Parambikkulam in Kerala declared Tiger reserve

Parambikkulam in Kerala declared Tiger reserve

Parambikkulam wildlife sanctuary in central Kerala was Friday declared the country's 38th Tiger reserve as part of efforts to protect the big cat. Spread over 643.65 sq km in Palakkad and Thrissur districts, Parambikkulam is the second tiger reserve in Kerala after Periyar in Idukki district.   Formally declaring the area as a tiger reserve, Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said two crore would be allotted for tiger preservation in Kerala.   Government would also pay ten lakh each to 73 families of the 240 in the area who have opted to move out for their rehabilitation.   Of the total area of Parambikkulam reserve, 390.88 sqkm would comprise core area and rest buffer area.The reserve is spread over forest divisions of Chalakkudy, Vazhachal and Nenmara.   Wildlife officials said Periyar and Parambikkulam tiger reserves together have the most conducive and healthy environment for growth and sustainability of tiger population.   "These two reserves have thick forests and offer apt habitat for wild cat.The prey-predator ratio is also high in both the reserves which is a critical factor for tiger conservation", a senior official told PTI.   Kerala Forest Minister Benoy Viswam said the state government accorded top priority to conservation programmes in the state, known for its biodiversity and natural beauty.   As per the last census, 24 tigers had been recorded in Periyar. In Parambikkulam, lot of sightings of tiger had been recorded. A fresh census would be conducted there following declaration of the biosphere as a tiger reserve.   Bio-Scientist P S Easa, member, wildlife expert committee of the state which prepared the note for declaring Parambikkulam as Tiger reserve, said under the declaration not only the area's eco-system would be protected but also livelihood of tribals be taken care of by providing alternate jobs.   The declaration will in no way interfere with the rights of tribals, the member said.    Work on the new Tiger census in the state will be started from Saturday.    Habitat of a wide range of wildlife and rich flora, the biosphere is home to rare and endangered animals including lion tailed macaques, Nilgiri tahr, guar, reptiles like Indian rock python and Malabar pit viper.   Also, 134 species of birds and 47 varieties of fish had been spotted in the area, of which seven had been listed as endangered