MOST DANGEROUS LIZARS

  MOST DANGEROUS LIZARS Lizards are a diverse group of reptiles that belong to the order Squamata, which also includes snakes. They have scaly skin, four legs (except for some legless species), movable eyelids, and external ear openings. They are mostly carnivorous and have various adaptations to avoid predators, such as venom, camouflage, and tail regeneration. There are more than 7,000 species of lizards in the world, living in different habitats and climates. Some of the most well-known lizards are the Komodo dragon, the chameleon, the gecko, and the iguana. Lizards are not dangerous to humans, however, some lizards are poisonous and can harm a person if they are touched or bitten by these reptiles. Certain lizards, such as the Komodo dragon, can grow to large sizes and have been known to attack and kill people. Most lizards, in reality, are harmless to humans, as are most turtles; however, there are certain members of both groups that can kill, maim, make ill, or inflict at lea

KADALUNDI – VALLIKUNNU COMMUNITY RESERVE


KADALUNDI – VALLIKUNNU COMMUNITY RESERVE

                     The community reserve, Kadalundi – Vallikunnu, is located in the Malappuram District of the Kerala state (India). This community reserve is the first community reserve in
<imgsrc="http://udinikkara.blogspot.com/image.png" alt="kadalundi" … />
migratory birds of kadalundi
the state. It is managed by the Grama Panchayaths of Kadalundi and Vallikunnu. It was declared as a community reserve by G.O.(MS) No.66/2007/F&WL dated 17.10.2007. The initiative to make this 1.5 square kilometers of area as a community reserve and protect its biodiversoity was taken by the two grama panchayaths, Kerala Forest Department supported this venture and submitted a detailed proposal to the state Government. Total area of this reserve is 153.48 hecters.

HISTORY


Kadalundi, as described in the ‘Sangam’ literature, was the capital of chera kingdom. It had trade history with foreign countries like Rome and Arabia. After the breakdown of the Chera kingdom, Parappanad Kovilakam became the rulers of Kadalundi. With their permission Dutches built a port in Kadalundi. Zamurians destroyed the port. Later British became the rulers of Kadalundi and they built railway lines upto Chaliyam.
Vallikunnu was famous in ancient stories and poems. The then Valligrama later became Vallikunnu.

ACCESS


Kadalundi – Vallikunnu community reserve is situated 19 kilometers away from Kozhikode town and seven kilometers away from Beypore port.

GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES


This place is famous for scenery. It is the estuary of Kadalundi river. Endemic and migratory birds add attraction to the visitors.

BIODIVERSITY


Mangroves comprise the main vegetation. Ecosystems such as sea, river, estuary, mangroves, waterbodies, wetlands, sacred groves and farms can be seen in this area. Holi mangrove (Acanthus ilicifolius), white mangrove (Avicinia officinalis), blind your-eye mangrove (exoecaria candei), Kandelia candel, long fruited stifed mangrove (Rhizophora mucronata), small leaved orange mangrove (Bruguiera cylindrical), Avicenia marina, cerebera manghas, and sonneratia alba are the main species of mangroves found in this area.
Important species oforchids found in this area are Hobenaria diphylla, Zeuxine tongilabris, Malaxis rheedii, Geadorium densiflarum, Bulbophyllum Sp., Acampe praemorsa, Dendrobium macrostachyum.
<imgsrc="http://udinikkara.blogspot.com/image.png" alt="avicinia officianalis" … />
avicinia officianalis
Insect eating plants like Drosera burmanni, Ultricularia gibba, Ultricularia reliculata, Ultricularia graminifolia are also present in this community reserve.
In addition to Kingfishers, Malabar hornbill, Wood pecker, Darts, Plovers and Brahmini kites migratory birds like Sandwitch tern, Blackheaded gull, Brown headed gull, Red shank, Green shank, Common sandpiper, Golden plower, Lesser sand plower, Greater sand plover, Whimbrel, Curlew, Openbill stork, Spoon billed sandpiper, Sanderling, Great blackheaded gull, Crab plover, Spotted sandpiper, Grey plover, Black tailed godwit, Bartailed godwit etc. regularly visit this community reserve.
Besids birds, tourists can also spot large numbers of various fishes, mussels and crabs in this community reserve. It also houses several species of snakes such as the cobra, krait and viper. One also gets to see turtles in this area.
Flora in this area is estimated as follows.
Medicinal plants                     : 140 species
Creepers and bushes            : 127 species
Trees                                     : 67 species
Fern                                       : 4 species
Orchids                                  : 3 species
Epiphytic orchids                   : 3 species
Parasitic plants                      : 6 species
Insect eating plants               : 4 species
Mangroves                            : species
Water plants                          : 6 species

PLACES OF INTEREST IN & AROUND


Mangrove forests                             :  Mannankadavu
                                                            C.P.Thuruthu
                                                            Panayanmedu
                                                            Balathuruthu
Bird watching points                        :   Panayamkadu
                                                            Mannanmadu
                                                            Thattanchuttimadu
Tourist/ Heritage places around
 kadalundi                                         : Chaliyam timber depot
                                                            Kottakunnu
                                                            Niramkaithakottakunnu
                                                            Niramkaithakotta temple
                                                            St.Poles church, Kottakunnu
                                                            Chaliyam masjid
                                                            Pediyattu devi temple
                                                            Mannur siva temple
                                                            Mannur cave
                                                            Pazhayannur temple
                                                            Sreekandeswara temple, Chaliyam

WHERE TO STAY


There are no accommodation options in the community reserve at present. One can find accommodation option in Kozhikode, located about 19 Km. away from the community reserve.

WHERE TO EAT


There are hardly any eating points or any restaurant in the community reserve. It would be advisable to carry food and water.

BEST TIME TO VISIT


The best time to visit the community reserve is between December and April because several migratory birds arrive in the community reserve during this time.

CONTACT DETAILS


Range Forest Officer
Thamarassery Forest Range
Thamarassery P.O.
Kozhikode, Kerala
Ph: 0495-2223720

                                                                               

                                                                                

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