Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary

Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary

The primary inspiration and the mission of Kenneth Anderson Nature Society is to campaign for the creation of the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS) in Tamil Nadu encompassing the rich forest tracts along the northern banks of the river Cauvery.

This, however, is not an easy campaign. Notification of forests with elevated levels of protection is always a matter of great impact in India and requires a convergence of governmental determination, administrative willingness, and public support. KANS is actively interacting with various stake holders to realise the creation of the much needed Sanctuary and is determined to pursue this campaign to the last mile. Most KANS projects and initiatives are selected and executed with a view to increase support for this one central mission: Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)

On May 2nd, 2013, Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, reading out a statement under Rule 110 of the House, announced the setting up of Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary  by bringing together reserve forests in Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri districts.

On February 24th, 2014, the Government of Tamil Nadu declared 504.334 sq km of reserve forests to the north of Cauvery in Krishanigiri and Dharmapuri districts as Cauvery North Wild Life Sanctuary under clause (b) of sub-section (1) of Section 26-A of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 in Gazette No.II(2)/EF/254/2014.

About 500 sq km of forests in between the Cauvery North Sanctuary and the river Cauvery still remain as reserve forests. It has been proposed to bring these forests also under Cauvery Wildlfe Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu, and this is being followed up by KANS.

The pristine Cauvery flowing through its splendid deep ravines and plummeting into thunderous cascades, magnificent mountain ranges with evergreen forests and spectacular chances to catch a glimpse of the wildlife can send you packing your rucksack for a rendezvous in Karnataka. Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary is a great getaway for those who seek the solitude and enjoy nature gazing.

Tucked in the mountains with the majestic Cauvery flowing through it, the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Mysore district, covering an area of 526.96 sq km. It has dry deciduous forest as well as some patches of scrub forest. Lurking in the thick growth you can spot

tigers and leopards seeking their prey, herds of elephants in search for greener pastures, spotted deer and four horned antelope making their way across the flowing river, wild boars, sambhars , barking deer, Malabar giant squirrel, grizzled giant squirrel, common otter and hare enjoying their habitat.

An idyllic place to trek, you can climb a hilltop to get a spectacular view of the Cauvery flowing and the picturesque view of the vale below. The best time to visit the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary is from November to March. The river that meanders through the valley offers an excellent opportunity to go angling mahseer fish as well as go rafting. Within the thick growth bird watchers can catch the sirkeer cuckoo, green-billed malkoha, white-browed bulbul and the pigmy woodpecker with their binoculars. Marsh crocodiles, python, turtles, Russell’s viper, cobra, and the banded krait are also found here.