Abstract

Studies on the distribution, ecological requirements and resource availability to selected mammals of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was carried out for a period of five years from 1977 to 1982. This sanctuary is located on the crest line of the Western Ghats in Peninsular India. Forest types consist of grasslands, deciduous and evergreen forests. The study methods included recording population parameters and activities of animals sighted and collection of indirect evidences of animals from systematically laid out sample plots. The grass production from different parts of the habitat was estimated by the harvest method. A total number of 800 elephants was estimated to be present in the study area based on the quantity of dung heaps counted from the sample plots. The overall density was about one elephant per square kilomoter with an ecological density as high as two or three times this in some seasons in certain parts of the reserve. The proportion of various classes of