Rare Herbs in Agathya mala Biosphere

The Agastyakoodam Biosphere Reserve harbours rare Flora and Fauna. The mountain region houses a vast diversity of plants, animals,and the wonderful world of insects and birds. Flora and Fauna of the region are remarkably diverse. This area is an abode of a number of medicinal-herbs.
	Mushroom	Beetle
	Eggfly	Blue Tiger

‘Aroggya pacha’ (Trichopus zeylanicus) which is widely distributed, became cynosure of the scientific world recently and one of the much sought after tribal medicinal herbs, is a notable feature of this area.

A large number of threatened species of flowering plants are also identified here with twelve percent endemicity. Preponderance of orchids is another peculiarity of this Biosphere Reserve.

		Animals like Elephant, Tiger, Gaur, Sambar deer, Wild boar, Barking deer, Mouse deer, Sloth bear, Wild dog, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Toddy cat, Pangolin leopard, porcupine etc. are common in this Biosphere Reserve.
Rare Flora and Fauna.

Apart from the animals, life in the Agastya Mountain region is greatly influenced by the numerous birds and reptiles. Migratory birds are seasonal visitors and reach the forest to breed or use the forest trees for short stays before flying off to farther destinations.

The Agastya mountain region is known to show exceptionally high levels of abundance among plants, many of which are restricted in their distribution. The mountain region receiving intense rains for more than six months, a few evergreen trees like Cullenia Exarillata, Palaquium Elliptioum and Aglaia elacagnoidea dominate the vegetation. Studies have been conducted to document the flora in and around the jungle.

The report reveals that there are over 170 species of plants in undisturbed forests, which includes over 75 species of canopy trees, 50 species of shrubs and nearly 25 species of lianas and herbs. Clinging on the branches of Cullenia and Elaecarpus tuberculatus one may see exotic orchids of which there are 25 and more species.

Reptiles found here include the Green Calottes, Skinks(The Common Blue-tailed skink is found only in the Western Ghats), and snakes like the Bamboo Pit Viper, Shield-Tailed Ocellate, Vine Snake, Rat Snake and the Cobra. Beautiful butterflies add color and Vibrancy to the forest flora, as they dance between the wild flowers.