Serpentine Nagamalai range is abuzz with wildlife

Discover the diverse reptiles and amphibians in Nagamalai Pudukottai hill range, facing threats from urbanization, in need of conservation.

The 35-km stretch of Nagamalai Pudukottai hill range has within its limits a reserve forest that is teeming with reptiles and amphibians. 

On one side of the hill range numerous educational institutions are bringing in its wake rapid urbanisation. While on the other side that faces Samayanallur, the highly fertile area is an agricultural belt with some farms almost creeping up the foothills. This fast urbanisation of the area and poor awareness of the habitat is proving to be a threat to the reptiles, say conservationists. 

Within the reserve area, there are numerous natural springs like Nagatheertham, Periya Oothu, Chinna Oothu, etc. These waterbodies and the crevices in the boulders and rocks that make up the range are the habitat for about 60 varieties of reptiles and amphibians, according to a pilot study conducted by Madurai Nature Cultural Foundation (MNCF).

According to Thamizhthaasn, a member of the MNCF, the recording of the various species was done only in the foothills of the range. “We are sure that when we conduct a study within the reserve forest area, more number of species can be found,” he says.

Earlier, in places like Pulloothu where there still exists a Naga Amman temple, villagers adhering to religious tenets were indirectly protecting much of the species. “The name Nagamalai itself tells that this range that curves like a serpent is home to numerous reptiles,” he adds.

But now the fringes of the range are being cleared and increasing spread of human habitation has led to many of these reptiles being killed, say the conservationists.

The only way to preserve the habitat is to declare it as a reptile sanctuary, they point out.