K. K Srivastava , V. J. Zacharias , A. K. Bhardwaj , Jomy Augustine , Sherly Joseph

Abstract

Periyar Tiger Reserve has a grassland area of about 54 km², It supports rich herbivorous animal populations. The grasslands of this Reserve are divided into Tropical Montane grasslands and South Indian Subtropical Hill Savannah. Besides their forage value, the grasslands are potential for maintaining micro-climates for many endangered plants and animals. Forest fire is one of the major ecological factors in grasslands. Planting of Eucalyptus and other exotic plants destabilize the ecology of grasslands. Which are ideal habitats for endangered species fauna like Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Pipit etc.

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