Periyar Tiger Reserve: Kerala Finance Inspection Division report

What Is It?

A conservation area and Project Tiger Reserve famous for its abundant biodiversity and a community-driven ecotourism approach.

Acknowledged as the Top Managed Tiger Reserve (2022) by NTCA through the Management Effectiveness Evaluation.

Additionally, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Western Ghats).

Place:

Located in: Cardamom & Pandalam Hills, Southern Western Ghats, Kerala.

Regions Included: Idukki, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta.

History:

Established as Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in 1950.

In 1978, included in Project Tiger as the 10th Tiger Reserve of India.

Created distinct Periyar Model for collaborative forest management — turning “poachers into guardians.”

Main Characteristics:

Vegetation & Wildlife:

Habitat for Bengal Tiger, Indian Elephant, Gaur, Leopard, Wild Dog, and native species.

Abundant fish variety featuring 7 native species and 3 distinct endemic plant species.

Participation in the Community:

81 Ecodevelopment Committees (EDCs), comprising the Vasanthasena women's group for sandalwood monitoring and plastic cleanup.

Organic pepper farming by Urali tribes sold worldwide.

Tourism & Learning:

Interpretation Center, Kalari and Vanasree Halls, Amphitheater for environmental awareness.

Nature Education initiatives have been offered since 1989, providing training for schools, NGOs, and the media.

Innovations:

M-STrIPES application for monitoring & environmental information.

Canine unit (“Periyar Sniffers”), VIPER elite task force for combatting poaching and rescue operations.

Farming initiatives that enhance climate resilience to aid tribal communities.