Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary – A tryst with nature
Peechi-Vazhani wildlife sanctuary is a visual delight for nature lovers with a number of streams, abundant flora and fauna, and nice climate. The sanctuary is situated in Trichur district of Kerala. It offers the nature lovers facilities such as trekking and nature camp.
Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Thalapally thaluk of the Trichur district of Kerala. This wildlife sanctuary comes under the control of Peechi Wildlife Division of Northern Wildlife Circle, Palghat, Kerala. The total area of the sanctuary is 125 square kilometers. The sanctuary contains the forest regions of Paravattanimala, Machad Mala, and Baharanipacha Mala. Being part of Kerala state, the sanctuary receives copious rains during northeast and southwest monsoon seasons, and it has a pleasant weather. The maximum temperature recorded in this region is 39.4 degree Celsius and the minimum temperature recorded is 18.9 degree Celsius.Climate and Geography
This sanctuary is contiguous with forest areas of Nelliampathy and Palapilli reserves. Towards the south, this sanctuary shares border with Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary. It has an uneven terrain with its elevation varying between 45 to 900 meters. The sanctuary is blessed with abundant water supply naturally. The sanctuary has two reservoirs in its vicinity. One reservoir is formed due to the building of a dam over Manalipuzha and the other is formed due to the construction of a dam over Vadakkanchery river. There are a number of streams, both big and small, over the entire length of the sanctuary. Most of these streams feed three main rivers such as Kurumili, Manali and Vadakancherry rivers. Many of these streams are seasonal in nature. Flora and Fauna
Mainly the reserve has moist deciduous species. On the other hand, semi-evergreen species are confined to the upper reaches of the reserve. In all, about 1000 angiosperm species are found in the sanctuary. Out of these, about 50 are orchids. In addition, the region also has a large number of medicinal plants. The evergreen forests are mainly limited to the higher slopes of the reserve. They are also seen in patches amidst the moist deciduous forests in the higher slopes of the region. The dominant species found in this category are Palaquium elipticum, Cullenia exorillata, Mesua ferrea, and Canarium strictum. The sanctuary has also got the semi-evergreen forests.
The forest reserve is blessed with abundant fauna as well. One can find 25 types of mammals, 60 types of birds, and 10 types of snakes there. The animals found in the reserve can be broadly classified into carnivores and herbivores. The carnivores found in the region include leopards, tigers, foxes, etc. The region also has herbivores such as elks, deers, barking deers, etc. Nature Camps and Other Activities
For the benefit of students from government institutes and NGOs involved in nature conservation, the authorities of the forest reserve conduct nature camps. Those who are interested in the camps can apply in a particular format to the Wildlife Warden of the Palghat Division either through direct application or through the head of the institutions. During the period of stay, the participants are given vegetarian food and free accommodation. The duration of the camp is for two to three days. The number of participants in each camp will vary between 30 and 40, depending upon certain conditions. In a financial year, only one nature camp will be allowed in the reserve. There is also a provision for doing the trekking. The people who are interested in that need to get prior permission from the authorities concerned after paying the requisite fee to the government.
Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Trichur district of Kerala. The region is blessed with a nice climate, abundant flora and fauna, and abundant water. In fact, there are two dams in the sanctuary. Throughout the length and breadth of the reserve there are a number of streams to supply water. These streams are seasonal in nature and empty their water load into three main rivers in the reserve. The authorities of the reserve conduct nature camps for the benefit of students of government institutions and NGOs involved in conservation of nature to impart the quality of nature conservation in them. For nature lovers and trekkers, there are options to explore the beauty of the reserve. If you are interested in this location, please do make it a point to visit there and enjoy its splendor.
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