Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary

Situated in Thiruvananthapuram/Trivandrum, the preserved forest of Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary comprises of the catchments of Peppara Dam, which has been constructed across Karamana River. The dam was bespoken in the year 1983 to enhance the drinking water supply of Thiruvananthapuram city and its surrounding inhabited areas. Considering the ecological significance of the area, it was declared as a sanctuary during 1983. Before the forest was declared a preserved reserve the part of the forest came under the territorial division of Paruthippally range of Trivandrum territory. The forest was declared a wildlife sanctuary in year 1983, because the area is ecologically significant. Of late, steps are being taken to renovate the entire area. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is conveniently located amidst the serene greens. It is visited by thousands of visitors every year. The soothing lush greens calms down the visitors who take out time for nature walks in this sanctuary.

Geography
The forest lies between longitude 76°40' and 77°17' east and latitude 80°7'and 8°53' north. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on Thiruvanthapuram-Ponmudi Road, which is about 50 km from the district of Trivandrum. The altitude of this forest varies from place to place differing from 100 m to 1717 m. The major peaks in the sanctuary are Chemmunjimottai, which rises to a height of 1717m, Athirumalai, Arumukhamkunnu, Koviltherimalai and Nachiyadikunnu. The place registers an annual rainfall of 2500mm. The forest is parched by Karamana River and its tributaries.

Flora
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary portrays bio-diversity and homogeneity of flora. The vegetation here is of diverse types. For instance, the forest types here include West coast tropical evergreen, Southern hilltop tropical evergreen, West cast semi-evergreen, Southern moist mixed deciduous forest, Myristica swamp forest and sub-montane hill valley swamp forest. The plantations change depending on the alleviation of the soil. The Southern moist mixed deciduous forests are the major vegetation which is mostly found inside this reserve.

Fauna
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary has been inhibited by numerous animals including both herbivores and carnivores. The reserve has a large population of mammalian fauna. It is gradually developing into a large attraction for wildlife lovers and ornithologists. The forest serves as a home for 233 species of birds, 46 species of reptiles, 13 species of amphibians and 27 species of fishes. Major mammals which are found inside the forest are Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Elephant, Sambar, Bonnet Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Nilgiri Tahr etc.