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Kerela is located on the western coast of south-western India. The biodiversity
of Kerela is protected by the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve of the eastern hills.
One fourth of India's 10,000 plant species along with 900 species of different
medicinal plants could be found in National Parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries in
Kerala. The 9,400 sq km space that is covered by the forest here in Kerela comprises
of the tropical wet evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, tropical moist and dry
deciduous forests, and montane subtropical and temperate forests. The other types
of flora that can be noticed at National Parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala
includes the bamboo, wild black pepper (Piper nigrum), wild cardamom, the calamus
rattan palm (Calamus rotang - a type of climbing palm), and aromatic vetiver grass
(Vetiveria zizanioides)
There are diverse kinds of fauna that is present in Kerela. An estimated number
of 102 species of mammals, 476 species of birds, 202 species of fishes, 169
species of reptiles and 89 species of amphibians can be found at the National
Parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala. The wide range of fauna includes
the Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus), Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris),
Leopard (Panthera pardus), Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius), Common Palm
Civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus), and Grizzled Giant Squirrel (Ratufa macroura).
The species of reptiles include the king cobra, viper, python, and crocodile.
One can also find different types of birds at the National Parks & Wildlife
Sanctuaries in Kerala. The kind of birds include the Peafowl, the Great Hornbill
(Buceros bicornis), Indian Grey Hornbill, Indian Cormorant, and Jungle Myna.
Different kinds of fish can be found in the lakes, wetlands, and waterways.
The kinds of fish include kadu (stinging catfish) and choottachi (orange chromide).
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