Wayanad wildlife Sanctuary shut due to near by wildfire

Eco-Tourists to the Muthanga and Tholpetti Wayanad Wildlife sanctuary has been banned until March 31, 2017, due to a wildfire in nearby forest regions according to forest authorities.

For the first time, the state forest department has launched a specially designed animal ambulance, for transporting elephants.

Wildfires are raging in the nearby forests  wreaking havoc on wildlife species that have evolved to live with fire. Many animals have evolved to cope with and even thrive in the wake of forest fire. Excessive summer heat, dry air, strong winds and it takes only one careless incident to ignite and spread forest fires burning acres of land. Some predators see the fleeing species as an opportunity for snacking, hunting animals trying to escape flames. Birds will fly away, mammals will run, Amphibians and small creatures will burrow into the ground and hide out in logs or under rocks.

Some animals die in the smoke and fire and those that can’t run fast enough or find enough shelter are particularly at risk in a wildfire. Heat can kill too.