Abstract

Wildlife management is a subject over which there is considerable difference of opinion. One school believes that given the natural conditions, the wild animals will take care of themselves (Sankhla, 1983), while another school believes that timely intervention by managers is essential (Myers, 1983Pertrides, 1983) . A natural system may protect itself if left undisturbed, but intervention by managers will often become necessary to nullify any disturbances to the system. This article highlights some of the issues mentioned above in relation to Periyar Tiger Reserve. Periyar is a typical example of the kind of management problems the wildlife sanctuaries of the region face, where the tourism zone receives the maximum attention and wildlife management is often restricted to an effort to bring about an increase in the number of larger animals. The need for a holistic approach, understanding the interdependence and interrelations among plants and animals on one side and abiotic