Into the Wild : Top list of wildlife spotted in Kotagiri
Wildlife in and around Kotagiri
Kotagiri, nestled amidst Nilgiris Hills in Tamil Nadu, is a haven for diverse wildlife. It is situated on the Northeastern side of the Nilgiris Plateau. It also shares it’s boarded with the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage, which significantly contributes to its rich biodiversity.
Following are a list of animals and birds spotted around Casa De KCN. Some are rare sightings but you’d still be able to spot them if you are lucky.
Kotagiri
Mammals
Kotagiri
Indian Gaur
Also know as the “Indian Bison”, is a majestic herbivore with large, powerful bovines. They can be often seen grazing in the grasslands and tea plantations surrounding Kotagiri. While they seem to be calm, they can become dangerous when provoked. The weigh of an Indian Gaur can range from 440kg – 1500kg where the adult male gaurs weigh more than the females.
This is quite a common siting around Casa De KCN. We have spotted many Indian Gaurs grazing amongst the tea plantations. Sometimes, you can also spot a herd of Indian Gaurs grazing on the mountains facing the rooms.
Leopard
The leopard’s movements in the town are mainly driven by the availability of the prey which are rabbits, deer, wild boar, dogs and livestock (sheep, goats, calf’s etc.). They are excellent climbers and often use trees for resting, hunting and escaping predators.
Leopards are a rare sighting as they are shy animals and move based on the availability of they prey. Sighting them are super rare but a night drive can increase your chances of seeing one.
Kotagiri
Leopard
The leopard’s movements in the town are mainly driven by the availability of the prey which are rabbits, deer, wild boar, dogs and livestock (sheep, goats, calf’s etc.). They are excellent climbers and often use trees for resting, hunting and escaping predators.
Kotagiri
Sloth Bear
These nocturnal creatures are primarily found in forested and reserved areas. Their movements are dictated by prey availability of termites, Oil from temples, honey and ant nest. They use they long claws to tear open termite mounds. They are very shy and usually avoid human contact.
Wild Boar
They are very common in this region as they often venture into the agricultural land in search of food. They consume a wide range of plants (roots, tubers, fruits, grass) Their movements are significantly influenced by their food availability.
Wild Boars can sometimes be spotted around Casa De KCN during day light. They usually move around in packs, in search of food.
Kotagiri
Wild Boar
They are very common in this region as they often venture into the agricultural land in search of food. They consume a wide range of plants (roots, tubers, fruits, grass) Their movements are significantly influenced by their food availability.
Kotagiri
Nilgiri Tahr
These are endangered mountain goats that are found in the higher parts if the Nilgiris. Spotting this is a rare sighting
Sambar Deer
These are large deer which is often spotted in search for leaves and twigs in the forest.
Sambar Deer
These are large deer which is often spotted in search for leaves and twigs in the forest.
Kotagiri
Birds
Black and Orange Flycatcher
These birds have a vibrant orange and black plumage. It is quite a common siting in this region.
Black and Orange Flycatcher
These birds have a vibrant orange and black plumage. It is quite a common siting in this region.
Nilgiri Pipit
This is another endemic species, this small brown bird is often found in open grasslands.
Broad Tailed Grassbird
This bird id quite difficult to spot. This bird prefers high-altitude grassy areas, which are likely to be present in and around Kotagir, given its location in the Nilgiris.
Broad Tailed Grassbird
This bird id quite difficult to spot. This bird prefers high-altitude grassy areas, which are likely to be present in and around Kotagir, given its location in the Nilgiris.
Malabar Pied Hornbill
Spoting this is a majestic sight and is quite rare. TheMalabar Hornbill is a large and iconic bird of the Western Ghats. While it might not be as directly associated with the specific grasslands preferred by the Broad-tailed Grassbird, it is likely to be found in the broader forest areas surrounding Kotagir.
The Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve plays a crucial role in conserving the region’s biodiversity. There are a few challenges such as habitat fragmentation, Human-wildlife conflict and climate change is an ongoing threat to the wildlife.
Disclaimer: This information is based on general observation and may vary depending in specific locations and time periods. Wildlife behavior can be unpredictable, and it is important to exercise and maintain safe distance when observing the wildlife