Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Flora, Fauna, and Entry Details

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Idukki district of Kerala, along the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats. Spread over approximately 90.44 sq. km, it is one of the 12 Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala and forms a crucial part of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Renowned for its rich diversity of flora and fauna, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is the only sanctuary in Kerala that supports thorny scrub forests, making it ecologically unique. 

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is also known for the presence of the endangered Grizzled Giant Squirrel, an important indicator species. Its geographical location makes it a significant area for biodiversity conservation, and highly relevant for UPSC topics in GS Paper III and Prelims under environment and ecology.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Established in 1984, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary lies adjacent to the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu) and the Eravikulam National Park (Kerala). It is situated in the rain-shadow region of the Western Ghats, resulting in a dry deciduous climate, unlike the tropical rainforests typically found in Kerala. The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is managed by the Kerala Forest Department and is part of the Munnar Wildlife Division. It serves as an ecological corridor for the movement of elephants, gaur, and other large mammals. Chinnar also supports tribal settlements and eco-tourism activities that promote sustainable conservation models.

Also Read: Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary

Geographical Features of Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

The topography of Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is rugged, with undulating hills, river valleys, and rocky cliffs. This variation in elevation and climate supports a mix of vegetation types and diverse animal life. Its location in the rain-shadow area results in distinct semi-arid climatic conditions, which sets it apart from other wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala.

• Location: Idukki district, Kerala (bordering Tamil Nadu)
• Altitude Range: 500 m to 2,400 m above sea level
• Rivers: Chinnar and Pambar flow through the sanctuary
• Climate: Semi-arid to tropical, with hot summers and mild winters
• Annual Rainfall: Relatively low, around 500–600 mm

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary Flora is a blend of dry deciduous forests, thorny scrub, and shola-grassland ecosystems. Due to its unique climatic zone, it is the only place in Kerala where thorn forests are prominently found. This rich botanical diversity provides critical habitats for herbivores and nesting grounds for birds and reptiles.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna is home to over 28 species of mammals, 225 species of birds, 52 species of reptiles, and a significant number of amphibians and butterflies. It plays a major role in conserving many endangered and endemic species. The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary’s biodiversity makes it important for ecological studies and species conservation efforts in the Western Ghats.