Birds & Butterflies Survey– Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary
Survey of Kodaikanal WLS
Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS, henceforth) under the guidance of Dr. Murugan,
IFS, DFO and Dr. Ravi, Ranger of Tamil Nadu Forest Department proposed a study on
the status of birds and butterflies present in the 8 ranges and reserved forests of
KWLS to draw a baseline status . it is evident that birds and butterflies are excellent
indicators are healthy eco system and hence periodical assessment of their status in a
particular place indicated the status of the ecosystem they are present in, is improv-
ing, degrading or maintaining a status quo. A base line drawn with respect to such
data is useful to draw an action plan necessitated with their species count and popula-
tion.
Participants for the survey reached Kodaikanal on Friday evening (4 th August 2017
evening) and assembled at the District Forest Office, Kodaikanal. All the participants
were briefed about the Kodaikanal WLS and the need for the current survey by the
DFO, Dr. Murugan, IFS and Ranger Mr. Ravi and other FD officials.
Teams were sent to Vandharevu, Mannavanur, Poombarai, Berijam, Kodai City, Perumpallam, Devadhanapatti, etc. The
study places include Vandharevu, Kavunji, Mannavanur, Kookal, Poombarai, Berijam, Madhikettan Shola, Bombay Shola,
Tiger Shola, Perumpallam, Adukkam, Devadhanapatti, Kumbakkarai falls, etc.
All teams were accompanied by forest officials to the field and helped in the assessment on both the days. The teams rec-
orded their observation on the field notes provided and later transferred the data to Checklists provided. Stay and food ar-
rangements were provided by the Department and the hospitality extended is of the highest quality. All teams have experi-
enced misty, cloudy, drizzling, rains and suns of various degrees and generally the sky was under cloud cover which is likely
to influence the results to a certain degree.
Teams have assembled back at Kodai on 6 th AN, for results consolidations and concluding meeting. Individual teams shared
their experiences, followed by briefing from Dr. Ravi, Ranger and speech by Mr. Pavendhan on behalf of TNBS. The results
were happily shared by DFO, Dr, Murugan, IFS, to the participants, Forest officials and press people and explained various
measures taken to bring back the Kodai glory to pre-British days and answered to the queries and concerns expressed by
participants. It was a happy end to all and the study, a grand success!