Fires recur in Periyar Tiger Reserve, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Thiruvananthapuram: Fires are recurring in the Periyar Tiger Reserve and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.

A few fires occurred in the South West side of the Reserve during the last 48 hours, satellite images show. Locals say that the fires might have been caused by seasonal traders at Sabarimala. They burn trees every season so that they would have sufficient supply of firewood next season. Dry branches of the burnt trees would remain in the forest which can be collected next season.

In Wayanad, fires are caused by people visiting the sanctuary and locals. The sanctuary is in a degraded condition with much of vegetation drying up in many parts of the protected area. Fires do not usually occur in areas with evergreen forests. Satellite images show at least three fires in the Sanctuary in areas. Fires have been reported from places such as Meppadi and border of Nagarhole National Park adjoining Wayanad Sanctuary.

Satellite images also show a fire in the North West side of Shenduruney Wildlife Sancatury in Kollam district.