HENNAI: The Sathyamangalam wildlife sanctuary in western Tamil Nadu may soon be declared a tiger reserve. The move came after Union environment minister Jairam Ramesh wrote to chief minister M Karunanidhi in July suggesting that the area be converted into a tiger reserve since several tiger sightings have been reported from there.
"Since the area is contiguous with the forests of Chamrajanagar-Bandipur-Mudumalai, it has tremendous potential to hold a source population of tigers. The area can pick up readily with Central assistance under Project Tiger," Ramesh wrote.
The request, which has already been moved to the state environment and forests department, is being processed, confirmed state environment and forests secretary Debendranath Sarangi. "We are actively pursuing it right now," he said. "But the procedure is a long-drawn one and involves implementation of a host of restrictions. After all, a tiger reserve receives maximum security and protection. But, a census of the tiger population in that area has already been carried out by the Wildlife Institute of India," he added. Principal chief conservator of forests and chief wildlife warden R Sundarraju said the survey had been done, but the report was yet to be received.
Located in Erode district in the area where the Western Ghats meet the Eastern Ghats, Sathymangalam was for a long time the haunt of slain brigand Veerappan. However, in recent years, as reported by TOI in 2009, at least 10 tigers were spotted in these forests, possibly because the area has remained largely undisturbed through the years.
According to state chief conservator of forests Dr V N Singh, the census was only a preliminary survey to justify the establishment of a tiger reserve. "The results are very promising. The population here seems quite healthy too." The reserve's core area is likely to be in the Moyar valley
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http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Veerappans-lair-could-soon-be-new-sanctuary-for-tigers/articleshow/6442751.cms
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