Avian Intelligence: Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Emerges as Critical Raptor Stronghold with 25 Species Documented

Intelligence analysis confirms Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Erode district as a significant avian conservation zone, with recent surveys documenting 25 distinct raptor species. This concentration of birds of prey—including eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls—signals robust ecosystem health and positions the sanctuary as a key biodiversity node in southern India. The diversity suggests optimal habitat conditions, with varied prey availability and minimal anthropogenic disturbance supporting both resident and migratory populations. Such data underscores the sanctuary's role in regional ecological stability, potentially serving as a genetic reservoir and climate refuge. Conservation implications are substantial: this raptor assemblage enhances pest control, maintains food web balance, and indicates high environmental integrity. Continued monitoring is advised to track population trends and assess impacts of external pressures, reinforcing the sanctuary's strategic importance in national wildlife preservation efforts.