Srivilliputtur Grizelled Squirrel Sanctuary is located at Shenbagathopu near
Srivilliputtur of
Virudhunagar District,
Tamil Nadu. This sanctuary was established with a view to protect the endangered
grizzled squirrel.
Spread over 480 sq km, this sanctuary lies on the eastern slopes of the
Western Ghats. It is contiguous with the
Periyar tiger reserve on the south-western side and the Megamalai reserve forest on the north-western side. The sanctuary is covered by dry deciduous forests with patterns of tropical evergreen, semi evergreen forests, moist mixed deciduous forests and grasslands.
Shenbagathope Grizelled Squirrel Sanctuary is home to the endangered, arboreal grizzled giant squirrel. Besides, a variety of birds, mammals, reptiles and butterflies are found. Other inhabitants are elephants, tiger, leopard, Nilgiri thar, spotted deer, barking deer, sambar deer, wild boar, porcupine, Nilgiri langur, lion-tailed macaque, common langur,
slender loris, bonnet macaque, sloth bear and flying squirrel. Various species of birds are also spotted.
The best time to visit the sanctuary is June to February. Forest Rest Houses are available at Mudungiar, Pudupatti and Mudaliaroothu.
The nearest airport is at Madurai, 70 km from Srivilliputtur. Srivilliputtur Railway Station is the nearest railway station. Buses are available from Tirunelveli, Madurai, Virudhunagar and Srivilliputur. Madurai-Tenkasi State Highway passes through the sanctuary.
