The unique topography and different biotopes makes Kerala a heaven for wild species to flourish. The forest types range from tropical evergreen rainforests forests, deciduous and semi evergreen forests. The Western Ghats in the state make it a biodiversity hotspot with extensive forest cover.
The forests are habitat for Indian Elephant, Tiger, Nigiri Tahr, Lion Tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Wild Dog, Bison, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Indian Wolf, Wild Boar, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer and jungle cats. Many small and nocturnal mammals are found in the tropical forests of Kerala.
The state is home to many varieties of giant and flying squirrels. A large number of reptilian species thrive in the forests and other habitats. King Cobra is a major attraction besides cobra, rat snake, viper, keelback python and varieties of grass snakes. The mugger thrives here in plenty along with many species of turtles and terrapins.
The state has more than four hundred species of birds some of which a endemic. Sri Lankan Frogmouth, Oriental Bay Owl, Hill Myna, Greater Flamingo, Lesser Florican, McQueens Bustard and Great Hornbill are much sought after by birders. The Ramsar sites wetlands Vembanad Kol and Sasthamkotta are ideal water bird habitats in Kerala.
Kerala has numerous protected areas notified as sanctuaries, tiger reserves and National Parks. Some of the popular PA’s are:
Periyar Tiger Reserve
Ernakulum
Silent Valley National Park
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
Agyasthamalai Biosphere Reserve
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Wynad Wildlife Sanctuary
Parambikulum WLS
Thhatekad Bird Sanctuary
Peechi Vazaani WLS
Neyyar WLS
There are many other wildlife reserves in the state. The best birding destinations of Kerala are Munnar, Thattekad, Periyar, Top Slip, Mudumalai, Ooty,Kadalundi, Thissur Kol and Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. There many endemic species that are
found here:
Malabar Parakeet
Nilgiri Wood Pigeon
Malabar Starling
Grey Headed Bulbul
Malabar Grey Hornbill
Nilgiri Pipit
White Bellied Blue Robin
Black & orange Flycatcher
Nilgiri Flycatcher
Yellow Throated Bulbul
White Bellied Blue Flycatcher
Wynaad Laughing Thrush
Kerala Laughing Thrush
Nilgiri Flowerpecker
Nilgiri Laughing Thrush
Rufous Babbler
Greyfronted Green Pigeon
White Cheeked Barbet
Malabar Barbet
Flame Throated Bulbul
Nilgiri Thrush
Nilgiri Blue Robin
Malabar Woodshrike
White Bellied Treepie
Indiafootprints conducts guided birding tours in Kerala and arranges accommodations for birders. Please write to us for the best tiger safari and bird watching experience in Kerala State in South India.
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