Image Source: http://forests.ap.gov.in/
About Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary
Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh, India, with coordinates 14°36′N 78°53′E. Covering an area of approximately 464.42 km² (179.31 sq mi), it is designated as a wildlife sanctuary and categorized under IUCN Category IV (habitat/species management area). The sanctuary is particularly significant as it is the only known habitat in the world for the critically endangered Jerdon’s courser, making it a site of global conservation importance.
History and Significance
The sanctuary gained prominence due to the presence of the Jerdon’s courser, a rare bird species first described by the British surgeon-naturalist Thomas C. Jerdon in 1848. Thought to be extinct for over a century, the species was rediscovered in 1986, prompting the declaration of this area as a wildlife sanctuary. The Jerdon’s courser inhabits the sparse scrub forests and dry regions of the sanctuary, which provide the ideal combination of topography and climate necessary for its survival. The sanctuary’s protection ensures the continued existence of this unique species and highlights the ecological value of preserving such specialized habitats.
Geography and Terrain
Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary is characterized by undulating terrain, steep slopes, and deep gorges, typical of the Eastern Ghats region. The climate and topography are particularly suited to the survival of species like the Jerdon’s courser, with dry scrublands and deciduous forest patches dominating the landscape.
Flora
The sanctuary supports a rich diversity of plant life, with nearly 1,400 species across 176 families. The predominant vegetation is dry deciduous mixed thorn forest, interspersed with scrub and grasslands. Notably, the sanctuary is home to Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus), an endemic and economically valuable tree species, reflecting the ecological uniqueness of the area.
Fauna
Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife species. Its most celebrated inhabitant is the Jerdon’s courser, a critically endangered bird found nowhere else in the world. The mammalian fauna is diverse, including panthers, sloth bears, cheetal (spotted deer), sambar, chowsingha (four-horned antelope), chinkara (Indian gazelle), nilgai, wild boars, and foxes. This diversity underscores the sanctuary’s importance as a refuge for both rare and common species in the region.
How to Reach Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary
By Air:
The nearest airport is Kadapa Airport (CDP), about 50 kilometers from the sanctuary. Visitors can hire taxis or private vehicles from the airport to reach the sanctuary.
By Rail:
The Kadapa Railway Station is the closest railhead, located approximately 45 kilometers away. Taxis and local buses are available to reach the sanctuary from the station.
By Road:
Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary is accessible via well-connected roads from Kadapa city. Buses, taxis, and private vehicles can be used, with the sanctuary lying near major highways connecting Kadapa to other towns and cities in Andhra Pradesh.