Animal Population Management

Following is the faunal diversity available in this sanctuary in various catagories.

Management of endangered species.

This sanctuary is rich in wild animals. The animal population includes species endemic to Western Ghats and rare and endangered species. Even though from the biodiversity angle, all species are equally important and need only equal attention, from the management point of view, some habitats and species need more attention based on their vulnerability, threat, rarity, uniqueness etc. So these habitats/species need more managerial care and attention.

Strategies

• Protect the endangered species against poaching, killing, diseases etc.
• Increase the herbivore population so that there is no scarcity of prey for the big carnivores.
• Increase the range of biodiversity.
• Facilitate free movement of animals inside and across the boundaries.

Protect the endangered species against poaching, killing, diseases etc.

The protection of the endangered species against poaching, killing etc is of vital importance. Though poaching is not a big problem, it can happen at any time if protective measures are felt to be loose. After the formation of this division only two wildlife cases have been reported, one killing of an elephant in 1996 and the other one poaching of a wild boar in 1999. As the eastern portion of this sanctuary coincides with Tamil Nadu Forests and the approach to that portion is not easy for the sanctuary staff, that area is vulnerable. So anti-poaching sheds can be established in areas like Umayar, Pattakkulam, Idimuzhangampara, Vilakkumaram etc. where anti-poaching teams will be periodically camping and perambulating the nearby areas. The teams will be equipped with sufficient arms and ammunitions and wireless equipments for effective communication.

  Human-wildlife conflict is increasing in the sanctuary. During 1999 tiger from the Kattilappara enclosure adjoining the sanctuary killed about 10 cattle. In December 1999 the carcass of tiger was found between Kallar and Kattilappara. An offence was booked for killing of tiger thinking that poisoning by the Kattilappara people for their cattle loss killed the tiger. But on forensic examination it was revealed that the tiger had a natural death and that it was not killed. Still there are chances that the wildlife, which are invading into human enclosures, are likely to be killed by people. So steps are to be taken for reducing the human-wildlife conflict. The steps intended for this are

• Forming live wire fencing
• Digging elephant proof trench
• Organizing training & Demonstration for stakeholders.

The wildlife wealth of the sanctuary has to be protected from diseases also. The domestic cattle entering into the sanctuary for grazing mostly contribute diseases. These cattle should be inoculated before letting them into the sanctuary. The forest staff should be trained on wildlife health assessment by observing the animals, their behavior, sample collection etc. Proper veterinary advice should be sought for preventing epidemics like Anthrax etc.

Increasing the herbivore population

For the survival of the rare carnivores like tiger, panther etc there should be sufficient prey animals like sambhar, deer etc available for them. For improving the status of these herbivore species they should have ample fodder grass for their sustenance. The pure grass patches are to be managed by controlled burning for getting new flush of grass growth so that there is abundant fodder available for the prey species. Fodder and fruit bearing species has to be planted in their habitats for increasing the fodder availability.

Bamboos and reeds can be planted along the banks of Kallada reservoir and in the gaps to improve the fodder availability for elephants etc.

Improving the biodiversity potential in the sanctuary.

The rich biodiversity of the sanctuary should be preserved and tried to be increased by taking proper steps for biodiversity conservation. This includes improving the vegetation, proper watershed management, fire management etc.

Facilitate free movement of animals inside and across the boundaries.

The free movement of the animals in their natural habitat should not be disturbed. In Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary the few enclosures inside the sanctuary are not creating much problems for the movement of the animals. During summer season when the water sources get dried up some animals may shift their habitats. Water holes can be made in such critical locations so that the animals can survive there during dry season also. No new constructions, which may hamper the free movement of the animals, need be taken up in the sanctuary.