Why is it in the news?
→ A faunal survey added significantly to biodiversity records of Kerala’s youngest protected area.
→ New data highlighted its ecological importance.
Category
Environment
Important Points
- Located in Malappuram district of Kerala.
- Situated on western slopes of the Nilgiris.
- Named after Karimpuzha River, a tributary of Chaliyar.
- It forms part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
- Part of Nilambur Elephant Reserve.
- It shares a boundary with Mukurthi NP (Tamil Nadu) and Silent Valley NP (Kerala).
- Elevation ranges from 40 m to 2550 m.
- Cholanaikans (PVTG) live inside the sanctuary with a population of 217.
- Contains all seven forest types found in Kerala.
- Fauna includes Nilgiri tahr, lion-tailed macaque, elephants, tigers, leopards, gaur, and over 150 bird species.
- It also shelters endangered Malabar Mahseer fish.