More Than 50 Tigers, Other Wild Animals At Risk After Fire Breaks Out In Sathyamangalam Forest

A massive wildfire that broke out at the Kermalam reserve forest has destroyed nearly 300 acres of forest in Tamil Nadu's Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR). According to local media reports, the fire broke out near Gethesal village on Thursday from where it spread to other parts.

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The forest is home to a wide range of trees, and birds. Though there are no reports of any animal deaths due to the fire so far, Forest Officials said it will take at least a couple of days to assess the extent of the damage. Despite the efforts of the Forest Department, the wildfire has not been brought under control yet. The reason behind the fire is also yet to be ascertained.?

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Following the fire outbreak, the Tamil Nadu government has suspended all tourism and safari activities at the Tiger Reserve till March 31.

Sathyamangalam is home over 50 tigers, large herds of elephants, leopard, hyena, black buck, deers, civets, reptiles, birds, amphibians, fishes and other creatures.

Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve

Meanwhile, another wildfire which broke out on Wednesday, in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve has been brought under control. The blaze had guttered as many as 100 hectares of forest in nearly three days.?

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This was the second fire outbreak in Mudumalai in less than a month. Earlier, on February 25 a fire in the buffer zone of the Tiger Reserve destroyed 50 hectares of forest vegetation.?

According to Forest Officials, the fire was intentional lit by unidentified persons.

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