Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary or the Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary came into existence in 1988. As the name indicates, the Wildlife Sanctuary was set up to offer protection to the Vulnerable Grizzled Giant Squirrel.

The Wildlife Sanctuary occupies an area of 485.2 sq km and is bordered on its southwest edge by Periyar Tiger Reserve. The wildlife sanctuary is a real treat for nature lovers as it consists of numerous valleys and hills, including some peaks which rise to 1,800 metres above mean sea level.

History

Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary which came into existence in 1988 is located at Srivilliputhur in South Tamil Nadu and was decaled a wildlife sanctuary in December 1989, a year after its existence. Most of the 485.2 sq km of the sanctuary comes under Virudhunagar District with some of the sanctuary area lying in neighbouring Madurai district.

Human elephant conflict, cattle grazing and human encroachment are some of the key problems affecting the National Park. The National Park can soon be declared as an Elephant Corridor and the idea of radio collaring some of the elephants in the sanctuary is also being explored.

Timings and Holidays

The Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary can be visited on any given day in the year as it is open throughout the year. Ideal time for visiting the wildlife sanctuary is either early morning or late evening hours as you can see the wild species in their true elegance at these hours.

Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary Faunal Species

Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary is home to grizzled giant squirrels. In addition other animals namely bonnet macaque, barking deer, flying squirrels, mouse deer, Nilgirilangur, slender lorris and sloth bear can be found in the sanctuary.

Incidentally, the wildlife sanctuary is also recognized as an Important Bird Area and is home to over 200 bird species including Oriental white backed vulture and Nilgiri Wood Pigeon. Around 18 species of reptiles including king cobras are found in the wildlife sanctuary. You can also see Draco, Large scaled calotes and Southern Green Caloteshere.

Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary Floral Species

Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary is also of keen interest to those which interest in floral diversity of the region. The sanctuary has mix of various forests including tropical evergreen, dry deciduous, moist mixed deciduous forests and grasslands. Those with interest in Medicinal Plant conservation will also find the wildlife sanctuary to be of their interest as the sanctuary has a Medicinal Plant Conservation Area.

How to Reach

Air

Madurai International Airport lies at a distance of 100 km from Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary. Taxis are available at the airport for a comfortable ride up to the sanctuary.

Rail

Srivilliputhur railway station lies at a distance of 5 km from the wildlife sanctuary and you can disembark here for a comfortable rail journey to the sanctuary.

Road

The sanctuary lies at a distance of 45 km from Virudhunagar town and is well connected by road network. Tamil Nadu State Road Transport Corporation buses are available at Virudhunagar for a comfortable ride to the wildlife sanctuary.

Visitor Information

If you are a keen observer of nature, you need to head to the Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary early in the day. Squirrel feed early in the day from 6 in the morning to 11 in the day. Evening too can be chosen for visiting the sanctuary as squirrels feed from 3 to 4 pm during the day hours.

Other Attractions

Besides being home to squirrels, the wildlife sanctuary has a rich gathering of other faunal species with these numbering over 200. 18 species of snake, 15 species of lizards and over 56 species of butterflies can also be seen in Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary.