The forests of Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary constitute the catchment of Peppara dam constructed across Karamana river and commissioned during 1983 to augment drinking water supply to Thiruvananthapuram city and suburban areas. Considering the ecological significance of the area, it was declared as sanctuary during 1983. The area was formerly a part of Paruthippally range of Thiruvananthapuram Territorial Division.
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary consists of Part of Palode reserve (24sq.kms) and part of Kottoor reserve (29sq.kms). The total area of the sanctuary is 53 sq.kms. The total water spread of the reservoir is 5.82 sq.kms.
The sanctuary is located about 50kms. north east of Thiruvananthapuram city in Nedumangad taluk of Thiruvananthapuram district between longitude 76°40' and 77°17' east and latitude 80°7'and 8°53' north. General topography of the area is hilly with elevation varying from 100 m to 1717m. Rainfall and other climate factors are similar to that of Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary. There are 13 tribal settlements in the sanctuary. Eleven are in Athirumala section and two are in Thodayar section.
The sanctuary constitutes he catchments of peppara dam constructed across the Karamana river and commissioned during
1983 to augment the drinking water supply to Thiruvananthapuram city and suburban areas.
Location: 77 6’ 50” and 77 14’ 5” East Longitude and 8 34’ 30” and 8 41’ 25” North Latitude
Area: 53 sq km
Year of formation: 1983 (GO(P) 379/83/AD/21..12..1983)
Climate: Temperature varies from 16 C to 35 C.
Topography: Altitude ranging from 100 to 1717 m. The major peaks in the sanctuary are Chemmunjimottai (1717 m),
Athirumalai 1594 m, Arumukhamkunnu (1457 m), Koviltherimalai (1313 m) and Nachiyadikunnu (957 m).
Rainfall: Annual average rainfall is 2500 mm
Drainage: The major rivers are Karamana river and its tributaries. The peppara reservoir is of an area of 5.82 sq .km.
The Following major forest types are recognised in the wildlife sanctuary.
1 .Southern hilltop tropical evergreen
This type of forest is of stunted evergreen, found above 1000m elevation on the top of hills. They are exposed to heavy wind and less favourable soil and climatic conditions.
2 .West coast semi- evergreen
A transitional zone between evergreen and moist deciduous, this type occurs mostly in hill slopes from 150 to 1050m. The riparian areas also contain them.
3. Southern moist mixed deciduous forests
This type of forest covers more than 60% of the tract along the lower slopes of hills.
The major mammals include elephant, gaur,sambar, barking deer, mouse deer, wild boar, tiger, panther, wild dog, lion tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, Malabar squirrel etc. Water birds like darter, little cormorant, pied king fisher and egrets are also common. Many kinds of snakes including the king cobra and python are also present in this sanctuary. The area has a variety of moth and butterflies.
Biodiversity: Common tree species are Terminalia paniculta, T. bellerica, PTEROCARPUS MARSUPIUM, Palaquium ellipticum,
Mesua ferrea, Hopea parviflora, Bombax ceiba, Syzyguium cummini, Lagerstroemia lanceolata, Albizzia procera,
Alstonia scholaris, etc.
43 species of mammals, 233 sp. of birds, 46 species of reptiles, 13 species of amphibians and 27 species of fishes are reported
from the sanctuary.
The common mammals found are Tiger, Leopard, Sloth bear, Elephant, Sambar barking Deer, bonnet Macaque, Nilgiri langur,
Nilgiri tahr etc.
The place is fascinating for its damsite, thick forest areas, eucalyptus plantations, crystal clear streams and rocky terrains ideal for adventure expeditions.
Silent Valley National Park has an area of 90 sq km is located in the north eastern corner of the district. It rises abruptly to the Nilgiri Plateau in the north and overlooks the plains of Mannarkkad in the south.
Thattekkad is made up of dense tropical evergreen and deciduous forest and grassland patches, housing a population of over 500 species of exotic birds.
Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India, and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.
The sanctuary is very rich in flora and fauna. The management lays emphasis on scientific conservation with due consideration for the general lifestyle of the tribals and others who live in and around the forest region.
Neyyar sanctuary is nestled in the south-east corner of the Western Ghats, the Neyyar sanctuary is the drainage basin of the Neyyar river and its tributaries-Mullayar and Kallar.
