Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary is an important protected area located in the Kollam district of Kerala in the southern part of the Western Ghats. It covers an area of about 172 square kilometres and forms a vital part of the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve. This article explains the location, terrain, rivers, flora, and fauna of the sanctuary in a simple and exam-friendly manner. The sanctuary is known for its tropical evergreen forests and the endemic tree species Gluta travancorica, locally called Chenkurunji. It supports rich wildlife, including elephants, tigers, lion-tailed macaques, Nilgiri langurs, and more than 200 bird species. The article also answers an important exam question related to the sanctuaries located within the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve. This topic is highly relevant for UPSC, State PCS, SSC, Banking, Railways, and other competitive exams under Environment, Ecology, and Geography sections.
Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary
Location and Area
Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Kollam district of Kerala, in the southern Western Ghats. It covers an area of about 172 sq. km and is part of the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve.
Physiography and Drainage
- Terrain is hilly, with deep ravines
- Major rivers: Shendurney, Kazhuthuruthy, and Kulathupuzha
- These rivers join to form the Kallada River
Flora
- Tropical evergreen forests
- Semi-evergreen forests
- Moist deciduous forests
- Named after Gluta travancorica (Chenkurunji), an endemic tree species
Fauna
- Mammals: Elephants, tigers, leopards, gaurs, sambar deer
- Endemic species: Nilgiri langur and lion-tailed macaque
- Birds: Over 200 species, including Great Indian Hornbill and Malabar Pied Hornbill
Sanctuaries in Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve
- Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary
- Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
- Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
