Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary


Chimmini Wildlife sanctuary is a protected area located along the Western Ghats in Chalakudy taluk of Thrissur District of Kerala state in India.

Geography and History

Established in 1984, the sanctuary with an area of about 85.067 km2 is on the Western slopes of the Nelliyampathi Hills. The highest peak in sanctuary is Punda peak. Along with the neighboring Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary it forms a continuous protected area of 210 km2. It also lies just west of Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, providing some habitat connectivity with the forests of that relatively large protected area. The sanctuary consists of the watershed areas of Kurumali River and Mupliam rivers. Nestled in the sanctuary is Chimmony Dam which is built across the Chimmony river.

Fauna

The sanctuary is an important bird area with 192 recorded avian species. Five Western Ghats endemic bird species occur here, including the grey-headed bulbul, Indian rufous babbler and white-bellied blue-flycatcher. Other interesting species found here include-Ceylon frogmouth, Indian edible-nest swiftlet, Malabar trogon, Malabar whistling-thrush and Loten's sunbird . A recent survey recorded the presence of the lesser fish eagle, which until recently was only known from the foothills of the Himalayas.
Other significant sightings during the survey included those of the large hawk cuckoo, broad-billed roller and ashy minivet. About half of the large mammals found in Kerala are reported from Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary, especially some of the globally threatened species such as tiger, Asian elephant and wild dog. Other red-listed species found here include the Indian giant squirrel and the endemic primates-lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur and slender loris. There are 39 species of mammals, 160 species of birds, 25 species of reptiles, 14 species of amphibians, and 31 species of fishes are reported from the sanctuary.

Tribal Community

The sole tribal community within the limits of the sanctuary belongs to the "Malaya" tribe. An eco-development Committee was formed in October 2002 for the development of this community comprising 210 members belonging to 52 families residing in two colonies adjacent to the sanctuary. The tribal based eco-tourism projects initiated by the committee are progressing quite well.

Visit

The headquarters of the sanctuary is at Echippara which is 40 km away from City of Thrissur. The sanctuary also offers trekking paths for the adventure traveller. Accommodation can be arranged at the Inspection Bungalow, near the Chimmony Dam.
Visit Permits can be obtained from: The Wildlife Warden, Peechi Wildlife Division, Peechi 680653. It comes under the Peechi Wild Life Division.