The
forests of Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary constitute the catchment of
Peppara dam constructed across Karamana river and commissioned during
1983 to augment drinking water supply to Thiruvananthapuram city and
suburban areas. Considering the ecological significance of the area, it
was declared as sanctuary during 1983. The area was formerly a part of
Paruthippally range of Thiruvananthapuram Territorial Division.
Peppara
Wildlife Sanctuary consists of Part of Palode reserve (24sq.kms) and
part of Kottoor reserve (29sq.kms). The total area of the sanctuary is
53 sq.kms. The total water spread of the reservoir is 5.82 sq.kms.
The
sanctuary is located about 50kms. north east of Thiruvananthapuram city
in Nedumangad taluk of Thiruvananthapuram district between longitude 76°40'
and 77°17' east and latitude 80°7'and 8°53' north.
General topography of the area is hilly with elevation varying from 100
m to 1717m. Rainfall and other climate factors are similar to that of
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary. There are 13 tribal settlements in the
sanctuary. Eleven are in Athirumala section and two are in Thodayar
section.
The Following major forest types are recognised in
the wildlife sanctuary.
