Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary

Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. The Sathyamangalam Forest Range is a significant wildlife corridor in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, connecting the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats.Home to 28 tigers, Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary boasts the highest tiger density in India and is currently under consideration to be designated as Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve. The large population of sambar deer, spotted deer, and gaur provides an ideal prey base for tigers, contributing to their high density in the region.This sanctuary is one of the last few places where you may catch a glimpse of the striped hyena. Another rare species found here is the four-horned antelope. Additionally, Sathyamangalam supports a thriving blackbuck population, making it the only landscape in India where blackbucks and tigers co-exist—a truly rare sight. The sanctuary is also home to more than 850 elephants, making it India's largest elephant habitat.

Mugger crocodiles are indigenous to Sathyamangalam. Unlike in some reserves, they were not strategically introduced but naturally inhabit the area. Other notable species in the sanctuary include the Bengal tiger, leopards, wild boars, sloth bears, barking deer, and many more. The region is predominantly covered in tropical dry forests, supporting diverse flora and fauna. Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary comprises five distinct forest types: tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen, mixed deciduous, thorn forests, and dry deciduous forests. Birdwatchers can enjoy sightings of 230 bird species, including four rare vulture species: white-backed vulture, Nephron vulture, king vulture, and long-billed vulture.