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Birds & Butterflies Survey at Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve is located in the strategic confluence region of
Western and Eastern Ghats. An area of 1,40,924 ha is declared as Tiger Reserve on
15.03.2013 from erstwhile Wild Life Sanctuary with an area of 1,41,161 ha. It com-
prises of 2 divisions; Sathyamangalam and Hasanur with District headquarters at
Erode.
This area holds a significant population of tiger, and it is also contiguous to other
Tiger conservation landscapes like BRT, Bandipur, Mudumalai and Nagarahole.
The region is also a part of Nilgiri-Eastern Ghats Elephant Reserve and is an abode
to about 800 to 1000 Elephants as per Synchronised Elephant Census conducted
during 2012.The Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve is the confluence of two distinct
geographical regions of bio diversity landscape; Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats.
The diversity of habitat has got an assemblage of several species of rare plants,
animals, birds, invertebrates, fishes, amphibians, and reptiles.
Source: Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve website
Birds and Butterflies are indicators of healthy environment and eco- system. The state of Tamil Nadu, which comprises var-
ied habitats, has an estimated 509 bird species and 324 butterfly target species. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve which falls
under Erode District is home to about 330 birds and about 200 butterflies.
In this regard and in order to assess the occurrence of Birds and Butterflies in the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, the CCF
&FD of STR, Dr. V. Naganathan IFS had directed to conduct a survey on birds and butterflies. Accordingly, 29-30, December
2018 were chosen as the survey period and planning the exercise started immediately. Mr. P.G. Arun Lal, IFS, District Forest
Officer & Deputy Director, Sathyamangalam Division, STR, Mr. Kumili Venkata Appala Naidu, DFO, Hasanur Division had guid-
ed in the execution of the survey which was coordinated to the micro level by Mr. C Sakthivel, Biologist, STR and Dr Kannan,
Biologist, Erode FD and the members of Tamil Nadu Butterfly Society (now registered as The Nature and Butterfly Society
(TNBS)) who were the coordinators for this exercise along with the Tamil Nadu Forest Department. This is a first ever com-
bined exercise assume a greater significance as the exercise will help get a baseline data of birds and butterflies and will be
instrumental for the conservation of these along with the eco-system, they were part of.
Naturalists based on their birding and butterfly expertise were drafted in for the survey and 77 naturalists were assigned to
15 different camps. Each team consisted of birders and butterfly enthusiasts. Science faculties and students were also part of
a few teams. The 15 camps were selected across 7 ranges of the STR. Necessary instructions and guidelines were prepared
and sent to individual teams well in advance. Teams were asked to follow a structured morning walk covering minimum of 3-
5 Km and in the afternoon a free walk. The results were recorded in the data sheet and all supporting information such as
GPS reading, climate, habitat and altitude were noted down. Other observations were also noted down such as mammal
sighting, etc. The first day of the survey was cloudy as reported from most camps and some camps have reported misty con-
dition. The second day was better with respect to climate as the day was sunny. Data with respect to each day were filled
and then a consolidated data of birds and butterflies were done camp wise.
All the teams assembled for the conclusion meeting at Bannari, where the data from all 15 Teams were consolidated and
analyzed.
PATTAMPOOCHI
A TNBS MAGAZINE
WINGS 3 VEINS 2
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