Seethathode: The Goodrical range, which is known as the paradise of wild animals, is gaining prominence among the places of biodiversity managed by the forest department. Goodrical is the only place in the Ranni forest division where most wild animals can live in their natural habitat.
It is the Goodrical range which is also home to the most number of wild animals in the Ranni forest division. Tiger, leopard, tuskers, wild bison, barking deer, sambar deer, langur, and lion tailed macaque are some of the wild animals which are spotted at the 565 kilometre square forest range.
The forest department is committed to protect the wild animals in their most natural habitat. The forest officials do not compromise on the safety of these wild animals as well. Hundreds of forest guards are appointed at the various satiations in the division to provide security for the animals.
Special packages
The forest department offers special packages for the tourists to enjoy the beautiful nature and see the wild animals in their natural habitat. Visitors are allowed to travel to Kumily via Angamuzhi-Gavi to let them enjoy the mesmerizing sights at the Goodrical range. Besides the forest department, the PTR too offers unique packages to attract more tourists to the area.
Sambar deer
The charming animal which likes to roam around the steep valleys is seen in abundance at Goodrical. The sambar deer, which have a life expectancy of 15 years, can give birth up to 2 fawns in a delivery. They usually move in herds consisting 6-60 deer. Male sambar deer have long antlers.
Wild elephants
The bio diversity at Goodrical is the most suitable one for wild elephants to live comfortably. The forest officials say that elephants from the nearby forests reach Goodrical because bamboo, the elephants' favourite food, is abundantly available here. Female elephants outnumber tuskers at Goodrical, and 10% increase in their population is marked every year.
Lion-tailed macaque
It is widely found in the Western Ghats, especially in the Gavi and Meenar areas. They have a hairy mane, similar to that of a lion. They are not very friendly and often move in herds of more than 20 members.
Malabar giant squirrel
The Malabar giant squirrel is called the guardian of the forest as they make loud noises if they spot a stranger. They can move from one tree to another in giant leaps. The enchanting animal can be spotted even in small woods.
Wild bison
Lots of wild bison are easily spotted on the Gavi route. They move around alone or in herds. The incredibly huge animal weighs at least a ton. They would retreat to the dense forest, when the sun shines bright, looking for shade. The white patch of skin below the knee is the most distinctive feature of the wild bison.
