Vallanadu Black Buck Sanctuary is located in Vallanadu Village of Srivaikundam Taluk of Thoothukudi District in Tamil Nadu. It is located in the southernmost place in India and has a natural population of Black buck. It is an isolated hillock with scrub forest situated on eastern side of Tirunelveli-Tuticorin highway. In the 19th century whole plain area of Tamil Nadu used to have large number of Blackbucks. Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary is a scrub forest where the trees and plants are torpid even during the spring and summer seasons.
Vallanadu Black Buck Sanctuary is spread over an area of 16.41 sq. km. It covers extreme south eastern corner of Tamil Nadu and is surrounded by the districts of Tirunelveli, Gulf of Mannar, Virudhunagar, and Ramanathapuram. It is mainly covered by thorny scrub forests. Tourists from different visit the sanctuary from different parts of the country and even from abroad all through the year. The wildlife reserve received very less rainfall. The rain gauge records up to 758 mm rainfall annually.
Flora and Fauna of Vallanadu Black Buck Sanctuary
Vallanadu Black Buck Sanctuary is rich in flora and fauna. The sanctuary houses several species like Dalbergia multiflora, Dichrostachys cinerea, Acacia latronum, Acacia planifrons, Albizia amara, Zizyphus Species and a few Azadirachta indica, Dodonia viscosa, Carissa carandus, Pterolobium indicum and Euphorbia Acalypha fruticosa, Ocimum sanctum, species form the under growth. The sanctuary provides shelter to many animals and birds like Black buck, Spotted Deer, Macaques, Jungle cat, Mongoose and Wild Hare. One can hear the variegated species of birds merrily chirping away. The Blackbuck population is around 20-40. It is a perfect place for nature lovers who can enjoy themselves in the calm environment of the sanctuary. Tourists can also get beautiful snapshots of nature. The sanctuary also shelters varieties of reptiles and amphibians. The sanctuary also has a watch tower. Some temporary shelters are available in the sanctuary.
Vallanadu Black Buck Sanctuary is well connected with all modes of transport. The Madurai Airport and Tirunelveli Railway station located at a distance of 165 km and 20 km, respectively. The sanctuary is also accessible by road.
