Correct Answer : Andhra Pradesh
The three-day synchronised jumbo census has brought cheer to the Forest Department personnel of Annamayya district, with estimates suggesting the presence of about 60 elephants in Railway Kodur, Rajampeta, Sanipaya, and Balapalle ranges.
Despite the scorching summer heat, the census teams led by District Forest Officer P. Vivek crisscrossed the forest paths prowled by the wild elephants and were thrilled to spot the footprints, dung, and several vital signs of their presence.
Mr. Vivek said that the four ranges in the Annamayya district would serve as the best example for the safe habitat of the wild elephants. “Despite sporadic incidents of crop raids, these ranges are completely free from man-animal conflict. This is a very unique phenomenon.”
About Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary :
* It is located in Palamner - Kuppam forest ranges of Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh.
* It is the only sanctuary in the whole state housing Asian elephants.
* This Sanctuary comes under Project elephant - a Country wide Elephant Conservation Project taken up by Government of India.
* River Kaigal and River Kaundinya flow through this sanctuary and is characterized by high hills, deep valleys.
Flora :
* Forest type: Southern tropical dry deciduous forest, with patches of thorn, scrub and grassy plains.
* Plants like Albizzia amara, Ficus glomerata, Zizyphus xylocarpus, Gymnosporia Montana, etc; make this a green panoramic place with a breathtaking floral diversity.
Fauna :
* Insects like Painted grasshopper, Plain tiger butterfly, Common grass yellow butterfly etc.
* Reptiles like Common cobra, Rat snake, Indian rock python, Forest calotes, Skinks, etc.
* Birds like Partidges, quails, storks, Cotton teal, etc; make this Sanctuary their domicile.
* Mammals like Indian Elephant, Panther, Sloth bear, Wild boar, Chowsingha, Nilgai, Hyena, Jackal, etc.
Source : The Hindu
