Flora and Fauna

PUNALUR FOREST DIVISION
FLORA
Composition of the Forests The diversity of species, their growth condition
and other factors of the forests are governed by climatic, geographic and
edaphic factors. Physiognomy, biomass, species composition, floristic
stratification and phenology are the various significant aspects of determining
the structure of vegetation. The variation in altitudes, ruggedness of the terrain
and the resultant differences in temperature and rainfall coupled with biotic
and edaphic condition are responsible for the existence of many types of forests
in this Division.
General description of growing stock:
Forest Types
Approximate extent of natural forest in the division is 7,758.17 ha. In
accordance with the classification of forests by Champion and Seth; four types
of forests are found here. They are, (1) West coast tropical evergreen forest
(1A/C4), (2) West Coast semi evergreen forest (2A/C2), (3) Southern moist
mixed deciduous forest (3B/C2) and (4) Grass lands.
(1). West Coast Tropical Evergreen Forest (1A/C4) This type of forests
represents the most luxuriant vegetation. Wherever it exists, it is considered as
the climatic climax. The forests under this type are occasionally met in patches
within the Yeroor Reserve and high slopes of Achenkovil Reserve. Because of
heavy biotic interference extent of this type of forests is reduced considerably.
At present, this type exists only in small isolated patches at Olappara and
Kuravanthavalam in Achenkovil Reserve, Ottakkal and along the river belts of
Yeroor Reserve and in Hill folds of both Reserves. The natural regeneration of
evergreen species is satisfactory. But due to biotic interference, the
establishment of the seedlings is seen affected. The extent of this type of forest
is approximately 600 ha, prevailing in patches. The Floristic composition of this
type is as below: Top Canopy: The main species in the top canopy are Vateria
Indica, Cedrella toona, Tetrameles nudiflora, Hardwickia pinnata, Hopea
parviflora, Bishchofia javanica, Vitex altissima, Mangifera indica, Machilus
macrantha, Lophopetalum weightianum, Dipterocarpus indicus etc. Lower
Canopy: Cinnamomum zeylaniucm, Polyalthia fragrans, Nephelium longana,
Canarium strictum, Hydnocarpus wightiana, Evodia roxburghiana.
Undergrowth: Strobilanthes spp, Calamus spp, Clerodendron spp, Kora spp,
Wild arrowroot etc. Climbers: Bauhinia vahlii, Entada scandens, Dioscorea spp.
(2). West Coast Semi Evergreen Forests (2A/C2) This type of forests is
confined to the areas where soil depth is more and rich in fertility. The forests

in the category are considered as a mixture of both evergreen and deciduous
type of tree growth. This forms a closed forest. Such type is met with around
Mambazhathara and Kottakkayam in Achenkovil Reserve and in folds of hills
and higher portions in Yeroor Reserve. The natural regeneration is
comparatively less, because of more biotic interference. This type of forest is
approximately 400 ha the floristic composition is as below. Top Canopy:
Artocarpus hirsutus, Hopea parviflora, Terminalia paniculata, Terminalia
tomentosa, Lagerstroemia lanceolata, Salmalia malabarica, Tetrameles nudiflora,
Vitex altissima, Vateria indica, Terminalia bellerica etc. Lower canopy: Mallotus
philippinensis, Albizia odoratissima, Macaranga petata, Cinnamomum
zeylaniucm, Bridelia retusa etc., Under Growth: Glycosmis pentaphyla, Butea
parviflira, Dioscorea Species, Strobilanthes etc., Climbers: Entada phaseoloides,
Strychnos colubrine. The tropical evergreen forests that were subjected to heavy
interference have changed to this type. It is now in a transitional stage from
evergreen to deciduous owing to the change environment.
(3). Southern Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest (3B/C2): Major portions of the
forest in this Division are of this type. Deciduous species are dominant. In the
lower canopy, evergreen species are also met with. Wherever the canopy is
opened up, weeds and grasses have colonized. Annual fire is a recurring
phenomenon. Agood percentage of this type of forests exists in Achenkovil and
Yeroor Reserves and in in the remaining uncleared areas of the Division. This
type, extents over an area of approximately 6,758.17 ha. Regeneration is
moderate. But the establishment of seedlings is affected badly by fire, grazing
etc. The floristic composition is as below. Top Canopy: Terminalia paniculata,
T. tomentosa, T. bellerica, Pterocarpus marsupium, Tectona grandis, Dalbergia
latifolia, Salmalia malabarica, Adina cordifolia, Grewia tilifolia and Albizia
species. Lower Canopy: Mitragyna parvifolia, Dillenia pentagyna, Mallotus
phillippinensis, Emblica officinalis, Careya arborea, Cassia fistula etc.
Climbers: Lantana, Acacia pinnata, Butea parviflora, Acacia intsia, Bauhinia
vahli etc Grasses: Imperata cylindrical, Andropogan Species. Shrubs:
Eupatorium odoratum, Helecteris isora, Randia dumetorum etc. (4). Grasslands:
Grasslands occur bordering the semi evergreen and deciduous forests,
wherever there are significant openings. As a matter of fact, these are created
due to degradation of forests and are not true grasslands. The extent of
grassland in the Division is included in the previous types stated above. These
formations harbor tall coarse grass with sporadic tree growth. The trees
present are Emblica officinalis, Careya arborea, Pterocarpus marsupium etc.
Annual fire and grazing causes the extension of grassland. Common species of
grasses are thatching grass and lemon grass. 2A.2.5. Plantations Kerala
Forest Department started plantation activity, way back in 1850s with the

introduction of Teak in Nilambur. The aim was to meet the growing needs of
the society for quality timber. Plantation forestry ensured availability of timber
to the society at sustained level, shifting pressure from Natural Forests to some
extent. Thus management of plantation forestry became an integral part of
forest management. Formerly Teak was the main species adopted for artificial
regeneration. Later demand for softwood increased. To meet the demand of
wood based industries softwood and pulp wood plantations were raised. At
present there is a total extent of 4601.54 ha of plantations of various species in
the Division.
FAUNA
Wildlife is the genuine indicator of the biological wealth of a nation. Wildlife
management is a fast expanding field, encompassing several disciplines and
vital areas like habitat management, preservation of endangered species,
protection of species diversity and appraisal of socio economic relations. The
constant shrinkage of wilderness, ever-increasing community pressure on
wildlife habitats, the problem of eliciting public support for conservation,
forestry operations in wildlife areas etc. have redefined the parameters of
wildlife management in our country.
Description of Fauna Common animals found in this forest area are elephant,
sambar, wild boar, common langur, panther, tiger, nilgiri tahr, slothbear, deer,
malabar squirrel, bison, wild dog, etc. The population of elephants is moderate
in this forest area. Tuskers are comparatively less and makhnas are more.
Herbivores: Sambar Deer (Cervis unicolor):- These animals are found in plenty
all over Thenmala area of this Division. Spotted Deer (Axis axis):- They are very
rarely found in Thenmala area of this Division. Mouse deer (Tragulus
meminna):- They are found in plains and lower reaches. Gaur (Bos gaurus):-
Gaurs are found in certain valleys of the Division. Common Monkey (Macaca
radiata):- They are found in the plains. The common variety seen in the plains
and reserves are “Vella kurangu” and in the ghat forests where there are less
inhabitation the Nilgiri
Carnivores: Tiger (Panthera tigris) and Leopard (Panthera pardus) are seen
rarely in Thenmala areas of this Division. Jungle Cat (Felis chaus):- They are
seen in plenty in the lower areas mainly near human inhabitation. Wild dogs
(Cuon alpinus):- They are plenty in this area and are seen in herds mainly
feeding on the deers. Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus):- They are mostly found in
the rocky areas on the hill sides in Thenmala area in groups and also in
isolation. Pangolin (Mani’s crassicaudata):- The Indian pangolin also called the

ant eater is seen in the rocky areas in the lower reaches. Malabar giant
Squirrel (Ratufa indica):- This is in plenty in Thenmala areas of this Division.
Birds The area is rich in birds species the chief among them are Indian
hornbills,Malabar Pied hornbill, drongo, myna, wood pecker, king fisher, doves,
bulbul robins’, kites, and eagles.
Reptiles Lizards, chameleon, Draco-the flying sergans are seen in this area. A
large variety of herpeto fauna which include common cobra, krait, viper,
pythons, king cobra etc are also seen in this area.