Why visit Periyar
- Visits to spice plantations
- Walking allowed inside the park
- Periyar Tiger Reserve
In Periyar Tiger Reserve there is a rich diversity of vertebrates. The diverse forest types, marshes, and a large aquatic habitat together support 62 species of mammals, 320 species of birds, 45 species of reptiles, 27 species of amphibians, and 38 species of fishes. The invertebrate fauna of Periyar is not well documented, though the predominant invertebrate orders are Protozoa, Annelida, Arthropoda and Mollusca. 160 butterfly species have been listed. Among the 62 species of mammals, many are rare, endemic and endangered. Periyar is prime elephant country and large herds are often sighted at the lake fringes. There is an estimated population of 900-1000 animals which is likely to overlap with the population in the adjoining forest areas While the Tiger is found in this habitat, the thick vegetation of Periyar makes their sightings difficult. Evidence like pugmarks, clawings, and scats are located throughout the reserve. The population is estimated to be between 35-40. The Striped necked mongoose is not uncommon, found in the semi-evergreen and evergreen forests. Nilgiri marten is an extremely rare and endemic mustellid, which can be found here.
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