Cameras Traps Rare Species in Seshachala Ranges

Tirupati, 19 Aug. 19: The lush green forests of Seshachala Ranges, which houses the world famous Hindu shrine of Sri Venkateswara Swamy at Tirumala is a dwelling places for hundreds of rare fauna, aves, fauna and other endangered species which are unique to these forests alone.

The Forest wing of TTD has recently procured camera traps and has placed them in the surrounding forest areas of Tirumala. This is taken up as a part of the protection of these endangered species living in Tirumala ranges. 

Some of the rare, vulnerable and endangered species that were captured included, Four horned antelope which is popular in the vernacular language as "Konda Gorre", Asian Palm Civet (Punugupilli), Indian wild dog(Adivi kukka/Race kukka), Grey Jungle fowl (Adivi kodi), Leopard ( chirutha), Mongoose    (Mungisa), Mouse deer (Mushika Jinka), Porcupine(Mulla Pandi), Sambar (Kaniti), Sloth bear (Elugubanti).

 According to TTD DFO Sri D Phani Kumar Naidu sadid the TTD forest was spread  in about 2700 hectares of the 82,500  hectares of Seshachala forests where TTD took up  protection of wild life along with raising plantations.

TTD has set up state of art cameras at Parveti mandapam,Srigandha vanam,Kumaradhara-pasupudhara dam road, Dharmagiri, Papavinasanam and Seshachala forest borders lines. These cameras identify the animals through long distance sensors and photographed them both during day and night.

In areas of movement of animals the TTD will put up sign and display boards to enlighten the pilgrims on walking paths of Tirumala. TTD will  also set up water tanks and other protective measures in the forest belt to support the needs of wild animals.