:Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2019}}
{{Short description |Indian wildlife sanctuary}}
{{Infobox protected area
| name = Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
നെയ്യാർ വന്യജീവി സംരക്ഷ്ണ കേന്ദ്രം
| iucn_category = IV
| photo =
| photo_alt =
| photo_caption = Mugger crocodiles in the crocodile farm in Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
| map = India Kerala
| location = Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala, India
| nearest_city = Thiruvananthapuram
| coordinates = {{coord|08.40|N|77.16|E|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| area = {{convert|128|km2}}
| established = 1958
| visitation_num =
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The Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary in the southern state of Kerala in India is spread over the southeast corner of the Western Ghats, and covers a total area of {{convert|128|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}}. It is located between 77° 8’ to 77° 17’ east longitude and 8° 29’ to 8° 37’ north latitude, central location {{coord|8|33|N|77|12.5|E}}. Although it was declared as a sanctuary in 1958, not much was done about wildlife conservation, until 1985, when a separate wildlife wing was set up and as a result, conservation efforts have gathered momentum. It is part of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve.{{cite web |title=Agasthyamala {{!}} United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization |url=http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/ecological-sciences/biosphere-reserves/asia-and-the-pacific/india/agasthyamala/ |website=www.unesco.org |access-date=4 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815065655/http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/ecological-sciences/biosphere-reserves/asia-and-the-pacific/india/agasthyamala/ |archive-date=15 August 2016}}
Geography
This is the drainage basin for the Neyyar River and its tributaries - Mullayar and Kallar. The towering peak of Agasthyamalai at an elevation of 1868 meters is a very prominent landmark.
Climate
The mean summer temperature is around 35 degrees Celsius and the winter being around 16 degree Celsius. The average rainfall from the Southwest monsoon between May and July and the Northeast monsoon between October and November, is about 2800 mm. The tourist season here is between the months of November and March.
Flora and fauna
This sanctuary has a substantial natural vegetation cover. The diversity of its flora makes the sanctuary an ideal gene pool preserve. There are 39 species of mammals, including tiger, leopard, sloth bear, elephant, sambar, barking deer, bonnet macaque, Nilgiri langur and Nilgiri tahr. 176 species of birds, 30 species of reptiles, 17 species of amphibians and 40 species of fishes are reported from the sanctuary.Kerala Forests & Wildlife Dept. (2004) THE SANCTUARIES AND NATIONAL PARKS IN KERALA, retrieved 10/10/2007 [http://www.keralaforest.org/html/wildlife/sanct.html Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary] {{!}}
A crocodile farm, set up in 1977 at Neyyar, is home to around 20 mugger crocodiles. The Crocodile Rehabilitation and Research Centre was inaugurated at Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary in May 2007.(5/15/2007) The Hindu, retrieved 10/10/2007 [https://web.archive.org/web/20121025175131/http://www.hindu.com/2007/05/15/stories/2007051517560200.htm Minister to inaugurate crocodile research centre]
Visitor information
The administrative complex of Neyyar complex Wildlife Sanctuary is about 1 kilometer West of Neyyar Dam outside the sanctuary complex and has an information center, staff quarters, rest house, and a youth hostel. The sanctuary offers facilities for the tourists to visit the lion park and also boat on the Neyyar lake.Sasikumar Dr.K., Binu R. (Dec. 2006) Kerala Calling, reftrived 10/10/2007 [http://www.kerala.gov.in/kercaldecmbr06/pg40-41.pdf NEYYAR An Eco Paradise]
Nearest railway station: Neyyattinkara Railway Station, 20 km
Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport, 40 km
See also
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{commons category|Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary}}
- [http://oldwww.wii.gov.in/publications/newsletter/nlautwinter2000/page2.htm Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary] by A.J.T. Johnsingh, Wildlife Institute of India
{{Protected areas of Kerala}}
{{Tourism in Kerala}}
Category:Wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala
Category:Tourist attractions in Thiruvananthapuram district
Category:Protected areas of Kerala
Category:Geography of Thiruvananthapuram district