the periphery of the lagoon are swampy areas with tall grasslands. This is one of the richest habitats of large mammals, since it provides both excellent cover and sustenance in the form of moist shoots and lush green grasses. Here it is possible to see large herds of Indian Elephant with relative ease as well as Nilgiri Langur.
| Periyar National Park |
| Periyar Happenings | Birds in Periyar |
| Climate in Periyar | Flora in Periyar |
| Fauna in Periyar | How to reach Periyar |
| Transport in Periyar | Wildlife in Periyar |
| Conservation History |
Major Fauna in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary In Periyar Tiger Reserve -
- 49 species of mammals
- 265 species of birds
- 36 species of reptiles
- 12 species of amphibians
- 35 species of fishes and
- 160 species of butterflies have been identified so far
The Periyar National Park is identical with Indian elephants and one cannot be even thought of without the other. Herds of playful wild elephants have made Periyar Lake their favorite nook for frolicking in the lake water. Many of them can be viewed bathing and swimming here. Other inhabitants of Periyar include the leopard, wild dog, barking deer, mouse deer, Nilgiri langur (a primate), bonnet macaque, sambhar, porcupines, squirrels, gaur (Indian bison), wild boar, and sloth bear. There are about 40 tigers in the area as per the latest reports. The tigers, along with the Nilgiri tahrs (a kind of a wild goat) are elusive mammals.
