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Key:
!style="background:#FF4500;"|Biosphere
Reserve
!style="background:#FFA500;"|National
Park
!style="background:#00FF00;"|Wildlife
Sanctuary
!style="background:#00BFFF;"|Bird
Sanctuary
!style="background:#FFF500;"|Zoo
|}

The Protected area

Protected area

Protected areas are locations which receive protection because of their recognised natural, ecological and/or cultural values. There are several kinds of protected areas, which vary by level of protection depending on the enabling laws of each country or the regulations of the international...

s of Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of India. Its capital and largest city is Chennai. Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and is bordered by the union territory of Pondicherry, and the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh...

 State in South India

South India

South India is the area encompassing India's states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu as well as the union territories of Lakshadweep and Pondicherry, occupying 19.31% of India's area...

 cover an area of 3305 km² (1,276.1 sq mi), constituting 2.54% of the geographic area and 15% of the 22643 km² (8,742.5 sq mi) recorded forest area. It ranks 14th among all the States and Union Territories of India in terms of total protected area.

The major protected areas include 3 Biosphere reserve

Biosphere reserve

The Man and the Biosphere Programme of UNESCO was established in 1971 to promote interdisciplinary approaches to management, research and education in ecosystem conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.-Development:...

s, 5 National parks, 8 Wildlife sanctuaries

Nature reserve

A nature reserve is a protected area of importance for wildlife, flora, fauna or features of geological or other special interest, which is reserved and managed for conservation and to provide special opportunities for study or research...

, 4 Elephant reserves, 3 Tiger Reserves

Tiger Reserves of India

There are 39 tiger reserves in India which are governed by Project Tiger which is administered by the National Tiger Conservation Authority...

 and 12 Bird sanctuaries

Bird Reserve

A bird reserve is a wildlife refuge designed to protect bird species. Like other wildlife refuges, the main goal of a reserve is to prevent species from becoming endangered or extinct. Typically, bird species in a reserve are protected from hunting and habitat destruction...

. These protected areas of the state contain viable populations of threatened wildlife, keystone species

Keystone species

A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance. Such species play a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community, affecting many other organisms in an ecosystem and helping to determine the types and...

 and endemic species and cover significant eco-system types, habitat

Habitat

* Habitat , a place where a species lives and grows*Human habitat, a place where humans live, work or play** Space habitat, a space station intended as a permanent settlement...

s, landscapes and wildlife corridor

Wildlife corridor

A wildlife corridor or green corridor is an area of habitat connecting wildlife populations separated by human activities . This allows an exchange of individuals between populations, which may help prevent the negative effects of inbreeding and reduced genetic diversity that often occur within...

s. These protected areas of the state are mainly managed for conservation of biodiversity

Biodiversity

Biodiversity is the degree of variation of life forms within a given ecosystem, biome, or an entire planet. Biodiversity is a measure of the health of ecosystems. Biodiversity is in part a function of climate. In terrestrial habitats, tropical regions are typically rich whereas polar regions...

, education, recreation, and preservation of historic sites, unique landscapes and seascapes.

Creation and administration of Protected areas in South India originated with the Maharajas of the Southern Princely States' private hunting grounds. The Mudumalai National Park

Mudumalai National Park

The Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary Tamil:முதுமலை வனவிலங்கு காப்பகம், now also declared a Tiger Reserve, lies on the northwestern side of the Nilgiri Hills , in Nilgiri District, about north-west of Coimbatore in the westernmost part of Tamil Nadu, on the interstate boundaries with...

, established in 1940, was the first modern Wildlife Sanctuary in South India.

Most protected areas

Protected areas of India

As of May 2004, the protected areas of India cover , roughly 4.95% of the total surface area.-Classification:India has the following kinds of protected areas, in the sense of the word designated by IUCN:-National Park:...

 throughout its 30 Districts

Districts of Tamil Nadu

The state of Tamil Nadu, in southeastern India is divided into 32 districts, including two newly carved districts Ariyalur and Tirupur.More can be found on the sites of the individual districts which are linked from the site of the Tamil Nadu Government ....

 are under the stewardship of the Ministry of Environment and Forests (India) and the Tamil Nadu Forest Department

Tamil Nadu Forest Department

The Tamil Nadu Forest Department was established as the Madras Forest Department in 1855 by Dr. Hugh Francis Cleghorn, "the father of scientific forestry in India". The department is responsible for managing all the protected areas and forests plus environmental and wildlife related issues of Tamil...

.

Biomes

The state includes a wide range of biomes, extending east from the South Western Ghats montane rain forests

South Western Ghats montane rain forests

The South Western Ghats montane rain forests are an ecoregion of southern India, covering the southern portion of the Western Ghats range in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, at elevations over 1000 meters...

 in the Western Ghats

Western Ghats

The Western Ghats, Western Ghauts or the Sahyādri is a mountain range along the western side of India. It runs north to south along the western edge of the Deccan Plateau, and separates the plateau from a narrow coastal plain along the Arabian Sea. The Western Ghats block rainfall to the Deccan...

 through the South Deccan Plateau dry deciduous forests

South Deccan Plateau dry deciduous forests

The South Deccan Plateau dry deciduous forests is a dry broadleaf forest ecoregion of southern India. The ecoregion lies in the southern Deccan Plateau, within the Western Ghats' rain shadow. It receives of rain annually, much less than the North Western Ghats moist deciduous forests and South...

 and Deccan thorn scrub forests

Deccan thorn scrub forests

The Deccan thorn scrub forests is a xeric shrubland ecoregion of India and northernmost Sri Lanka, a large area that was once forest and home to large numbers of elephants and tigers.-Location and description:...

 to tropical dry broadleaf forests

Tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests

The tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forest biome, also known as tropical dry forest, is located at tropical and subtropical latitudes. Though these forests occur in climates that are warm year-round, and may receive several hundred centimeters of rain per year, they have long dry seasons...

 and then to the beach

Beach

A beach is a geological landform along the shoreline of an ocean, sea, lake or river. It usually consists of loose particles which are often composed of rock, such as sand, gravel, shingle, pebbles or cobblestones...

es, estuaries, salt marsh

Salt marsh

A salt marsh is an environment in the upper coastal intertidal zone between land and salt water or brackish water, it is dominated by dense stands of halophytic plants such as herbs, grasses, or low shrubs. These plants are terrestrial in origin and are essential to the stability of the salt marsh...

es, mangrove

Mangrove

Mangroves are various kinds of trees up to medium height and shrubs that grow in saline coastal sediment habitats in the tropics and subtropics – mainly between latitudes N and S...

s, and coral reef

Coral reef

Coral reefs are underwater structures made from calcium carbonate secreted by corals. Coral reefs are colonies of tiny living animals found in marine waters that contain few nutrients. Most coral reefs are built from stony corals, which in turn consist of polyps that cluster in groups. The polyps...

s of the Bay of Bengal

Bay of Bengal

The Bay of Bengal , the largest bay in the world, forms the northeastern part of the Indian Ocean. It resembles a triangle in shape, and is bordered mostly by the Eastern Coast of India, southern coast of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to the west and Burma and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to the...

.

Flora

The Angiosperm diversity of India includes 17,672 species. Tamil Nadu ranks 1st among all the States in the Country with 5640 species (32%). This includes 533 endemic species, 230 red-listed species, 1559 species of medicinal plants and 260 species of wild relatives of cultivated plant

Agriculture

Agriculture is the cultivation of animals, plants, fungi and other life forms for food, fiber, and other products used to sustain life. Agriculture was the key implement in the rise of sedentary human civilization, whereby farming of domesticated species created food surpluses that nurtured the...

. The Gymnosperm

Gymnosperm

The gymnosperms are a group of seed-bearing plants that includes conifers, cycads, Ginkgo, and Gnetales. The term "gymnosperm" comes from the Greek word gymnospermos , meaning "naked seeds", after the unenclosed condition of their seeds...

 diversity of the country is 64 species of which Tamil Nadu has 4 species (6%) of indigenous Gymnosperms and about 60 introduced species. The Pteridophyte

Pteridophyte

The pteridophytes are vascular plants that produce neither flowers nor seeds, and are hence called vascular cryptogams. Instead, they reproduce and disperse only via spores. Pteridophytes include horsetails, ferns, club mosses, and quillworts...

s diversity of India includes 1022 species of which Tamil Nadu has about 184 species (18%).

Fauna

The faunal diversity of Tamil Nadu includes 165 species of fresh water fish

Fish

Fish are a paraphyletic group of organisms that consist of all gill-bearing aquatic vertebrate animals that lack limbs with digits. Included in this definition are the living hagfish, lampreys, and cartilaginous and bony fish, as well as various extinct related groups...

 of which 126 (76%) are red listed, 76 species of Amphibian

Amphibian

Amphibians , are a class of vertebrate animals including animals such as toads, frogs, caecilians, and salamanders. They are characterized as non-amniote ectothermic tetrapods...

s of which 56 (74%) are red listed, 177 species of Reptile

Reptile

Reptiles are members of a class of air-breathing, ectothermic vertebrates which are characterized by laying shelled eggs , and having skin covered in scales and/or scutes. They are tetrapods, either having four limbs or being descended from four-limbed ancestors...

s of which 77 (44%) are red listed, 454 species of Bird

Bird

Birds are feathered, winged, bipedal, endothermic , egg-laying, vertebrate animals. Around 10,000 living species and 188 families makes them the most speciose class of tetrapod vertebrates. They inhabit ecosystems across the globe, from the Arctic to the Antarctic. Extant birds range in size from...

s of which 32 are red listed and 187 species of Mammal

Mammal

Mammals are members of a class of air-breathing vertebrate animals characterised by the possession of endothermy, hair, three middle ear bones, and mammary glands functional in mothers with young...

s of which 40 (21%) are red listed. The endemic fauna includes 36 species of Amphibians, 63 species of reptiles, 17 species of birds and 24 species of mammals.

Biosphere Reserves

Two of the three Biosphere Reserves

Biosphere reserves of India

The Indian government has established 17 Biosphere Reserves of India, , which protect larger areas of natural habitat , and often include one or more National Parks and/or preserves, along buffer zones that are open to some economic uses...

 in Tamil Nadu are among four in India and ninety five in Asia

Asia

Asia is the world's largest and most populous continent, located primarily in the eastern and northern hemispheres. It covers 8.7% of the Earth's total surface area and with approximately 3.879 billion people, it hosts 60% of the world's current human population...

 that are part of UNESCO

UNESCO

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations...

's Programme on Man and the Biosphere (MAB).

The 3 Biosphere Reserves in Tamil Nadu listed by size are:

1. The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve
   Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park
   The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is a protected area of India consisting of 21 small islands and adjacent coral reefs in the Gulf of Mannar in the Indian Ocean. It lies 1 to 10 km away from the east coast of Tamil Nadu, South India for 160 km between Thoothukudi and Dhanushkodi...
   
   , is 10500 km² (4,054.1 sq mi). located in the Indian part of the Gulf of Mannar between the Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka
   Sri Lanka
   Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is a country off the southern coast of the Indian subcontinent. Known until 1972 as Ceylon , Sri Lanka is an island surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait, and lies in the vicinity of India and the...
   
    Coasts. Est. 1989.
2. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
   Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
   The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is an International Biosphere Reserve in the Western Ghats, Nilgiri Hills range of South India. The Western Ghats, Nilgiri Sub-Cluster , conjoining the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World...
   
    is located in the Western Ghats
   Western Ghats
   The Western Ghats, Western Ghauts or the Sahyādri is a mountain range along the western side of India. It runs north to south along the western edge of the Deccan Plateau, and separates the plateau from a narrow coastal plain along the Arabian Sea. The Western Ghats block rainfall to the Deccan...
   
    and Nilgiri Hills. The reserve encompasses 5520 km² (2,131.3 sq mi). in the states of Tamil Nadu (2537.6 km²), Karnataka
   Karnataka
   Karnataka , the land of the Kannadigas, is a state in South West India. It was created on 1 November 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganisation Act and this day is annually celebrated as Karnataka Rajyotsava...
   
    (1527.4 km²) and Kerala
   Kerala
   or Keralam is an Indian state located on the Malabar coast of south-west India. It was created on 1 November 1956 by the States Reorganisation Act by combining various Malayalam speaking regions....
   
    (1455.4 km²).
3. Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve (ABR) was Established in 2001 and now includes 3500.36 km² (1,351.5 sq mi). ABR is awaiting approval as participant in the UNESCO-Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.

National Parks

of Tamil Nadu|places=
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Tamil Nadu has 5 declared National Parks

National parks of India

This is a list of all national parks of India. India's first national park was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, now known as Jim Corbett National Park. By 1970, India only had five national parks...

 with a total area over 307.84 km² (118.9 sq mi), covering only 0.24% of the state. This is the third lowest % area covered of all Indian states and Union territories.

1. Indira Gandhi National Park
   Indira Gandhi National Park
   Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park is a protected area named after Prime Minister Indira Gandhi who visited the park on October 7, 1961. It is often called "Topslip", a village in the northeast corner of the park which is the main visitor center. This name is derived from the local...
   
    (previously: Aanamalai National Park), 117.1 km² (45.2 sq mi), Est. 1989.
2. Mudumalai National Park
   Mudumalai National Park
   The Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary Tamil:முதுமலை வனவிலங்கு காப்பகம், now also declared a Tiger Reserve, lies on the northwestern side of the Nilgiri Hills , in Nilgiri District, about north-west of Coimbatore in the westernmost part of Tamil Nadu, on the interstate boundaries with...
   
    103.24 km² (39.9 sq mi), Est. 1990
3. Mukurthi National Park
   Mukurthi National Park
   Mukurthi National Park is a 78.46 km² protected area located in the south-eastern corner of the Nilgiris Plateau west of Ootacamund hill station in the northwest corner of Tamil Nadu state in the Western Ghats mountain range of South India...
   
    78.46 km² (30.3 sq mi), Est. 1982
4. Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park
   Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park
   The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is a protected area of India consisting of 21 small islands and adjacent coral reefs in the Gulf of Mannar in the Indian Ocean. It lies 1 to 10 km away from the east coast of Tamil Nadu, South India for 160 km between Thoothukudi and Dhanushkodi...
   
    6.23 km² (2.4 sq mi), Est. 1980
5. Guindy National Park
   Guindy National Park
   Guindy National Park is a Protected area of Tamil Nadu, located in Chennai, South India, is the 8th smallest National Park of India and one of the very few national parks situated inside a city. The park is an extension of the grounds surrounding Raj Bhavan, formerly known as the 'Guindy Lodge',...
   
    2.82 km² (1.1 sq mi), Est. 1976
   • Palani Hills National Park 736.87 km² (284.5 sq mi) (PRO) is a proposed upgrade of the Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary being established in 2008.

Wildlife Sanctuaries

There are 7 wildlife sanctuaries plus 13 bird sanctuaries that together cover over 2997.6 km² (1,157.4 sq mi), 2.30% of the total state area.

1. Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary
   Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary
   The Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary was declared to protect the Vulnerable Grizzled Giant Squirrel . It is one of the best preserved forests south of the Palghat Gap....
   
   , a 485 km² (187.3 sq mi) Giant Squirrel Sanctuary near Srivilliputhur
   Srivilliputhur
   Srivilliputhur is a semi-urban town and a municipality in Virudhunagar district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu....
   
   ,in Virudhunagar district
   Virudhunagar District
   Virudhunagar District is an administrative district of Tamil Nadu state in southern India. Virudhunagar is the district headquarters. Virudhunagar district was formed from parts of Tirunelveli and Madurai districts....
   
    consisting of mainly dry deciduous forests with patches of tropical evergreen forests, Semi-evergreen forests, moist mixed deciduous forests and grassland. Grizzled Giant Squirrel
   Grizzled Giant Squirrel
   The grizzled giant squirrel is a large tree squirrel in the genus Ratufa found in the highlands of the Central and Uva provinces of Sri Lanka, and in patches of riparian forest along the Kaveri River and in the hill forests in the Tamil Nadu and Kerala states of southern India...
   
   , Flying Squirrel
   Flying squirrel
   Flying squirrels, scientifically known as Pteromyini or Petauristini, are a tribe of 44 species of squirrels .- Description :...
   
   , Tree Shrew, Elephant, lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri Tahr
   Tahr
   Tahrs are three species of large Asian ungulates related to the wild goat. Until recently the three species were believed to be closely related and were placed in a single genus, Hemitragus. Genetic studies have proved that the three tahrs are not as closely related as thought earlier...
   
   , mouse deer, barking deer and many species of birds may be seen.
2. Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary
   Indira Gandhi National Park
   Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park is a protected area named after Prime Minister Indira Gandhi who visited the park on October 7, 1961. It is often called "Topslip", a village in the northeast corner of the park which is the main visitor center. This name is derived from the local...
   
    is contiguous with Indira Gandhi National Park in Coimbatore District
   Coimbatore District
   Coimbatore District is one of the more affluent and industrially advanced districts of the state of Tamil Nadu in India. Coimbatore is known as the Manchester of South India. It one of the most industrialized towns of Tamil Nadu. It has the highest GDP among the districts of Tamil Nadu, even ahead...
   
   . The 841.49 km² (324.9 sq mi) forest varies from dry deciduous to semi-evergreen, evergreen and montane wet temperate containing Teak, Rose wood and other tropical species. Animals, including Indian Elephant
   Indian Elephant
   The Indian Elephant is one of three recognized subspecies of the Asian elephant, and native to mainland Asia. Since 1986, Elephas maximus has been listed as endangered by IUCN as the population has declined by at least 50% over the last three generations, estimated to be 60–75 years...
   
   , Gaur
   Gaur
   The gaur , also called Indian bison, is a large bovine native to South Asia and Southeast Asia. The species is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 1986 as the population decline in parts of the species' range is likely to be well over 70% over the last three generations...
   
   , Tiger
   Tiger
   The tiger is the largest cat species, reaching a total body length of up to and weighing up to . Their most recognizable feature is a pattern of dark vertical stripes on reddish-orange fur with lighter underparts...
   
   , Panther
   Leopard
   The leopard , Panthera pardus, is a member of the Felidae family and the smallest of the four "big cats" in the genus Panthera, the other three being the tiger, lion, and jaguar. The leopard was once distributed across eastern and southern Asia and Africa, from Siberia to South Africa, but its...
   
   , Sloth Bear
   Sloth Bear
   The sloth bear , also known as the labiated bear, is a nocturnal insectivorous species of bear found wild within the Indian subcontinent. The sloth bear evolved from ancestral brown bears during the Pleistocene and shares features found in insect-eating mammals through convergent evolution...
   
   , Wild Boar
   Boar
   Wild boar, also wild pig, is a species of the pig genus Sus, part of the biological family Suidae. The species includes many subspecies. It is the wild ancestor of the domestic pig, an animal with which it freely hybridises...
   
   , Dhole
   Dhole
   The dhole is a species of canid native to South and Southeast Asia. It is the only extant member of the genus Cuon, which differs from Canis by the reduced number of molars and greater number of teats...
   
   , Nilgiri Langur, Lion-tailed Macaque
   Lion-tailed Macaque
   The lion-tailed macaque is an Old World monkey that is endemic to the Western Ghats of South India.-Physical Characteristics:...
   
   , Sambar
   Sambar Deer
   The Sambar ' is a large deer native to southern and southeast Asia. Although it primarily refers to R. unicolor, the name "Sambar" is also sometimes used to refer to the Philippine Deer and the Rusa Deer...
   
   , Four horned Antelope
   Antelope
   Antelope is a term referring to many even-toed ungulate species indigenous to various regions in Africa and Eurasia. Antelopes comprise a miscellaneous group within the family Bovidae, encompassing those old-world species that are neither cattle, sheep, buffalo, bison, nor goats...
   
   , Chital
   Chital
   The chital or cheetal , also known as chital deer, spotted deer or axis deer is a deer which commonly inhabits wooded regions of Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and in small numbers in Pakistan...
   
    and a host of birds, notably the Trogar, Pied Hornbill
   Hornbill
   Hornbills are a family of bird found in tropical and subtropical Africa, Asia and Melanesia. They are characterized by a long, down-curved bill which is frequently brightly-colored and sometimes has a casque on the upper mandible. Both the common English and the scientific name of the family...
   
    and several types of Eagle
   Eagle
   Eagles are members of the bird family Accipitridae, and belong to several genera which are not necessarily closely related to each other. Most of the more than 60 species occur in Eurasia and Africa. Outside this area, just two species can be found in the United States and Canada, nine more in...
   
   s may be seen.
3. Kalakkad Wildlife Sanctuary
   Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
   Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve , situated in the Southern Western Ghats in Tirunelveli district, in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is the second largest protected area in Tamil Nadu State.-History:...
   
    in Tirunelveli District
   Tirunelveli District
   Tirunelveli District is a district of Tamil Nadu state in southern India. The city of Tirunelveli is the district headquarters. A unique feature of this district is that it encompasses all five geographical traditions of Tamil Literature; kurinji , mullai , marudham , neithal and palai...
   
    is part of the Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. This 223.58 km² (86.3 sq mi) forest consists of mostly tropical wet evergreen forests which change to tropical dry deciduous forests in the foothills and to thorn forests further down. This sanctuary is famous for Lion-tailed macaque. All four species (common Langur, Nilgiri Langur, Bonnet Macaque
   Macaque
   The macaques constitute a genus of Old World monkeys of the subfamily Cercopithecinae. - Description :Aside from humans , the macaques are the most widespread primate genus, ranging from Japan to Afghanistan and, in the case of the barbary macaque, to North Africa...
   
    and lion tailed Macaque) can be seen. . Other animals include Nilgiri tahr
   Tahr
   Tahrs are three species of large Asian ungulates related to the wild goat. Until recently the three species were believed to be closely related and were placed in a single genus, Hemitragus. Genetic studies have proved that the three tahrs are not as closely related as thought earlier...
   
   , sambar, sloth bear
   Sloth Bear
   The sloth bear , also known as the labiated bear, is a nocturnal insectivorous species of bear found wild within the Indian subcontinent. The sloth bear evolved from ancestral brown bears during the Pleistocene and shares features found in insect-eating mammals through convergent evolution...
   
   , gaur, Indian elephant, tiger, flying squirrel
   Flying squirrel
   Flying squirrels, scientifically known as Pteromyini or Petauristini, are a tribe of 44 species of squirrels .- Description :...
   
   , panther
   Leopard
   The leopard , Panthera pardus, is a member of the Felidae family and the smallest of the four "big cats" in the genus Panthera, the other three being the tiger, lion, and jaguar. The leopard was once distributed across eastern and southern Asia and Africa, from Siberia to South Africa, but its...
   
   , Dhole, pangolin
   Pangolin
   A pangolin , also scaly anteater or Trenggiling, is a mammal of the order Pholidota. There is only one extant family and one genus of pangolins, comprising eight species. There are also a number of extinct taxa. Pangolins have large keratin scales covering their skin and are the only mammals with...
   
    and a variety of birds and reptiles.
4. Mundanthurai Sanctuary
   Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
   Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve , situated in the Southern Western Ghats in Tirunelveli district, in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is the second largest protected area in Tamil Nadu State.-History:...
   
    282.08 km² (108.9 sq mi) in Tirunelveli District
   Tirunelveli District
   Tirunelveli District is a district of Tamil Nadu state in southern India. The city of Tirunelveli is the district headquarters. A unique feature of this district is that it encompasses all five geographical traditions of Tamil Literature; kurinji , mullai , marudham , neithal and palai...
   
   , is part of Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve.
5. Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary
   Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary
   Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu South India declared in February 2008. The area is a tiger habitat.-Wildlife:...
   
    is a 457.78 km² (176.7 sq mi) tiger
   Bengal Tiger
   The Bengal tiger is a tiger subspecies native to the Indian subcontinent that in 2010 has been classified as endangered by IUCN...
   
    habitat in Kanyakumari district
   Kanyakumari District
   Kanyakumari District ) is a district of Tamil Nadu state, India and is the southernmost land area of mainland India.The district is the second most urbanised district in Tamilnadu, next only to Chennai and ahead of Coimbatore. It also has the highest literacy and education levels in the...
   
    declared a sanctuary in February 2008.
6. Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
   Mudumalai National Park
   The Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary Tamil:முதுமலை வனவிலங்கு காப்பகம், now also declared a Tiger Reserve, lies on the northwestern side of the Nilgiri Hills , in Nilgiri District, about north-west of Coimbatore in the westernmost part of Tamil Nadu, on the interstate boundaries with...
   
    in Nilgiris district is contiguous with Mudumalai National Park. It consists of 217.76 km² (84.1 sq mi) primarily moist deciduous forest which becomes dry deciduous towards Bandipur including mainly mixed forests with bamboos. Animals including Elephant, Gaur, Sambar, Chital, Dhole Panther, Tiger, Sloth bear, Python, Barking deer, Four-horned antelope
   Four-horned Antelope
   The Four-horned Antelope , or Chousingha, is a small antelope found in open forest in India and Nepal. It is the only species currently classified in the genus Tetracerus.-Description:...
   
   , common Langur, Otter
   Otter
   The Otters are twelve species of semi-aquatic mammals which feed on fish and shellfish, and also other invertebrates, amphibians, birds and small mammals....
   
   , Crocodile
   Crocodile
   A crocodile is any species belonging to the family Crocodylidae . The term can also be used more loosely to include all extant members of the order Crocodilia: i.e...
   
   s (mugger) and a variety of birds and reptiles may be seen.
7. Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary
   Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary
   Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in South India, declared in 2008, and enlarged in 2011, which covers forest area of . This is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. It covers Sathyamangalam taluk and parts of Gobichettipalayam Taluk of Erode District in the north...
   
    in Erode district
   Erode District
   Erode District is a western district of the state of Tamil Nadu, India, with Erode as its headquarters. Until the year 1996, Erode district was called as Periyar District....
   
   , 1411.6 km² (545 sq mi), the largest wildlife sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, was declared a sanctuary in 2008.

There is a proposal to declare this sanctuary as a Tiger Reserve due to the 46 tigers large number of tiger

Bengal Tiger

The Bengal tiger is a tiger subspecies native to the Indian subcontinent that in 2010 has been classified as endangered by IUCN...

s seen in the 2010 wildlife survey.
The Sathyamangalam forest is the only reserve forest

Reserved forests and protected forests of India

A reserved forest or a protected forest in India are terms denoting forests accorded a certain degree of protection. The terms were first introduced in the Indian Forest Act, 1927 in British India, to refer to certain forests granted protection under the British crown in British India, but not...

 in South India

South India

South India is the area encompassing India's states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu as well as the union territories of Lakshadweep and Pondicherry, occupying 19.31% of India's area...

 with a significant presence of tigers, that is not yet declared as one of the tiger reserves in India.

1. Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary
   Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary
   Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary is a Protected area of Tamil Nadu in South India created for the protection of Blackbuck Antelope. Located on an isolated hillock in Vallanadu Village of Srivaikundam Taluk, it is the southernmost place in India where a natural population of Blackbuck exists.-Flora:The...
   
   , a 16.41 km² (6.3 sq mi) Black Buck Antelope sanctuary in Thoothukudi District
   Thoothukudi District
   Thoothukudi District, also known as Tuticorin District, is a district of Tamil Nadu state in southern India. Thoothukudi is the district headquarters. It is also known for Pearl cultivation with abundance of pearls found in the seas of Thoothukudi...
   
   , is a Scrub forest where Black Buck, Spotted deer, macaques, Jungle cat, Mongoose
   Mongoose
   Mongoose are a family of 33 living species of small carnivorans from southern Eurasia and mainland Africa. Four additional species from Madagascar in the subfamily Galidiinae, which were previously classified in this family, are also referred to as "mongooses" or "mongoose-like"...
   
   , and Hare
   Hare
   Hares and jackrabbits are leporids belonging to the genus Lepus. Hares less than one year old are called leverets. Four species commonly known as types of hare are classified outside of Lepus: the hispid hare , and three species known as red rock hares .Hares are very fast-moving...
   
   s may be seen.

As of 2006 there were an additional 18 proposed sanctuaries totaling 2957.52 km² (1,141.9 sq mi) awaiting declaration.

• 05B Barbetta
  Barbetta
  Barbetta is an upscale Italian restaurant focused on Piemonte cuisine located on the Theater District's Restaurant Row in New York City. Founded in 1906, Barbetta is the oldest Italian restaurant in New York and the oldest restaurant in the Theater District and holds many other firsts from its food...
  
    200 km² (77.2 sq mi)
• 05B Kanjiramalai (Bolampatti) 95 km² (36.7 sq mi)
• 06E Karaandamalai-Sirumalai
  Sirumalai
  Sirumalai is a region of situated from Dindigul, India. There are many high hills in the area. Hillock International School is located in Sirumalai....
  
    30 km² (11.6 sq mi)
• 06E Kaveri  1336.02 km² (515.8 sq mi)
• 06E Kazhiveli  10 km² (3.9 sq mi)
• 05A Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary
  Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary
  Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu South India declared in February 2008. The area is a tiger habitat.-Wildlife:...
  
   is a 457.78 km² (176.7 sq mi) tiger
  Bengal Tiger
  The Bengal tiger is a tiger subspecies native to the Indian subcontinent that in 2010 has been classified as endangered by IUCN...
  
   habitat in Kanyakumari district
  Kanyakumari District
  Kanyakumari District ) is a district of Tamil Nadu state, India and is the southernmost land area of mainland India.The district is the second most urbanised district in Tamilnadu, next only to Chennai and ahead of Coimbatore. It also has the highest literacy and education levels in the...
  
   declared a sanctuary in February 2008.*05A KEERIPARAI 20 km² (7.7 sq mi)
• 05B Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary  is a 736.87 km² (284.5 sq mi) proposed consolidation of several Reserve forests located in the 2068 km² (798.5 sq mi) Palni Hills
  Palni Hills
  The Palni Hills are a mountain range in Tamil Nadu state of South India. The Palni Hills are an eastward extension of the Western Ghats ranges, which run parallel to the west coast of India. The Palni Hills adjoin the high Anamalai range on the west, and extend east into the plains of Tamil Nadu,...
  
  . The Forest Department is working to establish the sanctuary in 2007
• 06E Krishnapuram
  Krishnapuram
  Krishnapuram may refer to places in India:* Korapa.Krishnapuram, Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh* Krishnapuram, Alappuzha, Kerala...
  
    24.46 km² (9.4 sq mi)
• 06E Marakaram 5 km² (1.9 sq mi)
• 05B MEGAMALAI  573.46 km² (221.4 sq mi)
• 06E Nellai  511.95 km² (197.7 sq mi)
• 08B Pitchavaram  13.5 km² (5.2 sq mi)
• 06E Salem  30 km² (11.6 sq mi)
• 06E Sandal
  Sandal
  Sandals are an open type of outdoor footwearSandal may also refer to:* Sandal Castle, site of the Battle of Wakefield in the Wars of the Roses* Sandal, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, England* Sandal, Afghanistan* Šandal, village in Slovakia...
  
   100 km² (38.6 sq mi)
• 05A Suchindramkulam  4.42 km² (1.7 sq mi)
• 05B Sujjalkuttai  243.71 km² (94.1 sq mi)
• 06E Varushanad  50 km² (19.3 sq mi)

Elephant Reserves

Tamil Nadu is a major participant in Project Elephant

Project Elephant

Project Elephant was launched in 1992 by the Government of India Ministry of Environment and Forests to provide financial and technical support of wildlife management efforts by states for their free ranging populations of wild Asian Elephants...

. It has 5 Elephant Sanctuaries covering 7940 km² (3,065.7 sq mi) with 6776 Elephants enumerated in 2005, 19 Elephant corridors and 4 inter-state corridors linking to Elephant Sanctuaries in Karnataka. There are 14 Forest Dept. Divisions containing Elephants.

1. Nilgiri Elephant Reserve, 4663 km² (1,800.4 sq mi), Protected area 716 km² (276.4 sq mi), Elephant population 1938, contiguous with Wayanad Reserve in Kerala, Mysore reserve in Karnataka and Rayala reserve in Andhra Pradesh
   Andhra Pradesh
   Andhra Pradesh , is one of the 28 states of India, situated on the southeastern coast of India. It is India's fourth largest state by area and fifth largest by population. Its capital and largest city by population is Hyderabad.The total GDP of Andhra Pradesh is $100 billion and is ranked third...
   
   , established 2003.
2. Coimbatore Elephant Reserve, 566 km² (218.5 sq mi), Protected area 482 km² (186.1 sq mi), Elephant population 132, contiguous with Nilambur Reserve in Kerala, established 2003.
3. Anamalai Elephant Reserve 1457 km² (562.6 sq mi), Protected area 300 km² (115.8 sq mi), Elephant population 680, contiguous with Anamalai Reserve in Kerala, established 2003.
4. Srivilliputtur Elephant Reserve, 1249 km² (482.2 sq mi), Protected area 568 km² (219.3 sq mi), Elephant population 223, contiguous with Periyar Reserve in Kerala, established 2002.
5. Rejuvenation Camp for Temple and Private Elephants of Tamil Nadu is 5 km² (1.9 sq mi) in Mudumalai Sanctuary at Theppakkadu. Mudumalai was chosen as location of the rejuvenation camp because it operates the finest elephant camp in the country with 26 elephants belonging to the Forest Department. 55 elephants participated in the rejuvenation camp in 2003. In addition, an elephant rescue centre in Kandiyur Reserve Forest, Bhavani River bed in Mettupalayam Range of Coimbatore division in an area of 50 acres (202,343 m²) has been proposed.

Tiger Reserves

Though The 2008 census indicated a decline in tiger population all over India, the only exception was in Tamil Nadu where the animals' numbers have increased to 76 from 60 five years ago. Tamil Nadu has 3 tiger reserves which are declared as part of Project Tiger

Project Tiger

Project Tiger was launched in 1972 in India. The project aims at ensuring a viable population of tigers in their natural habitats and preserving areas of biological importance as a natural heritage for the people. The selection of areas for the reserves represented as close as possible the...

:

1. Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
   Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
   Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve , situated in the Southern Western Ghats in Tirunelveli district, in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is the second largest protected area in Tamil Nadu State.-History:...
   
    - Established in 1962, this 900 km² (347.5 sq mi) reserve in Tirunelveli district
   Tirunelveli District
   Tirunelveli District is a district of Tamil Nadu state in southern India. The city of Tirunelveli is the district headquarters. A unique feature of this district is that it encompasses all five geographical traditions of Tamil Literature; kurinji , mullai , marudham , neithal and palai...
   
    is now part of the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve. It was adopted by Project Tiger
   Project Tiger
   Project Tiger was launched in 1972 in India. The project aims at ensuring a viable population of tigers in their natural habitats and preserving areas of biological importance as a natural heritage for the people. The selection of areas for the reserves represented as close as possible the...
   
    in 1988. The Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) has developed and implemented a conservation intervention program here. A comprehensive report on the history, flora & fauna, ecology and future of the reserve is available. This reserve has an estimated tiger population of 6-8 tigers.
2. Mudumalai National Park
   Mudumalai National Park
   The Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary Tamil:முதுமலை வனவிலங்கு காப்பகம், now also declared a Tiger Reserve, lies on the northwestern side of the Nilgiri Hills , in Nilgiri District, about north-west of Coimbatore in the westernmost part of Tamil Nadu, on the interstate boundaries with...
   
    was declared as a Tiger Reserve in April, 2007, under section 38V of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972
   Wildlife Protection Act of 1972
   The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 refers to a sweeping package of legislation enacted in 1972 by the Government of India. Before 1972, India only had five designated national parks...
   
   , in an effort to conserve the country's dwindling Tiger populations. Subsequently, about 350 families living in the core area have been evicted from the park and given 1 million rupee ($20,800) compensation. Those in the 5 km buffer area around the park will be involved in the project as trackers and guides to enhance their income through eco-tourism. Tigers occupy 5326 square kilometres (2,056.4 sq mi) of this reserve with an estimated tiger population of 62 (44 to 80) tigers.
3. Annamalai-Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
   Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
   Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is a 285 km² Protected area in Chittur taluk in Palakkad district of Kerala state, South India. Established in 1973, it is in the Sungam range of hills between the Anaimalai Hills and Nelliampathy Hills.,, The Western Ghats, Anamalai Sub-Cluster, including all...
   
   , including Indira Gandhi National Park
   Indira Gandhi National Park
   Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park is a protected area named after Prime Minister Indira Gandhi who visited the park on October 7, 1961. It is often called "Topslip", a village in the northeast corner of the park which is the main visitor center. This name is derived from the local...
   
    in Tamil Nadu, was declared as a Tiger Reserve in 2008. This reserve has tiger occupancy in 2744 km² (1,059.5 sq mi) within a contiguous forest patch of 4400 km² (1,698.8 sq mi). Within Tamil Nadu Tigers occupied 1691 km² (652.9 sq mi) with an estimated population of 6-8 tigers.

The state has 3 other significant tiger habitats:

1. Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary
   Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary
   Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu South India declared in February 2008. The area is a tiger habitat.-Wildlife:...
   
    is a 457.78 km² (176.7 sq mi) tiger
   Bengal Tiger
   The Bengal tiger is a tiger subspecies native to the Indian subcontinent that in 2010 has been classified as endangered by IUCN...
   
    habitat in Kanyakumari district
   Kanyakumari District
   Kanyakumari District ) is a district of Tamil Nadu state, India and is the southernmost land area of mainland India.The district is the second most urbanised district in Tamilnadu, next only to Chennai and ahead of Coimbatore. It also has the highest literacy and education levels in the...
   
    declared a sanctuary in February 2008.The head office of the sanctuary is at Nagercoil
   Nagercoil
   Nagercoil is the 12th largest city in the southernmost Indian state of Tamil Nadu and a municipality and administrative headquarters of Kanyakumari District...
   
   .The sanctuary is maintained by the kanyakumari forest division.
2. Mukurthi National Park
   Mukurthi National Park
   Mukurthi National Park is a 78.46 km² protected area located in the south-eastern corner of the Nilgiris Plateau west of Ootacamund hill station in the northwest corner of Tamil Nadu state in the Western Ghats mountain range of South India...
   
    is the 78.46 km² (30.3 sq mi) home to an array of endangered wildlife, including Royal Bengal Tiger and Asian Elephant
   Asian Elephant
   The Asian or Asiatic elephant is the only living species of the genus Elephas and distributed in Southeast Asia from India in the west to Borneo in the east. Three subspecies are recognized — Elephas maximus maximus from Sri Lanka, the Indian elephant or E. m. indicus from mainland Asia, and E. m....
   
   . Its main attraction is the Nilgiri Tahr
   Nilgiri Tahr
   The Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiritragus hylocrius, known locally as the Nilgiri Ibex or simply Ibex, is an ungulate that is endemic to the Nilgiri Hills and the southern portion of the Western Ghats in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala in southern India. It is the state animal of Tamil Nadu...
   
    an important prey species of the tigers.
3. Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary
   Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary
   Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in South India, declared in 2008, and enlarged in 2011, which covers forest area of . This is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. It covers Sathyamangalam taluk and parts of Gobichettipalayam Taluk of Erode District in the north...
   
   , with 1411.6 km² (545 sq mi), is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. There is an active proposal to declare this sanctuary as a Tiger Reserve due to the 46 tigers seen here in the 2010 wildlife survey. The Sathyamangalam forest is the only reserve forest
   Reserved forests and protected forests of India
   A reserved forest or a protected forest in India are terms denoting forests accorded a certain degree of protection. The terms were first introduced in the Indian Forest Act, 1927 in British India, to refer to certain forests granted protection under the British crown in British India, but not...
   
    in South India
   South India
   South India is the area encompassing India's states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu as well as the union territories of Lakshadweep and Pondicherry, occupying 19.31% of India's area...
   
    with a significant presence of tigers, that is not yet declared as one of the tiger reserves in India.

Bird Sanctuaries

There are 13 established bird sanctuaries at the southernmost continental range of the Central Asian Flyway

Central Asian Flyway

The Central Asian Flyway has also been referred to as the Central Asian-Indian Flyway and the Central Asian-South Asian Flyway. It covers a large continental area of Eurasia between the Arctic Ocean and the Indian Ocean and the associated island chains...

 in Tamilandu.

1. Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary
   Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary
   Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary locally known as "Chitrangudi Kanmoli" is a Protected area declared in 1989 and a part of Chitrangudi village, Mudukulathur Taluk, Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu, India. It is adjacent to Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary. It is notable as a nesting site for several...
   
    This 0.48 km² (0.185329036124417 sq mi) sanctuary in Ramanathapuram District
   Ramanathapuram District
   Ramanathapuram District is an administrative district of Tamil Nadu state in southern India. The city of Ramanathapuram is the district headquarters. Ramanthapuram District has an area of 4123 km²...
   
    is home to Spot-billed Pelican
   Spot-billed Pelican
   The Spot-billed Pelican or Grey Pelican is a member of the pelican family. It breeds in southern Asia from southern Pakistan across India east to Indonesia. It is a bird of large inland and coastal waters, especially large lakes...
   
   s, Cormorant
   Cormorant
   The bird family Phalacrocoracidae is represented by some 40 species of cormorants and shags. Several different classifications of the family have been proposed recently, and the number of genera is disputed.- Names :...
   
   s, Egret
   Egret
   An egret is any of several herons, most of which are white or buff, and several of which develop fine plumes during the breeding season. Many egrets are members of the genera Egretta or Ardea which contain other species named as herons rather than egrets...
   
   s, Grey heron
   Grey Heron
   The Grey Heron , is a wading bird of the heron family Ardeidae, native throughout temperate Europe and Asia and also parts of Africa. It is resident in the milder south and west, but many birds retreat in winter from the ice in colder regions...
   
   , Spoon-billed Stork
   Common Spoonbill
   The Eurasian Spoonbill or Common Spoonbill is a wading bird of the ibis and spoonbill family Threskiornithidae, breeding in southern Eurasia from Spain to Japan, and also in North Africa. In Europe, only The Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Hungary and Greece have sizeable populations...
   
   . 9°19′48"N 78°29′23"E
2. Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary
   Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary
   Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary is a Protected area near Mudukulathur Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu. India, declared in 1989. . It is adjacent to Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary. It is notable as a nesting site for several migratory Heron species that roost in the prominent growth of Babul trees there...
   
    This 1.04 km² (0.401546244936236 sq mi) sanctuary in Ramanathapuram District
   Ramanathapuram District
   Ramanathapuram District is an administrative district of Tamil Nadu state in southern India. The city of Ramanathapuram is the district headquarters. Ramanthapuram District has an area of 4123 km²...
   
    is home to Cormorant
   Cormorant
   The bird family Phalacrocoracidae is represented by some 40 species of cormorants and shags. Several different classifications of the family have been proposed recently, and the number of genera is disputed.- Names :...
   
   s, egret
   Egret
   An egret is any of several herons, most of which are white or buff, and several of which develop fine plumes during the breeding season. Many egrets are members of the genera Egretta or Ardea which contain other species named as herons rather than egrets...
   
   s, grey heron
   Grey Heron
   The Grey Heron , is a wading bird of the heron family Ardeidae, native throughout temperate Europe and Asia and also parts of Africa. It is resident in the milder south and west, but many birds retreat in winter from the ice in colder regions...
   
   , Spoon-billed Stork
   Common Spoonbill
   The Eurasian Spoonbill or Common Spoonbill is a wading bird of the ibis and spoonbill family Threskiornithidae, breeding in southern Eurasia from Spain to Japan, and also in North Africa. In Europe, only The Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Hungary and Greece have sizeable populations...
   
   s, teal
   Teal
   Teal may mean:* Teal , a medium greenish-blue color* Various ducks:** Baikal Teal, Anas formosa** Black Teal, Aythya novaeseelandiae** Blue-winged Teal, Anas discors** Brown Teal, Anas aucklandica** Campbell Teal Anas nesiotis...
   
   s and pelican
   Pelican
   A pelican, derived from the Greek word πελεκυς pelekys is a large water bird with a large throat pouch, belonging to the bird family Pelecanidae....
   
   s.
3. Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary This 4.54 km² (1.8 sq mi) sanctuary in Perambalur District is home to Egret
   Egret
   An egret is any of several herons, most of which are white or buff, and several of which develop fine plumes during the breeding season. Many egrets are members of the genera Egretta or Ardea which contain other species named as herons rather than egrets...
   
   s, Pelican
   Pelican
   A pelican, derived from the Greek word πελεκυς pelekys is a large water bird with a large throat pouch, belonging to the bird family Pelecanidae....
   
   , Grey Heron
   Grey Heron
   The Grey Heron , is a wading bird of the heron family Ardeidae, native throughout temperate Europe and Asia and also parts of Africa. It is resident in the milder south and west, but many birds retreat in winter from the ice in colder regions...
   
   , Black-headed Ibis
   Black-headed Ibis
   The Black-headed Ibis or Oriental White Ibis is a species of wading bird of the ibis family Threskiornithidae which breeds in South Asia and Southeast Asia from Pakistan to India, Sri Lanka east up to Japan...
   
    and Common Spoonbill
   Common Spoonbill
   The Eurasian Spoonbill or Common Spoonbill is a wading bird of the ibis and spoonbill family Threskiornithidae, breeding in southern Eurasia from Spain to Japan, and also in North Africa. In Europe, only The Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Hungary and Greece have sizeable populations...
   
   s.
4. Karikili Bird Sanctuary This 0.612 km² (0.236294521058631 sq mi) sanctuary in Kancheepuram Districtis home to Cormorant
   Cormorant
   The bird family Phalacrocoracidae is represented by some 40 species of cormorants and shags. Several different classifications of the family have been proposed recently, and the number of genera is disputed.- Names :...
   
   s, Egret
   Egret
   An egret is any of several herons, most of which are white or buff, and several of which develop fine plumes during the breeding season. Many egrets are members of the genera Egretta or Ardea which contain other species named as herons rather than egrets...
   
   s, Grey heron
   Grey Heron
   The Grey Heron , is a wading bird of the heron family Ardeidae, native throughout temperate Europe and Asia and also parts of Africa. It is resident in the milder south and west, but many birds retreat in winter from the ice in colder regions...
   
   , Spoon-billed Stork
   Common Spoonbill
   The Eurasian Spoonbill or Common Spoonbill is a wading bird of the ibis and spoonbill family Threskiornithidae, breeding in southern Eurasia from Spain to Japan, and also in North Africa. In Europe, only The Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Hungary and Greece have sizeable populations...
   
   .
5. Koothankulam Bird Sanctuary This 1.2933 km² (0.499345921707726 sq mi) in Nanguneri
   Nanguneri
   Nanguneri is a panchayat town in Tirunelveli district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.Nanguneri is a Taluk Headquarters in the District of Tirunelveli situate at a distance of from the headquarters of the...
   
    Taluk of Tirunelveli district
   Tirunelveli District
   Tirunelveli District is a district of Tamil Nadu state in southern India. The city of Tirunelveli is the district headquarters. A unique feature of this district is that it encompasses all five geographical traditions of Tamil Literature; kurinji , mullai , marudham , neithal and palai...
   
    is the largest reserve for breeding water birds in South India
   South India
   South India is the area encompassing India's states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu as well as the union territories of Lakshadweep and Pondicherry, occupying 19.31% of India's area...
   
    and attracts more than 100,000 birds annually.
6. Melaselvanur - Kilaselvanur Bird Sanctuary This 5.93 km² (2.3 sq mi) sanctuary in Ramanathapuram District
   Ramanathapuram District
   Ramanathapuram District is an administrative district of Tamil Nadu state in southern India. The city of Ramanathapuram is the district headquarters. Ramanthapuram District has an area of 4123 km²...
   
    is home to Grey pelican
   Spot-billed Pelican
   The Spot-billed Pelican or Grey Pelican is a member of the pelican family. It breeds in southern Asia from southern Pakistan across India east to Indonesia. It is a bird of large inland and coastal waters, especially large lakes...
   
    and Painted Stork
   Painted Stork
   The Painted Stork is a large wading bird in the stork family. It is found in the wetlands of the plains of tropical Asia south of the Himalayas in South Asia and extending into Southeast Asia. Their distinctive pink tertial feathers give them their name. They forage in flocks in shallow waters...
   
   .
7. Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary
   Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary
   Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary is a protected area in Tamil Nadu, South India along the Palk Straight where it meets the Bay of Bengal at Point Calimere at the southeastern tip of Nagapattinam District. The sanctuary was created in 1967 for conservation of the near threatened...
   
    is a 17.26 km² (6.7 sq mi) Bird Sanctuary In Point Calimere
   Point Calimere
   Point Calimere, also called Cape Calimere, , is a low headland on the Coromandel Coast, in the Nagapattinam district of the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is the apex of the Cauvery River delta, and marks a nearly right-angle turn in the coastline...
   
   , Thanjavur district
   Thanjavur District
   Thanjavur District is one of the 32 districts of the state of Tamil Nadu, in southeastern India. Its headquarters is Thanjavur.-Geography:...
   
   . It consists of tidal swamps, dry evergreen forests and mangroves. The sanctuary is famous for its flamingo
   Flamingo
   Flamingos or flamingoes are gregarious wading birds in the genus Phoenicopterus , the only genus in the family Phoenicopteridae...
   
   s and Black Buck Antelope. A large variety of water birds including Teal
   Teal
   Teal may mean:* Teal , a medium greenish-blue color* Various ducks:** Baikal Teal, Anas formosa** Black Teal, Aythya novaeseelandiae** Blue-winged Teal, Anas discors** Brown Teal, Anas aucklandica** Campbell Teal Anas nesiotis...
   
   s, Gull
   Gull
   Gulls are birds in the family Laridae. They are most closely related to the terns and only distantly related to auks, skimmers, and more distantly to the waders...
   
   s, Tern
   Tern
   Terns are seabirds in the family Sternidae, previously considered a subfamily of the gull family Laridae . They form a lineage with the gulls and skimmers which in turn is related to skuas and auks...
   
   s, Plover
   Plover
   Plovers are a widely distributed group of wading birds belonging to the subfamily Charadriinae. There are about 40 species in the subfamily, most of them called "plover" or "dotterel". The closely related lapwing subfamily, Vanellinae, comprises another 20-odd species.Plovers are found throughout...
   
   s and Stilt
   Stilt
   Stilt is a common name for several species of birds in the family Recurvirostridae, which also includes those known as avocets. They are found in brackish or saline wetlands in warm or hot climates....
   
   s can be seen during winter months. Mammals include Chital, Wild Boar. The water birds of the great swamp and the dolphins and turtles that often come close to the shore are important attractions.
8. Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary
   Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary
   Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary is a famous 481 km² Protected area in Thiruvallur District of Tamil Nadu state near Elavur and Nellore District of Andhra Pradesh in South India. Pulicat Lake is the second largest brackish-water eco-system in India after Chilka lake in Orissa...
   
    This 461.02 km² (178 sq mi) sanctuary in Pulicat
   Pulicat
   Pulicat is a historic seashore town in Thiruvallur District, of Tamil Nadu state, South India. It is about 60 km north of Chennai and 3 km from Elavur, on the barrier island of Sriharikota, which separates Pulicat Lake from the Bay of Bengal. Pulicat lake is a shallow salt water lagoon...
   
   , Thiruvallur District is the second largest brackish-water eco-system on the East Coast of India. Many Greater Flamingo
   Greater Flamingo
   The Greater Flamingo is the most widespread species of the flamingo family. It is found in parts of Africa, southern Asia , and southern Europe...
   
   s can be seen here.
9. Udayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary
   Udayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary
   Udayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary is a .45 km² Protected area in Tiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu state, India at . The Sanctuary is mostly an irrigation tank that is fed by water from Mettur dam and by the northeast monsoon from August till December...
   
    is 0.45 km² (0.173745971366641 sq mi) is in Tiruvarur District
   Tiruvarur District
   Tiruvarur district is one of the 30 districts in the Tamil Nadu state of India. The district occupies an area of 2161 km². It is lies between Nagapattinam district on the east and Thanjavur district on the west, and is bounded by the Palk Strait on the south...
   
   . It is home to Little cormorant, darter, spoon bill, Indian Reef Heron, Grey heron, whitenecked stork
10. Vaduvoor Bird Sanctuary This 1.28 km² (0.494210762998445 sq mi) sanctuary is 14 km from Mannargudi
    Mannargudi
    India census, Mannargudi had a population of 61,588. Males constitute 50% of the population and females 50%. Mannargudi has an average literacy rate of 79%, higher than the national average 59.5%: male literacy is 84%, and female literacy is 74%. In Mannargudi, 9% of the population is under 6...
    
     towards Thanjavur in Nagapattinam district It consist of a fresh water lake with a few trees, mainly Babul
    Babul
    Babul or is a 1950 Bollywood film directed by S.U. Sunny produced and with music direction by Naushad. The film stars Dilip Kumar, Munawar Sultana and Nargis. A box-office success, the film became the second highest earning film of 1950, earning an approximate gross of Rs. 1,25,00,000 and a nett...
    
    . There are 33 different species of birds including: River tern
    River Tern
    The River Tern is a river in Shropshire, England. It rises north-east of Market Drayton in the north of the county. The source of the Tern is considered to be the lake in the grounds of Maer Hall, Staffordshire...
    
    , Black-headed munia
    Black-headed Munia
    The Black-headed Munia, Lonchura atricapilla also known as Chestnut Munia, is a small passerine bird...
    
    , Grey heron
    Grey Heron
    The Grey Heron , is a wading bird of the heron family Ardeidae, native throughout temperate Europe and Asia and also parts of Africa. It is resident in the milder south and west, but many birds retreat in winter from the ice in colder regions...
    
    , White-breasted kingfisher Spotted Dove
    Spotted Dove
    The Spotted Dove , also known as the Spotted Turtle Dove, is a pigeon which is a resident breeding bird in the Indian Subcontinent including India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka east to southern Tibet and Southeast Asia...
    
     and more. Annual rainfall is about 1400 mm. The nearest airport is at Thiruchirapalli and the nearest Railway station is Thanjavur. There is a Rest House at Mannargudi. For greater details contact the Wildlife Warden, 110 Public Offices Road, Nagapattinam – 611 001.
11. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
    Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
    Vedanthankal Lake Bird Sanctuary is a sanctuary located in the Kancheepuram District of the state of Tamil Nadu, India. The sanctuary is about from Chennai on National Highway 45 south of Chengalpattu....
    
     This 0.3 km² (0.115830647577761 sq mi) sanctuary in Kancheepuram District is home to Cormorant
    Cormorant
    The bird family Phalacrocoracidae is represented by some 40 species of cormorants and shags. Several different classifications of the family have been proposed recently, and the number of genera is disputed.- Names :...
    
    s, egret
    Egret
    An egret is any of several herons, most of which are white or buff, and several of which develop fine plumes during the breeding season. Many egrets are members of the genera Egretta or Ardea which contain other species named as herons rather than egrets...
    
    s, gray heron, Spoon-bill Stork
    Common Spoonbill
    The Eurasian Spoonbill or Common Spoonbill is a wading bird of the ibis and spoonbill family Threskiornithidae, breeding in southern Eurasia from Spain to Japan, and also in North Africa. In Europe, only The Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Hungary and Greece have sizeable populations...
    
     and migratory birds such as Garganey
    Garganey
    The Garganey is a small dabbling duck. It breeds in much of Europe and western Asia, but is strictly migratory, with the entire population moving to southern Africa, India Santragachi and Australasia in winter, where large flocks can occur. This species was first described by Linnaeus in 1758...
    
    , Teal
    Teal
    Teal may mean:* Teal , a medium greenish-blue color* Various ducks:** Baikal Teal, Anas formosa** Black Teal, Aythya novaeseelandiae** Blue-winged Teal, Anas discors** Brown Teal, Anas aucklandica** Campbell Teal Anas nesiotis...
    
    s, Shovallers
    Northern Shoveler
    The Northern Shoveler , Northern Shoveller in British English, sometimes known simply as the Shoveler, is a common and widespread duck. It breeds in northern areas of Europe and Asia and across most of North America, and is a rare vagrant to Australia...
    
    
12. Vellode Birds Sanctuary
    Vellode Birds Sanctuary
    Vellode Birds Sanctuary , is a sanctuary located in the Erode District in the state of Tamil Nadu, India.The sanctuary is about 13 km from Erode Central Bus Terminus on the way to Chennimalai, near Vellode and 10 km from Erode Junction Railway Station, in the south.-Birds Species:It is...
    
     This 0.772 km² (0.298070866433437 sq mi) sanctuary in Erode District
    Erode District
    Erode District is a western district of the state of Tamil Nadu, India, with Erode as its headquarters. Until the year 1996, Erode district was called as Periyar District....
    
     is home to Spoon bill
    Spoon-billed Sandpiper
    The Spoon-billed Sandpiper , is a small wader which breeds in northeastern Russia and winters in Southeast Asia.- Taxonomy and systematics :...
    
    s, teal
    Teal
    Teal may mean:* Teal , a medium greenish-blue color* Various ducks:** Baikal Teal, Anas formosa** Black Teal, Aythya novaeseelandiae** Blue-winged Teal, Anas discors** Brown Teal, Anas aucklandica** Campbell Teal Anas nesiotis...
    
    s, pintail ducks, and darter
    Darter
    The darters or snakebirds are mainly tropical waterbirds in the family Anhingidae. There are four living species, three of which are very common and widespread while the fourth is rarer and classified as near-threatened by the IUCN. The term "snakebird" is usually used without any additions to...
    
    s.
13. Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary
    Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary
    Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary is a protected area, declared in June 1977 near Thirupattur in the Sivaganga District that includes the periya kollukudi patti, chinna kollukudi patti, and vettangudi patti irrigation tanks.-Fauna:...
    
     This 0.344 km² (0.132819142555832 sq mi) near Thirupattur in Sivaganga district
    Sivaganga District
    Sivaganga District is an administrative district of Tamil Nadu state in southern India. The city of Sivaganga is the district headquarters. It is bounded by Pudukkottai district on the Northeast, Tiruchirapalli district on the North, Ramanathapuram district on South East, Virudhunagar district...
    
     has attracted more than 8,000 migratory birds belonging to 217 species, mostly from European and North Asian countries. The species included white ibis
    White Ibis
    There are three species of bird named White Ibis.* American White Ibis, Eudocimus albus* Australian White Ibis, Threskiornis molucca* Asiatic White Ibis is an alternative name for the Black-headed Ibis, Threskiornis melanocephala...
    
    , Asian openbill stork
    Asian Openbill Stork
    The Asian Openbill or Asian Openbill Stork, Anastomus oscitans, is a large wading bird in the stork family Ciconiidae. It is a resident breeder in tropical southern Asia from India and Sri Lanka east to Southeast Asia....
    
     and night heron
    Night heron
    The night herons are medium-sized herons in the genera Nycticorax, Nyctanassa and Gorsachius. The genus name Nycticorax derives from the Greek for “night raven” and refers to the largely nocturnal feeding habits of this group of birds, and the croaking crow-like call of the best known species, the...
    
    . It has also attracted indigenous, endangered species such as painted stork
    Painted Stork
    The Painted Stork is a large wading bird in the stork family. It is found in the wetlands of the plains of tropical Asia south of the Himalayas in South Asia and extending into Southeast Asia. Their distinctive pink tertial feathers give them their name. They forage in flocks in shallow waters...
    
    , grey heron
    Grey Heron
    The Grey Heron , is a wading bird of the heron family Ardeidae, native throughout temperate Europe and Asia and also parts of Africa. It is resident in the milder south and west, but many birds retreat in winter from the ice in colder regions...
    
    , darter
    Darter
    The darters or snakebirds are mainly tropical waterbirds in the family Anhingidae. There are four living species, three of which are very common and widespread while the fourth is rarer and classified as near-threatened by the IUCN. The term "snakebird" is usually used without any additions to...
    
    , little cormorant
    Little Cormorant
    The Little Cormorant is a member of the Cormorant family of seabirds: Aptly named, the Little Cormorant is small in comparison with other cormorants, only 55 cm in length with an average mass of 442.5 g...
    
    , little egret
    Little Egret
    The Little Egret is a small white heron. It is the Old World counterpart to the very similar New World Snowy Egret.-Subspecies:Depending on authority, two or three subspecies of Little Egret are currently accepted....
    
    , intermediate egret
    Intermediate Egret
    The Intermediate Egret, Median Egret, or Yellow-billed Egret is a medium-sized heron. It is a resident breeder from east Africa across tropical southern Asia to Australia. It often nests in colonies with other herons, usually on platforms of sticks in trees or shrubs...
    
    , cattle egret
    Cattle Egret
    The Cattle Egret is a cosmopolitan species of heron found in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones. It is the only member of the monotypic genus Bubulcus, although some authorities regard its two subspecies as full species, the Western Cattle Egret and the Eastern Cattle Egret...
    
    , common teal
    Common Teal
    The Eurasian Teal or Common Teal is a common and widespread duck which breeds in temperate Eurasia and migrates south in winter. The Eurasian Teal is often called simply the Teal due to being the only one of these small dabbling ducks in much of its range...
    
    , spotbill
    Spotbill
    The Spot-billed Duck also known as the Spotbill, is a dabbling duck which breeds in tropical and eastern Asia. It has three subspecies: the Indian Spot-billed Duck , Eastern Spot-billed Duck , and Burmese Spot-billed Duck The Spot-billed Duck (Anas poecilorhyncha) also known as the Spotbill, is a...
    
    s, pintail
    Northern Pintail
    The Pintail or Northern Pintail is a widely occurring duck which breeds in the northern areas of Europe, Asia and North America. It is strongly migratory and winters south of its breeding range to the equator...
    
     and flamingos. The Government has allotted Rs. 9 lakhs for the Vettangudi Sanctuary to improve infrastructure for tourists.
    • Viralimalai Peacock Sanctuary
      Viralimalai
      Viralimalai is a developing town in Tamil Nadu, India located 30 km From Tiruchirapalli. Altitude: 137m. population:36,866.The famous Lord Shanmuganathar temple is situated on the top of the granite hill at Viralimalai. The temple was once a renowned seat of the Bharatanatyam dance form and...
      
       is in the small town of Viralimalai, situated 30 km from Thiruchirapalli and 40 km from Pudukkottai
      Pudukkottai
      Pudukkottai is a town and a municipality in Pudukkottai district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Pudukkottai District was carved out of Tiruchirappalli and Thanjavur districts in January 1974.It is the administrative headquarters of Pudukkottai District....
      
      . It is known for its Murugan temple
      Viralimalai Murugan temple
      Viralimalai Murugan Temple is one of the famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Muruga, located in the town of Viralimalai about 30 km from Trichy, 40 km from Pudukottai and 15 km from Manapparai in Tamil Nadu, India....
      
       and the adjacent Peacock Sanctuary. The town is bestowed with a large number of wild peacocks, which roam around the Murugan temple. The town, Temple and Peacock Sanctuary have been declared and funded as a Heritage Place by order of the Governor.
    • Kallaperambur lake 10°47′51"N 79°01′36"E near Thanjavur has recently been declared as a bird sanctuary by the Forest department. Improvement works remain to be undertaken in the lake.
    • Suchindram Theroor Birds Sanctuary
      Suchindram Theroor Birds Sanctuary
      The Suchindram Theroor Birds Sanctuary is a proposed protected area comprising the Suchindram Kulam wetlands at , and the Theroor Kulam wetlands at , both near Suchindram town in Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu state, South India. It is located between Nagercoil and Kanyakumari on the National...
      
       is a proposed protected area comprising the Suchindram Kulam wetlands at 8°7′30"N 77°27′30"E, and the Theroor
      Theroor
      Theroor is a panchayat town in Kanniyakumari district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.-Demographics: India census, Theroor had a population of 6918. Males constitute 50% of the population and females 50%. Theroor has an average literacy rate of 86%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male...
      
       Kulam at 8°10′45"N 77°27′45"E, both near Suchindram town in Kanyakumari District
      Kanyakumari District
      Kanyakumari District ) is a district of Tamil Nadu state, India and is the southernmost land area of mainland India.The district is the second most urbanised district in Tamilnadu, next only to Chennai and ahead of Coimbatore. It also has the highest literacy and education levels in the...
      
      . It is located between Nagercoil
      Nagercoil
      Nagercoil is the 12th largest city in the southernmost Indian state of Tamil Nadu and a municipality and administrative headquarters of Kanyakumari District...
      
       and Kanyakumari
      Kanyakumari
      Kanyakumari is a town in the state of Tamil Nadu in India. It is also sometimes referred to as Cape Comorin. Located at the southernmost tip of the Indian Peninsula, it is the geographical end of the Indian mainland. The district in Tamil Nadu where the town is located is called Kanyakumari...
      
       on the National Highway No. 47. Being at the extreme southern tip of India, this area is the southernmost bird sanctuary in the continental range of the Central Asian Flyway.

Conservation reserves and community reserves

1. Tiruvidaimarudur Conservation Reserve
   Tiruvidaimarudur Conservation Reserve
   Tiruvidaimarudur Conservation Reserve is an IUCN Category V protected bird nesting area in the compound of the Mahalingha Swamy Siva temple in Tiruvidaimarudur village, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu, South India, at: . It was declared Feb 14, 2005 and is the first Conservation Reserve to be...
   
    is in the 0.0284 km² (0.010965301304028 sq mi) compound of the Mahalingha Swamy Siva
   Shiva
   Shiva is a major Hindu deity, and is the destroyer god or transformer among the Trimurti, the Hindu Trinity of the primary aspects of the divine. God Shiva is a yogi who has notice of everything that happens in the world and is the main aspect of life. Yet one with great power lives a life of a...
   
    temple in Tiruvidaimarudur
   Tiruvidaimarudur
   Tiruvidaimarudur is a town in Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu state, India.About north-east of the Temple City Kumbakonam, this is one of the Taluk H.Q. in the Tanjore District. Tiruvidaimarudur has a rich heritage of fertility and people have habit of harvesting thrice in a year...
   
    village, Thanjavur District
   Thanjavur District
   Thanjavur District is one of the 32 districts of the state of Tamil Nadu, in southeastern India. Its headquarters is Thanjavur.-Geography:...
   
   . Over 400 Little Egret
   Little Egret
   The Little Egret is a small white heron. It is the Old World counterpart to the very similar New World Snowy Egret.-Subspecies:Depending on authority, two or three subspecies of Little Egret are currently accepted....
   
   s, Pond heron and Painted Stork
   Painted Stork
   The Painted Stork is a large wading bird in the stork family. It is found in the wetlands of the plains of tropical Asia south of the Himalayas in South Asia and extending into Southeast Asia. Their distinctive pink tertial feathers give them their name. They forage in flocks in shallow waters...
   
    nest and feed in this area adjacent to the Tamiraparani river, 10 km. from Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
   Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
   Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve , situated in the Southern Western Ghats in Tirunelveli district, in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is the second largest protected area in Tamil Nadu State.-History:...
   
   .

Reserved Forests

Forests cover over 17% of the state's geographical area.

Satellite views:Reserved Forest, Forest,Kanjamalai Reserved Forest,Semmalai Reserved Forest, Tirttamalai Reserved Forest.

• Ajjampati Reserved Forest
• Arasadi Arivetti Reserved Forest
• Ayyur Reserved Forest
• Bailnad Reserved Forest
• Belur Reserved Forest
• Bothakkadu Reserved Forest
• Chitteri Extension Reserved Forest
• Chitteri Reserved Forest
• Godumalai Reserved Forest
• Jadaa Gaundan Slopes Reserved Forest
• Jalluttu Reserved Forest
• Karavallikkombai Reserved Forest
• Kottappatti Reserved Forest
• Kuttar Extension Reserved Forest
• Lokur Reserved Forest
• Manmalai Reserved Forest
• Mattikottai Reserved Forest
• Mavar Reserved Forest
• Nagalur Reserved Forest
• Nanmangalam Reserve Forest
• Nochikuttai Reserved Forest
• Paittur Reserved Forest
• Pallikarani Reserved Forest
• Pallippatti Reserved Forest
• Parigam Reserved Forest
• Sittilingi Reserved Forest
• Takari Reserved Forest
• Thombal Reserved Forest
• Toppur Reserved Forest
• Varagur Reserved Forest

A useful source naming many Reserve forests is detailed Topographic Maps of India.

Zoos

There are 2 zoos recognised by the Central Zoo Authority of India

Central Zoo Authority of India

The Central Zoo Authority of India is the body of the government of India responsible for oversight of zoos. It is an affiliate member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums ....

 in Tamil Nadu.

1. Arignar Anna Zoological Park
   Arignar Anna Zoological Park
   Arignar Anna Zoological Park , also known as the Vandalur Zoo, is a zoological garden located in Vandalur, a suburb in the southwestern part of Chennai, India, about from the city centre and from Chennai Airport on GST Road. The zoo is contiguous with the Guindy National Park. Founded in 1855,...
   
    is 5.1 km² (2 sq mi) in Chennai
   Chennai
   Chennai , formerly known as Madras or Madarasapatinam , is the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is the fourth most populous metropolitan area and the sixth most populous city in India...
   
   .
2. Madras Crocodile Bank Trust
   Madras Crocodile Bank Trust
   The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology is a reptile zoo and herpetology research station, located south of the city of Chennai, in state of Tamil Nadu, India. The centre is both a registered trust and a recognized zoo under the Wildlife Act, 1972 and is India's leading...
   
   , a reptile
   Reptile
   Reptiles are members of a class of air-breathing, ectothermic vertebrates which are characterized by laying shelled eggs , and having skin covered in scales and/or scutes. They are tetrapods, either having four limbs or being descended from four-limbed ancestors...
   
    zoo and herpetology
   Herpetology
   Herpetology is the branch of zoology concerned with the study of amphibians and reptiles...
   
    research station, located 40 km south of Chennai.

Five unrecognised mini zoos stimulate public awareness of wildlife conservation.

1. Amirthi Zoological Park
   Amirthi Zoological Park
   Amirthi Zoological Park is a zoo in Vellore in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It was opened in 1967 and is about from the Vellore city.Animals at the park include spotted deer, mongoose, hedgehog, foxes, reason monkeys, red headed parrots, love birds, tortoices, peacock,m crocodiles, wiild cats,...
   
   , Vellore, Vellore district
   Vellore District
   Vellore district is one of the 32 districts in the Tamil Nadu state of India. Vellore City is the headquarters of this district. It had a population of 3,477,317 as of 2001. It is 37.62% urbanised...
   
   
2. Kurumpampatti Wildlife Park, Salem district
   Salem District
   Salem District is a district of Tamil Nadu state in southern India. The city of Salem is the district headquarters. Other major towns in the district are Mettur, Omalur and Attur...
   
   
3. Yercaud Deer Park, Salem district
   Salem District
   Salem District is a district of Tamil Nadu state in southern India. The city of Salem is the district headquarters. Other major towns in the district are Mettur, Omalur and Attur...
   
   
4. Mukkombu Deer Park, Tiruchirapalli district
5. Ooty Deer Park, Nilgiris district

Crocodile Farms

There are five Crocodile farms in Tamil Nadu, four under the control of Forest Department.

1. Amaravati Sagar Crocodile Farm in Pollachi Division, Coimbatore district
   Coimbatore District
   Coimbatore District is one of the more affluent and industrially advanced districts of the state of Tamil Nadu in India. Coimbatore is known as the Manchester of South India. It one of the most industrialized towns of Tamil Nadu. It has the highest GDP among the districts of Tamil Nadu, even ahead...
   
   
2. Hogenakkal
   Hogenakkal
   Hogenakkal may refer to:*Hogenakkal , a village in Tamil Nadu*Hogenakkal Falls, a waterfall on the Cauvery river in southern India*Hogenakkal Integrated Drinking Water Project*Hogenakkal Water Dispute...
   
    Crocodile Bank, Dharmapuri district.
3. Kurumbapatti Crocodile farm in Salem Division.
4. Madras Crocodile Bank Trust
   Madras Crocodile Bank Trust
   The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology is a reptile zoo and herpetology research station, located south of the city of Chennai, in state of Tamil Nadu, India. The centre is both a registered trust and a recognized zoo under the Wildlife Act, 1972 and is India's leading...
   
   , a private Herpetology
   Herpetology
   Herpetology is the branch of zoology concerned with the study of amphibians and reptiles...
   
    research station, was established in 1976 for the conservation and study of India's three endangered Crocodilians: the Mugger Crocodile
   Mugger Crocodile
   The mugger crocodile , also called the Indian, Indus, Persian, or marsh crocodile, is found throughout the Indian subcontinent and the surrounding countries...
   
   , the Gharial
   Gharial
   The gharial , , also called Indian gavial or gavial, is the only surviving member of the once well-represented family Gavialidae, a long-established group of crocodilians with long, slender snouts...
   
   , and the Saltwater Crocodile
   Saltwater Crocodile
   The saltwater crocodile, also known as estuarine or Indo-Pacific crocodile, is the largest of all living reptiles...
   
   . Thousands of these reptiles have been reintroduced into the wild.
5. Sathanur
   Sathanur
   Sathanur is a village located near Magadi in Bangalore district of Karnataka, India. It has recently acquired some fame because it was the birth place of musician/composer Pandareeka Vittala....
   
    Dam Crocodile Bank, Tirupattur Division, Tiruvannamalai district
   Tiruvannamalai district
   Thiruvannaamalai District is one of the 32 districts in the state of Tamil Nadu, in South India. Thiruvannaamalai town is the district headquarters. The district is divided into 7 Taluks/ Chengam, Thiruvannaamalai, Polur, Thandarampattu, Aarani, Vandavasi and Cheyyar. Aarani is famous for silk...
   
   

Other Protected areas

• Communal forests
  Communal forests of India
  A "Important Common Forests" in India is a specific term which refers to forests governed by local communities in a way compatible with sustainable development, and can be of various types...
  
  :
• Private protected areas
  Private protected areas of India
  Private protected areas of India refer to protected areas inside India whose land rights are owned by an individual or a corporation / organization, and where the habitat and resident species are offered some kind of protection from exploitative activities like hunting, logging, etc...
  
  :
• Conservation areas
  Conservation areas of India
  Conservation Areas in India refer to well-demarcated large geographical entities with an established conservation plan, and were part of a joint Indo-US project on "landscape management and protection". The project ran from 1996 to 2002...
  
  :

Regional Cooperation

Senior forestry officials cooperate on mutual issues concerning conservation and protection of forests and wildlife of the region. A regular conference of the forest ministers and forest officials of the southern states is held once a year, in rotation in each State.

The Forest Ministers of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, senior officials of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, Forest Secretaries of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Special Secretary for Forests, Andhra Pradesh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, together with the senior forest officials of these states and the Union Territory of Pondicherry, met at Thiruvananthapuram on November 3 and 4, 2006 and resolved several mutual issues concerning conservation and protection of forests and wildlife of the region.

This formalization of interstate cooperation on protected areas administration improves effectiveness in the areas of: daily staff communication including common wireless frequencies, joint enforcement action, boundary survey and demarcation, management of cross border resources like Biosphere Reserves, National Parks, Tiger reserves and Wildlife Sanctuaries, technology, staff and intelligence sharing and coordinated communication with the Govt. of India, especially allotting more funds for conservation and forestation activities of State Forest Departments by the Union Government.

The second meeting was held at Bangalore

Bangalore

Bengaluru , formerly called Bengaluru is the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka. Bangalore is nicknamed the Garden City and was once called a pensioner's paradise. Located on the Deccan Plateau in the south-eastern part of Karnataka, Bangalore is India's third most populous city and...

 on September 21 and 22, 2007.
The Third meeting was held at Hyderabad on October 25 and 26, 2008.

See also

• Protected areas of Bihar
  Protected areas of Bihar
  Bihar has notified forest area of 6,764.14 km², which is 7.1 percent of its geographical area.. The sub Himalayan foothill of Someshwar and Dun ranges in West Champaran district another belt of moist deciduous forests. These also consists of scrub, grass and reeds...
  
  
• Protected areas of Himachal Pradesh
  Protected areas of Himachal Pradesh
  Forests in Himachal Pradesh currently cover an area of nearly , which is about 38.3% of the total land area of the state. The forests were once considered to be the main source of income of the state and most of the original forests were clear felled. The emphasis has shifted, however, from...
  
  
• Protected areas of Kerala
  Protected areas of Kerala
  The Protected areas of Kerala include a wide range of biomes, extending east from the coral reefs, estuaries, salt marshes, mangroves and beaches of the Arabian Sea through the tropical moist broadleaf forests of the Malabar Coast moist forests to the North Western Ghats moist deciduous forests and...
  
  
• Protected areas of West Bengal
  Protected areas of West Bengal
  Protected areas of West Bengal cover 4% of the state area. Forests make up 14% of the geographical area of West Bengal, which is lower than the national average of 23%...
  
  

External links

• About Tamil Nadu Department of Forests
• page 13, United Nations List of National Parks and Protected Areas: India (2002)
• Ministry of Forests and Environment Protected Areas
• Ministry of Environment and Forests, 2006 Report